Crispy at the base, soft and fluffy in the middle, with just enough salt to balance all that butter, shio pan has become one of Singapore’s most popular bakery staples.
Also known as Japanese salt bread, the simple-looking roll has found its way into bakeries across the island, with everything from classic versions to mentaiko, truffle and cream-filled variations now available.
If you are looking for your next shio pan fix, here are five spots in Singapore to add to your bakery list.
1. Butter Town Breakfast Club
Butter Town has become one of the more recognisable names in Singapore’s shio pan scene, starting as a home-based business before expanding to a hawker stall, vending machines and multiple locations. Its latest concept, Butter Town Breakfast Club, is the brand’s first dine-in cafe along South Bridge Road.
The OG Shio Pan is a good place to start, with a fluffy centre, crisp base and buttery middle. The Breakfast Club also carries Butter Town’s largest shio pan selection yet, including garlic cream cheese, mentaiko onion and milk cream, alongside more locally inspired flavours such as kaya butter and kopi.
Address: 261 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058810
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 8.30am to 6pm; Friday to Saturday, 8.30am to 8pm
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2. Kohpan Japanese Bakery
For those who like their shio pan with an especially crisp base, Kohpan Japanese Bakery is one to know.
The bakery specialises in Japanese salt bread, with its Original Shio Pan made using French Lescure butter and French sea salt. The result is a crisp, buttery bottom with a fluffy, slightly chewy centre.
Beyond the original, Kohpan keeps its selection focused with two other core flavours: Fukuoka Mentaiko and Truffle Mushroom. The bakery now has a second takeaway outlet at Kovan, making its shio pan easier to get your hands on without heading to its original Springleaf location.
Kovan address: 981 Upper Serangoon Road, Suites@Kovan, #01-01, Singapore 534729
Opening hours: Daily, 12pm to 8pm
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3. Noci Bakehouse
If you prefer the Korean take on salt bread, Noci Bakehouse brings plenty of options to the table.
Located at Suntec City, the Korean bakery-cafe serves a rotating selection of breads and pastries, with salt bread forming a major part of the line-up. Beyond its classic version, you can find more elaborate variations across the counter, including savoury and sweet combinations.
For something richer, look out for options such as the Myeongran Mayo Salt Bread, topped with a savoury pollock roe mayo and cheese, or the Castella Milk Cream Salt Bread for a sweeter take.
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City Tower 3, #01-604/605, Singapore 038983
Opening hours: Daily from 8.30am
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4. Fat Kid Bakery
Better known for its sourdough bomboloni, Fat Kid Bakery also makes a shio pan worth adding to your order.
Its version leans towards a denser and chewier texture, made with homemade salted butter for a rich, savoury finish. Unlike some shio pans with a large hollow centre, Fat Kid Bakery’s version stays pillowy and substantial throughout. While you are there, the bakery’s signature sourdough bomboloni are another easy addition to the box.
Address: 39 Amoy Street, Singapore 069865
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm; Friday, 9am to 6.30pm; Saturday, 10.30am to 4.30pm; closed Sunday
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5. Pawa Bakery
Pawa Bakery is another convenient option for shio pan, especially with five locations now spread across Singapore.
Its signature Shio Pan is made with Japanese bread flour, salted butter and sea salt, giving it a soft, airy crumb contrasted by a crisp golden base.
There are flavoured versions to look out for too, including the sweet-savoury Honey Garlic Shio Pan and Pistachio Shio Pan. With outlets at Raffles Place, Plaza Singapura, Suntec City, Paya Lebar Quarter and The Star Vista, this is also one of the easier options on the list to pick up around town.
Locations: Raffles Place, Plaza Singapura, Suntec City, Paya Lebar Quarter and The Star Vista
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Whether you prefer yours classic and buttery or filled with something a little more indulgent, these five bakeries offer plenty of ways to get your shio pan fix in Singapore.
Check out our guide to 5 spots every pistachio lover should know in Singapore for your next bakery run.