Keng Wan Hing Pork Bao

Continuing our wandering along Jalan Gaya after Yee Fung, we decided to stop by Keng Wan Hing, a well-known name in Kota Kinabalu (since 1984) for its bao and traditional Chinese bao and baked items. This humble establishment has been serving generations of locals, and it still retains its old-school charm, drawing in customers from all walks of life.

One thing that stood out immediately was the man at the counter—his ability to switch between languages effortlessly was impressive. In the short time we were there, he conversed fluently in Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hakka, engaging with different customers like it was second nature. It added to the lively, communal feel of the place, a reminder of how multicultural Sabah truly is.

I opted for the pork bao (RM2.50), a classic choice. The bun-to-filling ratio was balanced—some might argue it could use more meat, but I found it just right. The important thing was the taste, and it delivered. The filling featured tender chunks of pork, seasoned well and paired with a bit of hard-boiled egg, which added texture and richness. The bun itself was soft and fluffy, the kind that holds together well without being too doughy.

Overall, Keng Wan Hing is a good stop if you’re craving traditional baos or Chinese confectionery in Kota Kinabalu.