Discovering Bao Er Cafe: Premium Hokkien Mee and Delicious Kaya Toast in Singapore

Overview of Bao Er Cafe

I don't often venture to Balestier, a neighborhood famous for its lighting shops and building materials, but this time I made the trip specifically to experience Bao Er Cafe. If you follow food pages regularly, you've likely heard a lot about this local eatery. Finally, I had the chance to see if it lived up to the hype.

Atmosphere and Ambiance

Bao Er Cafe is located on the second floor of Balestier Plaza, amidst the hustle and bustle. This compact and unpretentious café offers a warm and familiar vibe. While the space itself isn’t the main attraction, the delicious food has captured the attention of online communities and media, turning it into a local phenomenon. Nowadays, you can see long lines of eager diners waiting outside every day.

Signature Dishes at Bao Er Cafe

I was eager to try the Kaya Butter Toast Set (S$6) after seeing pictures of it online. The golden-brown toast is made from double-baked bread, slathered with a thick layer of kaya and a touch of cold butter inside. Each bite is crispy and delightful, with a subtle sweetness from the coconut, giving it a creamy texture.

Along with the toast, the set includes a drink and two soft-boiled eggs, which you can enjoy with soy sauce and pepper to your liking. If you don’t need the full set, you can order just the Kaya Butter Toast for only S$2.40, which is a fantastic deal considering current prices.

Signature Deluxe Hokkien Mee: A Must-Try Experience

Next, I tried the Signature Deluxe Hokkien Mee (S$10), a premium version of the Signature Hokkien Mee (S$8). Despite being a relatively new establishment, this noodle dish boasts the rich flavors of a long-standing Hokkien restaurant. Bao Er Cafe is managed by the same team behind Prawnography, a place known for its Hokkien Mee since 2022.

This dish features prawns, squid, and scallops—ingredients I had never encountered in Hokkien Mee before. The flavor of the noodles is robust, with the sweetness of the seafood blending beautifully with the smoky richness from the wok. Each strand of noodle is soaked in a savory sauce, making every bite incredibly satisfying.

Sambal Kampung Fried Rice: Is It Worth It?

I also tried the Sambal Kampung Fried Rice (S$7.50), although not many people mention this dish when comparing it to the Kaya Toast and Hokkien Mee. Its appearance was somewhat lackluster, with a plate of fried rice that seemed sparse, featuring only a few pieces of egg, ikan bilis, and shallots.

This rice dish lacked distinction in both color and flavor. The salty taste of the ikan bilis dominated, throwing off the balance of the meal. A bit more sambal could significantly enhance this dish. While it didn’t measure up to the previous two dishes, I still see potential in this fried rice.

Final Thoughts

In summary, Bao Er Cafe truly lives up to its reputation. The Kaya Butter Toast and Signature Hokkien Mee are must-tries if you find yourself in Singapore. As for the Sambal Kampung Fried Rice, a few tweaks could elevate its flavor significantly. Will I return to Balestier just for Bao Er Cafe? Absolutely! Who could resist such delicious local dishes at such affordable prices?

Article adapted and edited from: Seth Lui Food