Bao Er Cafe Photos: Hokkien Mee, Kaya Toast & Outlet Guide

There’s something magnetic about a humble café that gets people talking across social media. Bao Er Cafe is one of those spots—a small Singapore chain whose wok-fried Hokkien Mee and kaya toast have earned a loyal following across three outlets.

Signature Dishes: Hokkien Mee and Kaya Toast ·
Balestier Plaza Address: 400 Balestier Rd, #02-01, Singapore ·
Newest Outlet: Fortune Centre (opened December 2025) ·
Other Outlet: Holland Village ·
Ambiance: No-frills, unpretentious, minimally furnished

Outlets: one pattern—each location serves the same core dishes, but prices and ambiance shift slightly depending on the neighbourhood.

The table below distills the key facts about Bao Er Cafe’s outlets and offerings.

What are the signature dishes at Bao Er Cafe?

Hokkien Mee

• The star is the wok-fried Hokkien Mee, described by ieatishootipost (Singapore food blog) as a “hole-in-the-wall” classic. It’s cooked over high heat, giving it a smoky wok hei that draws regulars.
• At the Holland Village outlet, a plate costs S$8.80 vs S$8 at Balestier (CNA Lifestyle).

Kaya Toast

• The kaya toast set comes with butter, kaya jam, and two soft-boiled eggs. Yahoo Style Singapore (lifestyle publication) notes that online photos of the kaya butter toast drew them to the café.
• Pricing: S$6 at Holland Village, S$5 at Balestier (CNA Lifestyle).

Other menu items like Peanut Butter Toast and Pasta

• The Fortune Centre outlet introduced Peanut Butter Toast and Pasta, broadening the menu beyond the original staples (Bao Er Cafe’s official page).

The pattern: The core duo—Hokkien Mee and Kaya Toast—stays consistent across outlets, but new locations test the brand’s ability to maintain quality while expanding.

Who is the owner of Bao Er Cafe?

Owner’s identity

• The owner’s name is not widely publicised. A blog post from ieatishootipost mentions that “Bao Er and Jeremy” were stationed at the Balestier outlet, suggesting a husband‑and‑wife or family team.
• An Instagram comment cited in the same blog described the pair as “super friendly.”

Family-run business

• The chain appears family‑operated. A Facebook post from 2024 (archived by Worldtraversal) refers to “bao er chain serves delicious hokkien mee,” implying the owner oversees daily operations.

The implication: The brand’s strength rests on word‑of‑mouth, not a personal founder story. For loyal customers, the food speaks louder than a biography.

Where is Bao Er Cafe in Balestier Plaza?

Exact address

• 400 Balestier Road, #02-01, Balestier Plaza, Singapore 329802 (ieatishootipost).
• The café is on the second floor of a 1970s/80s building that Yahoo Style Singapore calls “dingy ol’ Balestier Plaza.”

How to find the cafe on the second floor

• Look for a small staircase near the ground‑floor shops. The unit is tucked away, which adds to its “hidden gem” appeal (Worldtraversal).

“Tucked away on the second floor of dingy ol’ Balestier Plaza.”

Yahoo Style Singapore

The catch: The obscure location is part of the charm, but first‑time visitors should expect to hunt a little—signage is minimal.

Where is the new Bao Er Cafe outlet in Holland Village?

Address and opening date

• 24A Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277681 (CNA Lifestyle).
• Opened 1 July 2025 (CNA Lifestyle).
• Operating hours: 7:00 am–10:00 pm daily (CNA Lifestyle).

Comparison with Balestier outlet

• Same menu, but prices are slightly higher—S$8.80 for Hokkien Mee and S$6 for kaya toast vs S$8 and S$5 at Balestier (CNA Lifestyle).
• The Holland Village space is larger and less cramped than the Balestier unit (CNA Lifestyle).

“Been seeing Bao Er Cafe all over my page, with people raving about both the kaya toast and the hokkien mee.”

Instagram user (via ieatishootipost)

Why this matters: The Holland Village branch proves the concept can scale beyond the original hole‑in‑the‑wall, but the higher prices may test value‑seeking fans.

What is the menu and price at Bao Er Cafe?

Hokkien Mee and Kaya Toast prices

• Balestier: Hokkien Mee S$8, Kaya Toast set S$5 (CNA Lifestyle).
• Holland Village: Hokkien Mee S$8.80, Kaya Toast set S$6 (CNA Lifestyle).

Other dishes

• Peanut Butter Toast and Pasta are available only at Fortune Centre (Bao Er Cafe’s official page).
• The Bao Er Cafe homepage also lists a Novena Gardens location, though details are sparse.

Price range per person

• Based on available prices, a meal with drink costs around S$8–12 per person (Worldtraversal).

The trade‑off: Narrow menu means limited variety, but the two signature items are executed well enough to keep queues forming.

For Singapore foodies, the takeaway is straightforward: each outlet delivers the same beloved duo of wok‑fried noodles and kaya toast, though at slightly different prices and settings. The Balestier original offers the lowest cost and most authentic hole‑in‑the‑wall feel; Holland Village provides more comfort; Fortune Centre adds novelty sides. For a first‑time visitor on a budget, the choice is clear: head to Balestier before the queues stretch further.