Lao Po Bing, The Golden Gem of Bau
Every mom in the world would do anything to fulfil their children’s desire. That was what my mom always did for me during my school years when she would always bring my comfort food all the way from the lovely gold town of Bau, which is Lao Po Bing. Lao Po Bing, or known as wife cake, is a traditional Chinese pastry that has been savoured by many throughout ages.
Although this pastry is enjoyed everywhere, Bau’s popular Lao Po Bing is unmatched due to its exceptional quality and extraordinary flavour. Its rich history has made it one of the best local foods in Sarawak and a timeless delight to all generations.
Lao Po Bing is a lively, yellowish golden pastry in a round shape freshly baked from the kitchen of an iconic bakery shop in Bau town, Blue Berry Cake House.
The aromatic smell of warm butter fills the shop and the morning air with a rich, creamy aroma that wafts into the buzzing streets of Tasik Biru.
Every bite into the pastry is greeted with a fulfilling crunch on the outside but delicate and almost ethereal taste on the inside. The luxurious buttery flavour can perfectly indulged anytime at your preference, and it offers the experience of homely comfort and sheer delight from a bakery.
As I indulge in a bite, the taste is extremely divine. Every pastry is coated with a rich, buttery flavour and delicate winter melon flour that is amply complimented by the soft and chewy filling.
Every bite is an experience to be remembered due to its wonderful texture and taste, which makes this Lao Po Bing stand out from other types of Lao Po Bing out there.
Lao Po Bing reminds me of home where I grew up, as I always devoured this dish during my school days. Whenever we went out to the town, it was always a tradition to stop at the bakery to buy some Lao Po Bing to be brought back home.
Lao Po Bing is not just a dish for me, but it is a symbol of the love my parents always gave to me and the cherished memories with my friends that I made along the way.
There was lots of love and connection during these times, along with stories and laughter.
Lao Po Bing is more than just pastry for me. It is a memory, a treasured representation of the love and heritage of my family, friends, and my hometown.
The flaky crunch, the chewy filling, and the comforting fragrance ties together all the memories that I cherish the most.
Lao Po Bing will always be a mouthwatering reminder of my origins, a source of warmth and comfort, and a promise of more wonderful times to come. — DayakDaily
Arthur Atlee Rijem from Bau is recognised as a top ten writer (Adult Category) in the ‘Gastronomy and I: My Favourite Dish’ writing competition organised by DayakDaily and supported by the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, and Imperial Hotel Kuching.
