Shop Named ‘Bao Bao’ Doesn’t Sell Issey Miyake Bags But Superb $1.50 Char Siew Bao

Not to be confused with Issey Miyake’s tessellated bags, Bao Bao is the latest brainchild of Pang Gek Teng, the 36-year-old founder of popular Aussie-style gourmet grocer and cafe chain Surrey Hills Grocer. Nestled in Ion Orchard’s basement, Bao Bao – which means precious buns in Chinese – offers handmade steamed baos with traditional fillings like char siew, braised pork and red bean paste, as well as modern creations like adzuki red bean mochi and orh nee with gingko nuts. The menu also features classic dim sum items like siew mai and chicken glutinous rice. The shop has been quietly operating since December in a soft launch phase and is set to officially open on February 8.
This is the first wholly homegrown concept for Gek, who previously brought Japanese ramen chain Mensho Tokyo and Australian tapas restaurant MoVida to Singapore. She explains: “Baos are one of my favourite foods since I was young, and it’s something that my parents enjoy very much as well. After launching Surrey Hills and the other concepts, which are more high-end, I wanted to start a local brand that is more accessible and showcases my Singaporean identity.”
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