Bǎo Bāo, the newest bao destination in Singapore, reimagines traditional heritage buns with innovative flavours. From Orh Nee Bao to French Chocolate Lava Bao, discover seven must-try baos that blend nostalgia with modern culinary artistry. Read on to explore these delicious, handcrafted baos winning hearts across Singapore.
Nothing beats a soft, fluffy bao when it comes to comfort food. In Singapore, baos have been a staple for generations, offering a delightful balance of texture and flavour. With the launch of Bǎo Bāo, a modern tribute to heritage baos, food lovers can now experience handcrafted buns that honour tradition while embracing innovation.
Located at ION Orchard (#B4-34), Bǎo Bāo is the latest addition to Singapore’s vibrant food scene. Founded by Pang Gek Teng, the mastermind behind Surrey Hills Grocer, this artisanal bao store redefines the classic bao with handmade dough, a 12-hour fermentation process, and a 20-year-old natural yeast starter.
If you love baos, here are seven must-try heritage baos from Bǎo Bāo that satisfy both nostalgic cravings and adventurous taste buds.
Orh Nee Bao – A Classic with a Twist
![Bǎo Bāo: 7 Must-Try Heritage Baos in Singapore Bǎo Bāo Singapore showcases handmade bao on a bamboo steamer, revealing purple filling with yellow fruit, against a bold red backdrop.](https://i0.wp.com/lemon-film.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Orh-Nee-Bao-1.60.png?resize=1160%2C1740&ssl=1)
Nothing speaks of heritage like orh nee (yam paste), a beloved Teochew dessert. Bǎo Bāo’s Orh Nee Bao (S$1.60) elevates this classic by pairing silky yam filling with fragrant shallot oil, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and umami. If you enjoy traditional Asian desserts, this is a must-try!
Azuki Red Bean Mochi Bao – Sweet & Chewy Perfection
![Bǎo Bāo: 7 Must-Try Heritage Baos in Singapore Two handmade bao sit in a bamboo steamer on a red backdrop, one split open to reveal luscious chocolate—a Bǎo Bāo delight.](https://i0.wp.com/lemon-film.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Azuki-Red-Bean-Mochi-Bao-1.60.png?resize=1160%2C1740&ssl=1)
The Azuki Red Bean Mochi Bao (S$1.60) is a dream for those who love Japanese and Chinese flavours. This bao features a smooth azuki red bean paste infused with pandan leaves for extra aroma and chewy mochi for a delightful textural contrast.
French Chocolate Lava Bao – The Ultimate Indulgence
![Bǎo Bāo: 7 Must-Try Heritage Baos in Singapore Lemon Film - Bǎo Bāo: 7 Must-Try Heritage Baos in Singapore](https://i0.wp.com/lemon-film.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/French-Chocolate-Lava-Bao-2.png?resize=1160%2C1740&ssl=1)
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! The French Chocolate Lava Bao (S$2.00) is a fusion of tradition and decadence. Each bite reveals a molten 66% cocoa Chocolaterie de l’Opéra centre, encased in soft, pillowy bao dough. This is Bǎo Bāo’s answer to the modern dessert craze, and it’s irresistible.
Big Pork Bao – A Hearty Classic
![Bǎo Bāo: 7 Must-Try Heritage Baos in Singapore Lemon Film - Bǎo Bāo: 7 Must-Try Heritage Baos in Singapore](https://i0.wp.com/lemon-film.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Big-Pork-Bao-2.90.png?resize=1160%2C1740&ssl=1)
A true heritage bao experience isn’t complete without a Big Pork Bao (S$2.90). Stuffed with juicy, marinated pork, this bao follows a secret family recipe that enhances its natural flavours with ginger juice and spring onion. It’s big, bold, and incredibly satisfying.
Roasted Char Siew Bao – Smoky, Sweet & Savoury
![Bǎo Bāo: 7 Must-Try Heritage Baos in Singapore Lemon Film - Bǎo Bāo: 7 Must-Try Heritage Baos in Singapore](https://i0.wp.com/lemon-film.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Roasted-Char-Siew-Bao-1.50.png?resize=1160%2C1740&ssl=1)
For a taste of authentic Cantonese-style char siew, the Roasted Char Siew Bao (S$1.50) is a must. Made in-house, the pork is slow-roasted over charcoal for a deep, smoky flavour, then glazed with a sweet caramelised finish. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savoury, wrapped in fluffy bao dough.
Black Pepper Chicken Bao – A Savoury Delight
![Bǎo Bāo: 7 Must-Try Heritage Baos in Singapore Lemon Film - Bǎo Bāo: 7 Must-Try Heritage Baos in Singapore](https://i0.wp.com/lemon-film.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Black-Pepper-Chicken-Bao-2.90.png?resize=1160%2C1740&ssl=1)
Looking for a bao with a little heat? The Black Pepper Chicken Bao (S$2.90) is packed with tender chicken marinated in a bold black pepper sauce, offering a subtle but satisfying spicy kick. It’s a great alternative to traditional pork baos and will impress spice lovers.
Braised Pork Belly Bao – A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Treat
![Bǎo Bāo: 7 Must-Try Heritage Baos in Singapore Lemon Film - Bǎo Bāo: 7 Must-Try Heritage Baos in Singapore](https://i0.wp.com/lemon-film.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Braised-Pork-Belly-Bao-2.90.png?resize=1079%2C1619&ssl=1)
Try the Braised Pork Belly Bao (S$2.90). Slow-cooked for a full day in premium dark soy sauce, the pork belly becomes beautifully tender, rich, and flavourful. This bao is a true homage to heritage-style braised meats wrapped in a soft, pillowy bun.
Where to Find Bǎo Bāo
All these mouth-watering baos are available at Bǎo Bāo, in ION Orchard, #B4-34, Singapore. The store is open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, making it the perfect spot for a quick snack or a fulfilling meal.
Whether you’re a bao enthusiast or new to these heritage delights, Bǎo Bāo promises handcrafted, high-quality baos made with love and tradition. Visit today and rediscover why baos remain one of Singapore’s most beloved comfort foods!
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try Bǎo Bāo
Bǎo Bāo is not just another bao shop—it’s a celebration of Singapore’s rich food culture. Blending time-honoured techniques with modern flavours offers an experience that appeals to both young and old.
So, whether you’re craving a taste of nostalgia or eager to try innovative new flavours, Bǎo Bāo has something special for you. Head down to ION Orchard and enjoy a bite of tradition reimagined today!