Hong Kong’s favorite bread is unequivocally the pineapple bun, or bolo bao ่ ่ฟๅ . This sweet Cantonese bun can be found in Chinatowns across the world (I personally grew up enjoying the versions from NYC Chinatown institution Mei Lai Wah), but the best versions are of course in its birthplace of Hong Kong. So here are all of my personal favorite places to get a bolo bao, from simple buns to modern takes stuffed with everything from char siu to matcha.
What is a pineapple bun?
The pineapple bun or bolo bao is a traditional Cantonese bread that features a soft, squishy milk bread bun with a crispy topping made from sugar, butter, eggs and flour. There is no pineapple or even pineapple flavor in the bunโthe name comes solely from how the crackled, golden brown topping resembles the outside of a pineapple.
Visiting Hong Kong? Be sure to get your discounted Airport Express tickets through Klook to get into the city from the airport!
Best Pineapple Buns in Hong Kong
Pineapple Bakery
This brand new small-batch bake shop is churning out the best freshly baked artisanal pineapple buns all made by hand by the owner with premium ingredients. The fluffy, buttery French brioche-style dough with the crispiest crackled topping has real vanilla bean flavor throughout, with a rich flavor that doesn’t even need the addition of butter (though it’s available for HK$3 more). Pair it with their silky smooth nitro milk tea that comes with a cute mini pineapple bun garnish, and don’t miss their cocktail bun with roasted coconut and pandan cream filling for another gourmet take on a classic Hong Kong bread. Be sure to check their Instagram for their most up-to-date schedule so you can get the buns fresh out of the oven.
๐ฅ Watch my Reel on Instagram at Pineapple Bakery
I love it so much I managed to convince the owner to supply us their buns for a special Filipino-meets-Hong Kong Chicken Tocino Pineapple Bun at my restaurant Barkada.
Sai Kung Cafe & Bakery
My favorite local pineapple bun comes from this bakery in the seaside town of Sai Kung. They are constantly churning out freshly baked bolo bao, though I recommend ordering a bolo yau, aka a pineapple bun with butter, so you can watch them cut your pineapple bun with scissors to add a big fat pat of butter for the ultimate indulgence. You get the ultimate textural contrast, as the perfectly golden brown, sugary topping is super crispy, and the bun is airy and squishy so it’s satisfying to sink your teeth into the bun that has a subtly sweet flavor on its own.
๐ฅ Watch me eat pineapple buns at Sai Kung Bakery
Cheung Hing Coffee Shop
This local favorite cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style diner) in Happy Valley is beloved for their pineapple buns and old school vibes. To be honest, I flip flop between this and my #1 Sai Kung Bakery, since the butter here is spread more evenly across the middle of the bun so it’s easier to eat. Cheung Hing also serves sandwiches, with options that include luncheon meat and egg or satay beef (as pictured at the top of this post), so there’s more variety of savory fillings to pair with their crispy, slightly sweet and squishy buns.
๐ฅ Watch my visit to Cheung Hing on YouTube
Milk Cafe
Where have cheesy pineapple buns been all my life? This modern cha chaan teng has locations all across Hong Kong, and while I’ve only tried their Central shop once, I will definitely be back for their squishy, fluffy bolo bao, which are served warm with your choice of classic butter or the unique combination of stretchy white cheese and gooey American-style cheese in the center. Yes, the cheese tastes very processed, but if you’re a fan of that nostalgic taste like I am, then you should definitely try this.
Bolo Bolo
This new shop with a kitschy bright red design serves delicious gourmet pineapple bun burgers, tucked away on Wo On Lane near Hong Kong’s Lan Kwai Fong nightlife district. The pineapple buns here are thicker and crispier than average so they hold up to the hefty, high quality toppings, like sous vide beef with satay sauce, scrambled egg and cheese, or the juicy balsamic chicken thigh with sweet braised onions and scrambled egg. You can also find a pineapple bun with actual pineapple jam and a big wide slab of butter for a decadent twist on the classic.
On my list of must-try foods in Central, Hong Kong
Chicken Egg Boy
This shop in Sheung Wan serves a variety of Hong Kong egg waffles, but it’s the viral pineapple bun egg waffle that you need to try. People are currently lining up for over an hour at peak times to get their hands on this fusion of two Hong Kong classics, with the sugary bolo bao topping individually placed on each bubble and baked. Each piece is like a mini bolo bao, with a chewy and squishy inside and extra crispiness from the edges of the waffle. As a bonus, 100% of proceeds go to a charity dedicated to preserving Hong Kong culture and helping the elderly, so it’s definitely worth the wait. Be sure to check their Instagram as they update it if they sell out early.
My Cup of Tea
This tiny cha chaan teng in Wan Chai is famous for their award-winning milk tea, but I primarily come for the pineapple bun sandwiches. While the bun itself is not as good as the spots listed above, they do a great job with the fillings, from creamy scrambled eggs with corned beef to char siu and vibrant orange-yolked fried eggs for salty-sweet combos.
Tai On Coffee & Tea Shop
If you love matcha, then you need to try this unique bolo yau in Yau Ma Tei. Tai On Coffee & Tea Shop is a revived old school cafe that’s kept its 1960s interiors, but upgraded the menu with proper espresso drinks (including next-level latte art) and unique Cantonese fusion items. Their loaded pineapple buns include this decadent version with matcha white chocolate, red bean and whipped butter. Don’t miss their lava egg tarts with a cookie crust as well.
Maria’s Bakery
I’ve added this mini chain of bakeries as an honorable mention in this list, as it’s probably the best value for a bolo yau (HK$12 at their Central branch). Operating around the city since 1966, Maria’s Bakery serves an oblong pineapple bun sliced down the middle, with a massive slab of room temperature butter that’s the length of a stick of butter. The crust isn’t very crispy, but the bun has a nice flavor, with a good ratio of sugary crust to squishy bread and softened butter in every bite.
Other Famous Pineapple Buns to Try
I’m personally not a fan of thick, bready pineapple buns as I prefer an airy, squishy bun. But I think it’s worth trying these famous spots so you can decide what you like for yourself.
Kam Wah Cafe
This cha chaan teng in Prince Edward is probably the most famous of all the spots on this list. It’s located right near Hong Kong’s Ladies Market, making it a destination for both locals and tourists alike. The flavor of the bun itself might actually be the best of them all, as the crispy sugary topping has a subtle hint of lemon to make it stand out from other bakeries. I personally find the bolo bao here to be too dense and bread-like for my taste though, like eating a dinner roll topped with a sugar crust, so you end up left with a chunk of bread without any butter as you reach the end (as pictured above). But you’re definitely getting a good bang for your buck since it’s more filling. I need to go back to try it stuffed with their signature pork chop.
Kam Fung Restaurant
Down the street from My Cup of Tea is this popular old school cha chaan teng frequented by locals. While the topping is thick and crispy with nice flavor, the bolo bao here is thick and dense so you’re getting a higher ratio of bread vs. topping.
๐ฅ Watch my visit to Kam Fung Restaurant on YouTube
You must be logged in to post a comment.