After 131 years in KL, he refuses to let his great-grandfather’s Chinatown pastry house die

Despite the shifting tides of modernity, tucked in KL’s ever-bustling Chinatown, is Bunn Choon, a century-old restaurant. Flaunting tradition, resilience, and perseverance, this beloved fixture is renowned for its comforting dim sum, classic Chinese pastries, and legendary egg tarts.

Despite weathering numerous challenges, Bunn Choon continues to thrive with the founder’s grandson, Wong Kok Tong, taking the lead.

Image Credit: Vee Thavee (Google Reviews)

The history behind Bunn Choon

Established in 1893, this gem has survived two world wars, and the Japanese occupation.

Today, the restaurant boasts a sunny, yellow exterior, standing bold in all it has to offer.

Currently helmed by a fourth-generation owner, this was no stroke of luck. In the early 2000s, rental forced Bunn Choon’s doors closed, for good—or so they thought.

Feeling a profound sense of loss, Kok Tong took matters into his own hands and set up a humble stall right in front of the shop where he sold flaky Chinese pastries. He also sold his goods at morning and night markets, trying his best to gain some additional income.

Last year, all his effort and persistence paid off, when he was able to reopen Bunn Choon, in style. The present two-storey shop is only a 10-minute walk to where the old restaurant used to be.

Even though I don’t know Kok Tong personally, I feel a sense of pride as I convey his relentless spirit and much-deserved success. His great-grandfather, Kee Swee, would be proud, as the restaurant now bustles with energy and happy tummies six days a week.

Image Credit: Belle Bhyakul & YW Lau (Google Reviews)

Bunn Choon was initially just a tea house back in the day. Having expanded their menu, they now specialise in dim sum, Chinese pastries, and scrumptious egg tarts, a recipe they picked up in Hong Kong. During the mid-autumn festival, they even have in-house-made mooncakes on the menu.

Image Credit: Happy Bird (Google Reviews)

Its interior, however, is still reminiscent of a traditional tea house, a charming anachronism, with blue wooden shutters and marble tables. It looks like the wooden coffee shops that you can still find dotted around Penang island. It is a space that will give you a deep sense of nostalgia and comfort, as you dig into their offerings.

Image Credit: Julian H (Google Reviews)

Irresistible offerings since 1893

131 years later, Bunn Choon not only represents a bridge between generations, but also remains a much-cherished establishment that preserves culinary heritage and quality, delighting locals and visitors alike.

Balancing quality and affordability, they have an array of dim sum, Chinese pastries, and egg tarts, that are made fresh daily and served piping hot. The pan-fried radish cake appears to be a crowd-favourite, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

Image Credit: Robert Wu & Calvin (Google Reviews)

Reviews rave about the egg tarts and the salted egg yolk custard bao, two comforting and classic treats done right. Fresh pastries include char siew pie, kaya puff, deep fried taro, chicken floss pastry, and so much more.

Image Credit: Nicole Foo (Google Reviews)

Despite its limited dim sum variety, every item they do have available, is devoured and enjoyed by customers. Each variety has been crafted with meticulous detail, ensuring freshness, a burst of flavour, and a little twist of uniqueness.

The limited dim sum menu allows the restaurant to focus on perfecting each offering, resulting in consistently satisfying and flavourful meals. The portions are pretty generous and they have a selection of rice and noodle dishes for those who love their carbs.

KL’s hidden gem

With its nostalgic tea house charm and delectable offerings, Bunn Choon appears to be an ideal spot for a hearty breakfast or brunch with family. Unfortunately, this also means that it does tend to get quite crowded, especially on the weekends. Longer wait times and longer queues, sigh.

For a taste of their legendary goods though? It’s worth the wait. Since it’s only a 5-minute walk from the Pasar Seni MRT station, you don’t even have to worry about parking.

In a time where relentless modernity often overshadows the past, Kok Tong’s unwavering dedication to continue his great grandfather’s work, stands as a reminder of the value of tradition, especially in the culinary world.

This 139-year-old pastry house is not merely another restaurant, but a time capsule—giving patrons a chance to savour century-old recipes and celebrate the struggles this legacy has endured.

Image Credit: Jacqueline Law & Biance C (Google Reviews)

It is surprising to me that not many people seem to talk about this pastry house in KL. Yet, it has nearly a thousand reviews on Google. The regulars have clearly been gatekeeping, but the cat’s out of the bag. Looking to enjoy some timeless, classic recipes? You know where to go.