NON-HALAL
If you are anything like us, sometimes your mouth gets itchy mid-afternoon for something to nibble on. So what can you get if you happen to be in the Tanjung Aru area? Turns out, you can get the biggest tasty pao which is simply known as “tai pao” by the locals (Regular sizes are also available).
Hin Loi coffee shop in Tanjung Aru is no new kid on the block, but over time it has gone through a few changes in terms of consistency in quality as well as what they serve. But on a recent hunt for the best steamed buns in KK, we found that the buns here deserve a mention because they have met all three of our criteria.
#1 – The bun has to turn over fast.
It has to go from freshly-steamed to customer quickly in steaming-hot condition.
#2 – The dough has to be spongy…
But loose, and when teared it has to show that the gluten has been released without being rubbery.
#3 – The filling has to be fresh and tasty.
We like that the shop sees a good traffic that ensures that the buns are rolling hot off the steamer to the customer!
Hin Loi makes their own buns and they only sell 4 types; chicken, char siu, fresh pork, and their big pao which can either be chicken or pork with a sliver of boiled egg inside. Here’s what their regular-sized char siu pao looks like.
Teatime Munchies
Roti Kahwin
Apart from steamed buns, there are many other munchies like breads and cakes that you can sink your teeth into. Roti Kahwin, which is a popular sandwich made from Chinese-style soft breads with coconut jam (Kaya) and margarine/butter goes very well with tea or coffee.
Local Cakes
There are also other local cakes you can get like pandan swiss rolls, egg tarts, donut balls, banana cakes and chicken curry puff. They cost between RM1.00 – RM2.00 per piece.
Store Ambiance
The store is a typical open-concept coffee shop without air-conditioning and the atmospheric sounds can get quite loud. Hygiene is good by developing world standards but probably not by Western standards. If you take anything steaming hot, you’ll likely be fine…
Note: Some people go there for the fried chicken and fishballs, which we aren’t big fans of but it is there is you want to have some.
So whether you’re a tourist looking for some local eats, or a local looking to buy some of the whole office, remember that one of the best places for steamed buns in K.K. can be found minutes from the T2 airport on the way to town!
Here’s where to go:-
View Coffee Shops in KK in a larger map
Operating Hours
Mon: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
Tue: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, 10:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Wed: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Thu: 8:00 am – 10:00 am, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm,
10:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Fri – Sun: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
