If you’ve never heard of a bolou bao before, then you’re about to now. Because of the alcohol ban and closure of bars, popular gin and cocktail haunt Just a Drink Maybe had to take on a new persona, refashioning itself as a day café offering savory comfort fare and scrumptious baked goods, including these buns that are popular in Hong Kong.
Though it literally translates to “pineapple bun”, this sweet, crispy treat doesn't have a single fiber of the tropical fruit in it. They are so named because of its cracked rounded crust, which resembles that of a pineapple. Crispy and crumbly, this crust is glazed with burnt sugar and melted butter while its inside is soft and chewy.
There are more than a few ways to make a bolo bun, but Just a Drink Maybe sticks to the classic recipe and serves it with a chunky slice of butter that adds more creamy goodness to the pastry.
Only 20 buns are baked each day, starting at around 13:00 on weekdays.