Champion Bolo Bun
92 Tanjong Pagar Road
https://championbolobun.com/
 |
| Mini Classic Bolo Bun (SGD $4.50) |
The Hong Kong Bolo Bun Specialist
(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 8
Ambience & Setting: 8
Food & Beverage: 9
Service: 6
Value for Money: 8
Spent about SGD $8 per person.
.....
The opening of Champion Bolo Bun in April 2021 is a dream come true for founder-baker Hoh Loyi, who studied bread-making for 1 year in Tamsui, Taipei, Taiwan; then honed her skills in a 2-year apprenticeship under the Head Chef of a cha chaan teng / tea restaurant in Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Her passion is evident in the focused range of products offered at Champion Bolo Bun, variations of just 4 items (bolo bun, coffee, milk tea, lemon tea), with quality attested to by the long queues which form throughout the day. Champion Bolo Bun is among the most hyped trends of 2021, offering a combination of quality food and drinks in an asthetically pleasing space.
Ambience at Champion Bolo Bun has an appealing minimalist feel. Decked in shades of white, grey, and wood, the warmly lit 70-seater space is sparse, with tasteful rattan and cushioned wooden furnishings, offset by touches of faux greenery. Very instagrammable. The kitchen is a different story though, boasting a traditional oven used in a typical cha chaan teng / tea restaurant, where the aroma of freshly baked bolo buns perfume the space.
Service at Champion Bolo Bun is friendly and fast. Despite the long queues, staff work quickly to take and fulfill orders, though waiting times still stretch up to 30 minutes or more. The focused menu helps, as most patrons will already have decided on what they want. Diners are expected to clean-up before leaving, though staff do pop by the dining area at times to check. There's good interaction from staff during ordering, but little need to demonstrate product knowledge.
Food at Champion Bolo Bun is focused on Hong Kong style bolo bun and drinks. Their consistently high quality of food and drinks is the factor that attracts long queues, and causes their customers to return for more. Drawing on the recipe of her master, their confidence is demonstrated in their brand promise - if you don't consume your bolo bun within 20 minutes, they'll replace it for free. Portions are sized for individuals. Prices are comparable to other dessert cafes, budget about SGD $8 per person.
.....
 |
| Champion Bolo Bun Signage |
 |
| Champion Bolo Bun Counter |
 |
| Banner |
 |
| Decor |
 |
| Waiting Area |
 |
| Waiting Area |
 |
| Champion Bolo Bun Brand Promise |
Beverages get equal love here, as they comprise 50% of the menu. The Champion's Coffee (SGD $5.50) is smooth and aromatic, with decent strength of body and low acidity.
 |
| Champion's Coffee (SGD $5.50) |
The Champion's Milk Tea (SGD $6) is made with a precise blend of milk, and tea leaves imported from Hong Kong. Has a lovely enticing earthy fragrance, with a balanced earthy sweet flavour that isn't overly tannic, and doesn't leave a strong aftertaste on the palate. Clean and smooth. Good!
 |
| Champion's Milk Tea (SGD $6) |
The Champion's Lemon Tea (SGD $6.30) has a sharp and refreshing zesty tangy sour sweet flavour, but remains sufficiently pleasant without being cloying. Made with carefully measured portions of sugar, lemon juice, black tea, and ice, meaning no customisation is allowed. Good!
 |
| Champion's Lemon Tea (SGD $6.30) |
The star here is undoubtedly the Classic Bolo Bun With Butter (SGD $5), freshly baked and hot off the traditional oven. Made with Japanese flour and New Zealand butter, the crust of the bolo bun (which draws on her master's recipe) is crisp and grainy, with a distinctive nutty sweet flavour, rather like an almond biscuit or walnut biscuit. The bun itself is designed to be soft moist and super fluffy to appeal to Singaporeans (as Hong Kongers prefer it soft moist and dense). With the luscious creamy slab of butter which melts invitingly in the warm bun, this has beautiful buttery bready nutty sweet flavour. Yum. Highly recommended!
 |
| Classic Bolo Bun With Butter (SGD $5) |
 |
| Classic Bolo Bun With Butter |
 |
| Classic Bolo Bun With Butter |
Much less messy and easy-to-eat, the Mini Classic Bolo Bun (SGD $4.50) is a mouthful of delight. Made with the same exacting standards of ingredients and baking techniques as its bigger counterpart, the mini bolo bun has a soft moist fluffy texture which is so appealing, and a satisfying bready nutty sweet flavour. Excellent. Highly recommended!
 |
| Mini Classic Bolo Bun (SGD $4.50) |
 |
| Mini Classic Bolo Bun |
.....
.....
CONVERSATION