Founded in 1988 by Yap Peng Wah, Tanjong Rhu Pau, a beloved Singapore heritage brand synonymous with handmade paus for over 30 years, is entering a new chapter as it expands its footprint across the island while staying firmly rooted in its time-honoured craft. Known for freshly made steamed paus handcrafted daily using family recipes and traditional techniques, with char siew fillings prepared over a traditional charcoal grill, the brand is bringing its signature offerings to more communities with new kiosks at Food Republic at Mandai and Food Junction at Bishan Junction 8.
Long before the age of social media, Tanjong Rhu Pau built its reputation through word-of-mouth. It became affectionately known among taxi drivers and loyal customers as the shop “without paus in the steamers”, as freshly made batches often sold out almost immediately after leaving the kitchen.
The Making of Tanjong Rhu Pau
Tanjong Rhu Pau began with its founder, Yap Peng Wah, who first learned the craft of pau-making at just 18 years old in the 1960s. Raised in a food-trade family, Yap honed his early skills at his father’s coffeeshop, Chin Sin Huan Eating House, an establishment that continues to operate today at 7 Jalan Batu. Immersed in the rhythms of the kitchen from a young age, he developed a deep respect for craftsmanship, consistency, and honest flavours. Determined to refine his technique, Yap later apprenticed under a seasoned pau master at Old Airport Road, where he deepened his understanding of dough, fillings, and the delicate balance required to produce paus that were both light and flavourful.
In 1988, Yap took a pivotal step forward with a business partner, marking the official founding of Tanjong Rhu Pau. Together, they introduced mini bite-sized paus, a first in Singapore at the time. Designed for convenience without compromising on flavour, these smaller paus quickly set the brand apart and struck a chord with customers. Hugely popular throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Mini Char Siew Pau became one of Tanjong Rhu Pau’s most recognisable signatures, cementing its reputation as a trailblazer in traditional pau-making.
Expansion Across Singapore
As the brand gained a loyal following, Tanjong Rhu Pau gradually expanded its presence across Singapore. In 1996, it opened a second outlet at Thomson Road, later relocating to its current Balestier home at 611 Balestier Road in 2020. Another outlet followed in 1998 at Lorong 21 Geylang, which later moved to 389 Guillemard Road in 2008.
In more recent years, the brand also introduced kiosk formats at Great World and Tampines Mall, extending its reach to new neighbourhoods while remaining firmly rooted in its handmade philosophy.
The Next Generation Upholding Tradition
Today, the legacy of Tanjong Rhu Pau is carried forward by the second generation, siblings Yap Wei Jie and Yap Hsiao Cheng. They are dedicated to preserving the family’s handmade pau heritage while introducing it to a new generation of fans. Wei Jie plays a notably hands-on role on the ground, working closely with the pau-making masters to ensure that every pau continues to meet the brand’s exacting standards.
His dedication to the craft was tested during a serious pau-making accident that nearly cost him his hand, from which he retained approximately 90% of its function when amputation was a real possibility. The experience, permanently marked by a tattoo bearing the date and a meaningful line, stands as a quiet yet powerful reflection of his resilience and long-term commitment to the family trade.
Tanjong Rhu Pau today stands as a testament to a lifelong dedication to craft, where time-honoured techniques, thoughtful innovation, and family tradition come together. Each pau carries not just flavour, but the story of a heritage built patiently over decades, guided by the belief that good food, made with care, has the power to endure across generations.
Craftsmanship & Quality
At the heart of Tanjong Rhu Pau is an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. Every pau is handcrafted daily by skilled pau masters, with pioneer staff still part of the team to ensure that traditional techniques and consistent flavours are preserved. The greatest investment lies in safeguarding the art of pau-making, anchored by a prized 30-year-old mother dough that gives the pau skin its signature softness and gentle chew. Pau-making is a highly technical craft that demands precision in fermentation, filling balance and steaming, skills that take years to master.
The paus are filled with in-house roasted, charcoal-grilled char siew, prepared with a proprietary sauce that delivers rich aroma, depth of flavour, and a subtle touch of wok hei. The result is a perfectly balanced bite — soft, fluffy skin encasing tender, succulent meat, carefully portioned for an ideal skin-to-meat ratio. First introduced as bite-sized paus, these Mini Char Siew Paus have become a defining hallmark of the brand, offering a convenient and flavourful snack without compromising quality.
For customers who want to enjoy the same heritage taste at home, Tanjong Rhu Pau is available fresh in-store or as chilled takeaway, keeping for up to three days in the chiller or up to ten days in the freezer. With a simple steam, the handcrafted quality is preserved, allowing anyone to savour the same artisanal paus that have been delighting Singaporeans for over 30 years.
A New Chapter
Marking a new chapter in its heritage journey, Tanjong Rhu Pau is set to expand its footprint from Q1 2026 onwards with the opening of two new kiosks, bringing its beloved handmade paus to more communities across Singapore. This growth allows longtime fans and new customers alike to experience the brand’s time-honoured flavours, handcrafted daily with the same dedication and care.
As part of this expansion, the existing Takashimaya outlet will be officially rebranded from Chin Sin Huan to Tanjong Rhu Pau, unifying the brand under a single, recognisable identity. The upcoming kiosks will be located at Food Republic at Mandai and Food Junction at Bishan Junction 8, each maintaining the meticulous standards of craftsmanship and quality that have defined the brand for over 30 years.
Alongside the physical expansion, all locations will debut revamped takeaway packaging and a refreshed logo, thoughtfully designed to modernise the brand’s visual identity while staying true to its rich heritage. This evolution reflects Tanjong Rhu Pau’s commitment to preserving tradition while sharing its handmade paus with a new generation of Singaporeans.
Special Promotion: Buy 8 Get 2 Free Char Siew Pau
To celebrate its new chapter, Tanjong Rhu Pau is offering a limited-time promotion: buy 8 Char Siew Paus and get 2 free.
- Promotion period: 1 – 31 March 2026
- Limited to one set per customer, while stocks last
- Valid at all Tanjong Rhu Pau shopfronts and kiosks, including the new Food Junction at Bishan Junction 8
- Not available at Food Republic at Mandai
