At the table
Hold it over the plate and bite through bread and butter together, or cut it into portions. The crust sheds crumbs.
Contains wheat, egg and dairy. Some crust recipes use lard; ask about the baking fat if you avoid meat.
Baking fats and bun recipes vary. The butter slab is what distinguishes this from a plain pineapple bun.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Baking fats and bun recipes vary. The butter slab is what distinguishes this from a plain pineapple bun.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Sweet crust and rich butter.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Crisp, crumbly topping, soft bread and cool butter that gradually melts.
- How it’s made
- A sweet-topped wheat bun is baked, split and filled with butter just before serving.
Baking fats and bun recipes vary. The butter slab is what distinguishes this from a plain pineapple bun.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Guangdong. Associated with Hong Kong.
About this regional connection
Guangdong: Supported local food association, not exclusive origin. Hong Kong: Supported local food association, not exclusive origin.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有菠萝油吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
A Hong Kong tea-restaurant pairing
Pineapple buns take their name from their cracked golden topping. Adding cold butter creates the hot-cold contrast of bolo yau, a familiar partner for Hong Kong milk tea.