Foodie Flashcards: Pineapple Bun

Although it is known as “pineapple bun”, the traditional version contains no pineapple. The name originated from the fact that its sugary top crust is cooked to a golden-brown color, and because its checkered top resembles the top layer of a pineapple. The top of the pineapple bun (the part which resembles a pineapple) is made of a dough similar to that used to make sugar cookies, which consists of sugar, eggs and flour. It is crunchy and quite sweet compared to the bread underneath. The bread dough underneath is the same used in Chinese style Western breads, which is a softer and sweeter dough compared to Western breads. It is popular with breakfast or afternoon tea. In June 2014, the Hong Kong Government listed the pineapple bun as a part of Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage.