Hong Kong, a bustling metropolis renowned for its skyline and vibrant street life, is also a haven for food enthusiasts. Amidst the array of culinary delights, the city’s pastries stand out as delightful, flaky treasures that reflect a perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. Two of the most popular ones are egg tarts and pineapple buns. In this post we’ll tell you where you can get halal versions from in Singapore.
Egg Tarts: The Iconic Delight
No exploration of Hong Kong’s pastries is complete without savouring the iconic egg tart. A divine marriage of a buttery, flaky crust and a velvety, custard-like filling, the egg tart has become synonymous with Hong Kong’s culinary identity. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or purchased from a local bakery, the egg tart is a must-try delicacy. Often confused with the Portuguese egg tart, but it is actually distinctively different in taste. It is less sweet and more eggy.
Pineapple Buns (Bolo Bao or Polo Bun): A Sweet Symphony
Despite the misleading name, pineapple buns contain no pineapple. Instead, they derive their name from the pastry’s crisscross pattern that resembles the skin of a pineapple. These buns boast a tender interior with a slightly sweet flavour, while the crispy, sugary top provides a delightful textural contrast. When these are fresh and warm, there’s nothing quite like it. So good!
Why are they not halal?
Traditionally speaking a lot of Hong Kong and Chinese baked goods including the above two have lard in them, which would make them haram. So, finding them without lard is quite a challenge even in Singapore. Thankfully, we found a couple spots in Singapore that are fully halal certified and do some of these goodies. They are Kopi & Tarts and Bakeinc.
Kopi & Tarts
As you step into Kopi & Tarts, you’re greeted by the aromatic symphony of freshly brewed kopi, Singapore’s quintessential coffee. The café pays homage to the kopitiams, traditional coffee houses that have been integral to the city’s cultural fabric. Choose from a variety of kopi concoctions, each brewed with a meticulous blend of coffee beans and condensed milk, delivering a robust and distinctively Singaporean flavour.
Tart Artistry Unleashed
Beyond the captivating aroma of coffee, Kopi & Tarts unveils a world of tart artistry. The menu boasts a diverse array of tarts, fusing local and international influences. From the timeless elegance of classic egg tarts to innovative creations like durian tarts, every bite narrates a story of Singapore’s culinary diversity. The pièce de résistance at Kopi & Tarts is undoubtedly the signature egg tart. Encased in a perfectly flaky and buttery crust, the velvety custard filling evokes a sense of nostalgia. This classic treat pays homage to the Asian bakery tradition, showcasing the enduring charm of expertly crafted pastries.
Modern Twists on Local Classics
Kopi & Tarts seamlessly weaves modernity into traditional recipes, creating a menu that resonates with both seasoned locals and curious tourists. Experience the familiar joy of kaya toast reimagined with a buttery crust and layers of aromatic kaya (coconut and egg jam). The café beautifully marries the old and the new, inviting patrons to savour the essence of Singaporean culinary innovation. As well as the Singaporean breakfast staple, kaya toast, you can also get the ultimate Singaporean snack: curry puff.
Hong Kong breakfast dishes
They also do the Hong Kong British influenced cafe breakfast type of dishes including toast and noodles that will excite any foodie. So, if you get a chance make sure you give them a go too.
Read more about them here.
Bakeinc
While Kopi & Tarts is a cafe, this is more of a traditional bakery. They offer all the traditional sweet and savoury baked goods you’d expect from a Chinese bakery. It is a family run bakery that has been doing it since 2003 and since 2020, they have been halal certified!
Polo Bun
As well as the egg tart (which you can get from Kopi & Tarts), you can also get the lush polo bun (which you can’t get at Kopi & Tarts) here too. It is more commonly known as a pineapple bun, but here in Singapore it seems the common name is polo bun. If you ever get a chance to grab a fresh one of these, please make sure you do. You’re welcome!
Read more about them here.
