Malaysians do love coffee bun and it seems to be one of their favourite to-go meals and there are some even looking up the coffee bun recipe. Do you know there are many types of buns there? Let’s run it through together!
Melonpan (Japan)
Despite bearing the same name as the melon fruit, this sweet bun does not contain any melon inside. However, the melonpan itself looks like a melon, hence the name was given. Typically it is made of dough with a thin layer of cookie crisp on top. Lately, it has started to become a trend where manufacturers are starting to add melon flavouring. In addition to that, other flavours such as custard, maple syrup, chocolate, and caramel are also being used by bakery businesses in Japan. Where to get them? They are typically found almost everywhere in Japan such as street traders, convenience stores and local bakeries.
Banh Bao ( Vietnam)
Banh Bao is a ball-shaped bun that is considered popular in Vietnam. It is not like the usual sweet bun that we usually eat, but this ball-shaped bun is filled with meat ( either chicken or pork), eggs, mushrooms, and onions. Frequently, it can also contain hard-boiled eggs and Chinese sausage. Vietnamese often consume them as a snack during lunchtime and is the main food to be taken at picnics.
Bapao Bun ( Indonesia)
Originally taken from China, this bun became a popular dish in Indonesia when the Dutch brought it there. While China’s version is popular with pork filling, Indonesian Bapao is known to have minced beef, diced chicken, and red bean paste inside. Apart from meat filling, they also serve in sweet flavours such as marmalade filling, sweet potato, and chocolate. They are commonly sold by cart street hawkers as takeout food.
Pineapple bun ( China)
Pineapple bun has a striking similarity to Melonpan in the sense that it has a fruit name, but the bun itself only contains usually butter, powdered sugar, and egg and it is known to be a popular cuisine in Hong Kong and mostly Chinatowns worldwide. Other common variants that are added are such as custard cream, red bean paste and cut-up coconut.
Our very own beloved bun, coffee bun!
( Malaysia)
If you are looking for a different type of Malaysian bread, (Gardenia and roti canai are too mainstream!) a coffee bun is the answer! It is a soft sweet bun with a coffee topping and contains butter inside. Originating from Penang, Papparoti Malaysia is one of the leading Malaysian coffee bun companies and the Malaysia bread brand is known to most Malaysians. The great thing about it is that you can eat it however you like be it with the latest durian topping or their very own plain Papparoti signature bun.
