What was something you ate very often as a child? For me, it was the humble bao. Simple, delicious and portable, it was my go-to for many breakfasts when I was young and school started early in the morning. Not to mention, due to its versatility, it meant that I wasn’t eating the same thing every day.
Beyond just morning breakfasts, bao was also there at the school canteen and the coffee shop below the block. Whether it’s from a high-end restaurant or the neighbourhood’s hawker centre, this little steamed snack hardly ever goes wrong. And now you can find traditional Chinese baos right in central Singapore at Bǎo Bāo (宝包) in ION Orchard!
Where New And Old Flavours Meet
Backed by decades of bao-making tips and tricks as well as a natural yeast starter that has been meticulously cultivated in-house for the past two decades, each and every bao is made with care and precision. The result is, unsurprisingly, mouth-watering baos that are light and pillowy soft featuring a springy chew in every bite. Now that we know all of that, let’s find out what kinds of bao they will be making!
Signature Range
Whether you’re a sweet tooth or are more into savoury flavours, there’s bound to be a bao for you. Available from 8 February onwards, Bǎo Bāo’s Signature Range launches with three ‘dessert’ baos, balancing both tradition and contemporary appeal. There’s the Orh Nee Bao (S$1.60) that incorporates the cherished taste of local history, blending both smooth, creamy orh nee with fragrant shallot oil, bringing the bao’s overall profile and aroma to a new level.
The heritage of Asian sweets manifests in the Azuki Red Bean Mochi Bao (S$1.60). A harmonious medley of sweet azuki red beans that have been cooked with pandan leaves and chewy mochi made from pure rice flour creates the signature paste of this bao. Experience the comforting essence of traditional Asian desserts bloom on your tastebuds its exquisite combination with the soft bao!
Finally, a universally loved indulgence, the French Chocolate Lava Bao (S$2.00) is the modern reinvention of a timeless classic. With a molten core of 66% cocoa Chocolaterie de l’Opéra chocolate, every bite into this decadent bao will have the chocolate oozing and coating your taste buds in luxurious chocolatey goodness! For now, these three flavours are the only ones available in this range, but audiences should keep an eye out for when the brand launches more innovative and unique flavours.
Classic Range
If you like to stick to the classics, you should check out Bǎo Bāo’s Classic Range filled with baos that we all know and love! Featuring the likes of the Big Pork Bao (S$2.90), Braised Pork Belly Bao (S$2.90), and Roasted Char Siew Bao (S$1.50), those who prefer savoury baos should definitely sink their teeth into these flavours. Alongside these baos are also well-known sides like Siew Mai (S$1.20 per piece) and Chicken Glutinous Rice (S$4.80).
The Big Pork Bao is tenderly prepared with Bǎo Bāo’s own secret recipe, showcasing ample filling of juicy pork, marinated with ginger juice and spring onion to bring out the best of its aroma. Rounding out the filling is a cut of a hard-boiled egg as well, so you know this bao packs a punch and is as hearty as it ever be.
Indulge in the savoury with the Braised Pork Belly Bao! This bao’s pork belly has been slow-cooked for a day in the finest soya sauce, resulting in a filling that’s fall-apart-in-your-mouth tender and supremely mouthwatering. Encasing this richness is a soft bao that’s the perfect complement to the deep flavours and incredible richness.
Perfectly glazed char siew pork, caramelised to give a tinge of sweetness. This is the taste profile that explodes in your mouth with every bite of the Roasted Char Siew Bao! Made in-house, the char siew is slow-roasted over charcoal, infusing that smoky aroma with the scent and flavour of the meat. Coupled with the soft outer of bao, I can’t imagine a better combination!
Bǎo Bāo (宝包) Charity Sale Event
To celebrate its opening, Bǎo Bāo will be holding a Bǎo Bāo Charity Sale Event, on 8 February 2025 from 4pm to 6pm. That’s not all, for local icons, Ya Hui and Chen Liping will be stepping in as celebrity store managers serving customers this piping hot baos right from the kitchen!
However, the best part of all this is that 100% of the proceeds from this event will be going towards Arc Children’s Centre, a rehabilitation centre for children with cancer or other critical illnesses. This safe haven provides joy, emotional support, and medical care for children
in need and you can support it simply by heading down to Bǎo Bāo and buying a couple of baos to go! With both celebrities agreeing that this is a perfect way to give back to the community, you too can do your part to help as well.
As a token of appreciation for your help, the first 100 customers who purchase any baos will receive an autographed tote bag, limited to one per customer. So come on down, and chow down on some baos and meet these icons!
Visit Bǎo Bāo (宝包) At ION Orchard
A contemporary bao haven from the mind of the Founder of Surrey Hills Grocer, Pang Gek Teng, this new venture marks an exciting new journey. Renowned for unique, one-of-a-kind dining concepts in Singapore, I can’t wait to dive into the retro vibe Bǎo Bāo (宝包) delivers!
Well, what are you waiting for? Head down to ION Orchard to indulge in some handcrafted traditional baos at Bǎo Bāo. Now, if you’re ever shopping in the CBD and are craving something traditional and nostalgic, you know where to go! Be sure to keep up with the store’s happenings over on their Instagram and Facebook!
📍Location: 2 Orchard Turn, #B4-34, Singapore 238801
⏰Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm daily
Visuals courtesy of Bǎo Bāo