On the Pau trail….

Following our recent feature on Ipoh Handmade Pau, many readers have written in to recommend their favorite pau stalls. This week, we continue exploring the pau scene in Singapore with Zhen Zheng Handmade Pau. Their first location is here at Sims Drive, Aljunied, and they have recently opened another stall in Toa Payoh. While the fillings are prepared in a central kitchen, the skin is made fresh at each stall. Therefore, we can only vouch for the quality of the paus at the Aljunied location.

Char Siu with real Char!

Right from the start, let me tell you that their char siu bao is well worth the trip. It’s been ages since I’ve had a char siu bao with that authentic charcoal-roasted flavor, and I was thrilled when I first bit into the one at Zhen Zheng. The owner mentioned that he still roasts the char siu himself in a central kitchen, ensuring it has that perfect char. It’s the best char siu bao I’ve had in recent memory! 4.5/5

The Secret is in the Quality of the Ingredients

Their big pau is also very good. The meat is well-marinated and very flavorful. I was told that they use top-grade soy sauce, Chinese wine, and sesame oil to ensure quality. Although nowadays they have to use frozen pork to reduce costs, the overnight marination still ensures that the meat is juicy and free of off flavours.

The quality of the pau skin is also very good. It is made from a mother starter that has been going since 2009 when they first opened at the coffee shop, and they have been using the same levain instead of commercial yeast si...