Bite-Sized Bliss: Reviewing Bao Bao at ION Orchard

Photo Credits: https://eatbook.sg/

Nestled in the bustling basement of ION Orchard, a new culinary gem has emerged, captivating the taste buds of Singaporeans and visitors alike. Bao Bao, which translates to “precious bun” in Chinese, is the latest brainchild of Pang Gek Teng, the visionary behind Surrey Hills Grocer. This no-frills takeaway kiosk, which opened its doors on 8 February 2025, has quickly become a hotspot for bao enthusiasts, offering a delightful array of handcrafted steamed buns that blend tradition with innovation.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

At the heart of Bao Bao’s success lies a commitment to authenticity and quality. The buns are crafted using a time-honoured recipe, perfected by a retiring local bao master with nearly five decades of experience. Under his guidance, Gek Teng and her team have mastered the art of creating buns that are consistently light and pillowy—the hallmark of a well-crafted bao.

What sets Bao Bao apart is its unique fermentation process. The dough is made from scratch daily, using a natural yeast starter that has been cultivated in-house for an impressive 20 years. This special ingredient imparts a distinctive flavour to the buns. The fermentation process, lasting between 12 to 14 hours, is crucial in developing the bao’s signature bouncy texture.

A Menu That Marries Tradition and Innovation

Bao Bao’s menu is a carefully curated selection of both classic favourites and innovative creations, catering to traditional palates and adventurous food lovers alike. The buns are divided into two main categories: the Classic Range and the Signature Range.

Classic Range: Comfort in Every Bite

For those seeking familiar flavours, the Classic Range offers beloved staples:

Roasted Char Siew Bao (£1.20): A crowd-pleaser, this bun is filled with succulent roasted pork, slow-cooked over charcoal for a smoky aroma and glazed to perfection for a caramelised finish.
Big Pork Bao (£2.30): True to its name, this substantial bun is packed with tender pork marinated in a flavourful blend of ginger and spring onions, complemented by a slice of egg.
Braised Pork Belly Bao (£2.30): A indulgent option featuring melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, slow-cooked for 24 hours in rich, dark soya sauce.
Black Pepper Chicken Bao (£2.30): For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this bun offers tender chicken infused with a bold black pepper sauce.

Signature Range: A Sweet Adventure

Bao Bao’s Signature Range showcases the kitchen’s creativity with modern twists on traditional flavours:

French Chocolate Lava Bao (£1.60): A decadent treat that oozes molten dark chocolate sauce, made with 66% cocoa Chocolaterie de l’Opéra chocolate.
Azuki Red Bean Mochi Bao (£1.30): A vibrant pink bun filled with a harmonious blend of chewy mochi and velvety red bean paste, offering a delightful texture contrast.
Orh Nee Bao (£1.30): A clever reimagining of the traditional yam bao, enhanced with aromatic shallot oil to elevate the sweetness of the yam filling.

Beyond Bao: Additional Offerings

While bao takes centre stage, Bao Bao also offers a selection of classic dim sum staples to round out its menu:

Siew Mai (£0.95 per piece): A traditional pork and shrimp dumpling.
Chicken Glutinous Rice (£3.80): A hearty and flavourful rice dish.
Fan Choy (£3.80): A savoury rice wrapped in lotus leaf.

A Feast for the Senses

Bao Bao is more than just a food stall; it’s an experience. The kiosk’s design, reminiscent of a vintage Singaporean shophouse with modern touches, evokes a sense of nostalgia while embracing contemporary aesthetics. The open kitchen concept allows customers to witness the bao-making process, adding a layer of transparency and appreciation for the craftsmanship involved.

Affordable Luxury

In a prime location like ION Orchard, finding wallet-friendly options can be challenging. Bao Bao stands out by offering high-quality, handcrafted buns at accessible price points. With buns starting from just £0.95, it provides a tasty and satisfying option for shoppers and office workers in the area.

The Visionary Behind the Buns

Pang Gek Teng, the founder of Bao Bao, is no stranger to the F&B scene. Known for bringing popular concepts like Mensho Tokyo and MoVida to Singapore, Gek Teng sees Bao Bao as a return to her roots. “Baos are one of my favourite foods since I was young,” she shares. “After launching several high-end concepts, I wanted to start a local brand that is more accessible and showcases my Singaporean identity.”

A Growing Phenomenon

Since its soft launch in December 2024, Bao Bao has been steadily gaining popularity. The official opening on 8 February 2025 was met with enthusiasm, often resulting in long queues during peak hours. The combination of quality, affordability, and innovative flavours has struck a chord with Singaporeans and tourists alike.

Looking Ahead

As Bao Bao continues to delight customers with its current offerings, there are hints of more exciting flavours to come. The team at Bao Bao is committed to continual innovation, promising to introduce new and creative bao flavours in the coming weeks and months.

Why Bao Bao is a Must-Try

Bao Bao at ION Orchard represents the perfect fusion of tradition and innovation in Singapore’s vibrant food scene. It offers a unique opportunity to savour handcrafted buns made with time-honoured techniques and high-quality ingredients, all at an affordable price point. Whether you’re a bao aficionado or new to the world of steamed buns, Bao Bao promises a delightful culinary adventure.

From the classic char siew bao to the innovative chocolate lava creation, each bun at Bao Bao is a testament to the care and craftsmanship that goes into its making. The use of a 20-year-old yeast starter and the meticulous 14-hour fermentation process ensures that every bao is not just a snack, but an experience in itself.

As Singapore continues to evolve as a food paradise, establishments like Bao Bao play a crucial role in preserving traditional flavours while pushing the boundaries of culinary creativity. It’s not just about feeding the hungry; it’s about connecting generations through food, creating new memories, and celebrating the rich tapestry of flavours that make up Singapore’s gastronomic landscape.

So, the next time you find yourself in ION Orchard, make sure to stop by Bao Bao. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between shopping sprees or looking for a tasty treat to take home, these little parcels of joy are sure to leave you satisfied and coming back for more. After all, in the world of Bao Bao, every bun is indeed a precious treasure waiting to be discovered.