Bao Makers - Chilli Crab Fillings With Soft House Made Buns

Singapore's original fusion bao pioneers are back with a vengeance, and their Cluny Court outpost is the most exciting chapter yet in a 10-year story of reinvention. Since 2015, Bao Makers has been crafting the kind of baos most people didn't know they needed — think Singapore chili crab squeezed into a golden deep-fried bun, salted egg sauce dripping over crispy fried chicken, and a truffle mushroom filling that has no business tasting this good.

The space at Cluny Court is compact and intentional — four dine-in tables for two set against a clean, minimalistic interior with Japanese-inspired wooden elements and raw concrete flooring that gives the place a chilled, no-fuss energy. The baos take centre stage here, and every single one is made with a lotus leaf bun crafted entirely from scratch.

Chili Crab Bao (Premium)

This is the one that put Bao Makers on the map, and it earns every bit of the hype. Taking direct inspiration from Singapore's most iconic dish, the Chili Crab Bao is loaded with generous shredded crab meat coated in a tangy, zippy chili crab sauce — balanced, not overly sweet, with a moderate spicy kick. Diners can choose between a steamed or deep-fried lotus leaf bun; the fried version is the move, replicating the crispy mantou traditionally served alongside chili crab. There is so much filling that the bun can barely contain it all — and that is absolutely a good thing.

Chipotle Beef Bao (Premium — Must Try)

Flagged on the menu itself as a "Must Try," the Chipotle Beef Bao is a fusion triumph. A panko-crusted deep-fried beef patty — tender, savoury, and reminiscent of a Menchi Katsu — is paired with crunchy shredded cabbage and a creamy chipotle mayo that brings a mild honey-mustard tang to the party. The house-made lotus leaf bun is feather-soft and pillowy, providing the perfect contrast to the crispy patty. Opt for the steamed bun here to let all those textures shine.

Salted Egg Chicken Bao (Premium)

A perennial crowd favourite and one of Bao Makers' most iconic offerings. The Salted Egg Chicken Bao features a piece of seasoned fried chicken glazed in their signature house-made salted egg sauce, all nestled in a soft steamed sesame bun. The salted egg sauce is rich, buttery and aromatic — the kind that makes you want to lick your fingers clean — while the sesame bun adds a subtle nuttiness that ties everything together beautifully. This is comfort food done with finesse.

Truffle Mushroom Bao (Classic)

For vegetarians — and frankly, for anyone who loves truffle — this bao is a quiet star on the menu. A steamed sesame bun is filled with cheese-stuffed mushroom and finished with truffle mayo, creating a deeply savoury, umami-forward bite. The earthy richness of the truffle plays beautifully against the creamy cheese filling, making this one of the most indulgent options despite being meat-free.

Pulled Chicken with Apple Slaw Bao (Classic)

A lighter, brighter option for those who want something a little fresher. The Pulled Chicken with Apple Slaw Bao pairs tender pulled chicken with a crisp, refreshing apple slaw that cuts through the richness of the bun with a pleasant sweetness and crunch. It is the kind of flavour combination that surprises in the best way — proof that Bao Makers is not just riffing on local classics but genuinely exploring new flavour territory.

Blackened Chicken Bao (Classic)

Bold, smoky and deeply flavourful, the Blackened Chicken Bao rounds out the savoury lineup with a more robust, charred note. Seasoned with a blackened spice blend, the chicken delivers a satisfying depth of flavour that pairs well with the softness of the lotus leaf bun. Bao Makers even featured it alongside the Pulled Chicken Bao in a special anniversary combo — a pairing that speaks volumes about how well these two complement each other.

Kaya Butter with Salted Crumble Bao (Sweet)

This is the dessert bao nobody expected and everyone needs to try. A local twist on a beloved breakfast classic, the Kaya Butter with Salted Crumble Bao features creamy kaya and rich butter topped with a lightly salted crumble — all housed in a soft, fluffy bun. It is familiar in the way only childhood food memories can be, yet elevated into something genuinely indulgent. A perfect sweet ending to any Bao Makers meal.

Party Box of 12 ($62.00)

For those who want to eat the whole menu in one sitting — and honestly, who could blame them — the Party Box of 12 lets diners mix and match any 12 baos of their choice, served in a signature party box. It is perfect for group lunches, office catering, or a fun spread at home.

Ten years in, Bao Makers is not coasting — they are evolving. The Cluny Court outlet brings together everything the brand has refined over a decade: house-made lotus leaf buns, generous and creative fillings, and a menu that spans local hero flavours all the way to sweet surprises. Whether heading over for a solo lunch near the Botanic Gardens or picking up a Party Box for the whole team, Bao Makers at Cluny Court is one of those rare spots that delivers something genuinely different in Singapore's crowded F&B scene.

Bao Makers @ Cluny Court
📍 501 Bukit Timah Road, #01-04A, Cluny Court, Singapore 259760
🕒 Sun – Thu: 8am – 4pm | Fri & Sat: 8am – 6pm
🚇 Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens MRT (Exit B, ~4 min walk)
🌐 Website: www.baomakers.com
📸 Instagram: @baomakers
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/baomakers

Note: Menu items and pricing may be subject to change. Please check with the outlet directly for the latest offerings.