A pineapple bun is a Hong Kong classic, and with good reason. If you’ve never had one before: no, it doesn’t have any pineapple in it. The name comes from the dome of the bun, which generally has pineapple-like ridges (though this particular one didn’t).
It’s basically a sweet, fluffy hamburger bun with a crispy, cookie-like shell on top.
Almost everyone agrees that Kam Wah serves one of the best pineapple buns in HK, and the crowds bear that out. Expect to share a table.
Ordering is quite easy. They have other stuff on the menu, but the waitress will know what you want. You’re there for the pineapple bun. Everyone is there for the pineapple bun.
It’s really, really good. The bun itself is fluffy, a bit chewy, and fresh, and the cookie layer on top is sweet and perfectly crunchy. The chewy/crunchy contrast is hard to beat. Plus, they put a big honking slab of salted butter in the middle; the mild saltiness does a great job of cutting the sweetness from the topping. Also, butter is delicious.
I also ordered a tea, mostly because you have to order a drink if you want to eat in, though also because milk tea is a Hong Kong staple. It’s a solid cup of milk tea. It comes completely unsweetened, but there’s sugar on the table.
Location: 43號 Bute St, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
How to find it: There’s no English on the sign that I could see, but they have a display window with pineapple buns and other pastries, so be on the lookout for that.