The Ultimate Guide to the Best Shiopan or Sogeum-Ppang Around KL & PJ
Worth their salt
We give you the scoop on where to find some of the best shiopan and sogeum-ppang (AKA salt bread) around KL and PJ.
We’ve all seen it on our social media feeds and perhaps in the bread displays of our favourite cafés. Salty, fluffy, and crunchy on the bottom, the beloved Japanese shiopan (or sogeum-ppang for those of you who prefer its Korean name) has become all the rage in the world of bread. Its name literally translates to “salt bread”, which gives you a very clear idea of what it’s all about.
While it is relatively straightforward to make, it can be difficult to perfect. So what exactly is shiopan composed of? Well, it all starts with a simple dough of water, flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. After kneading and proofing, the roll is then shaped with a small piece of butter inside. As it bakes, the butter melts and creates a crispy bottom as it “fries” the dough in the pan. The result is an irresistible, crusty-on-the-outside, pillowy-on-the-inside, and slightly salty bite—one just won’t be enough. Since we’ve got you senses piqued, here are some of our favourite spots about KL & PJ, where you can your hands on some solid shiopan.
1. KLCG
This reliable city-centre favourite is a go-to for locals and tourists alike for its fresh, flaky, and fluffy bakes. If the weekly crowd at its doors is anything to go by, you know you’re in for a treat no matter what your order looks like. However, you’d be missing out on some good shiopan should you leave them out of your lineup. Golden and oh, so buttery, these little morsels of joy will be sure to take care of your shiopan needs right in the heart of KL.
Addresses:
- Jalan Ampang: 204A, Jln Ampang, Kampung Datuk Keramat, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
- Medan Pasar: 2, Medan Pasar, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours:
- Jalan Ampang: 8am to 8pm (daily)
- Medan Pasar: 8am to 8pm (daily)
Contact:
- Jalan Ampang: +6012 389 3907
- Medan Pasar: +603 2022 3272
2. PROVISIONS
One of Petaling Jaya’s trustiest spots for baked goods, Provisions is a laidback spot that is all about making sure you leave its space well-fed. Recently, its baking team has also included shiopan in its lineup. Simple and all-around satisfying, its version of the bread is best enjoyed with a hot coffee in hand and, perhaps, a sweet treat waiting.
Address: 49, Jalan SS 22/23, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: 8am to 5.30pm (daily)
Contact: +6011 1180 1220
3. UNIVERSAL BAKEHOUSE
Universal Bakehouse has become one of the area’s most raved about spots when it comes to baked goods. Its shiopan is no exception to the praise, coming in a range of flavours to suit your fancy. Other than the plain saltbread, it also has other flavour options such as seaweed, spiced tomato, and truffle available. Obviously, it’s best eaten toasted alongside other treats from their bread display!
Address:
- Damansara Kim: 21, Jalan SS 20/11, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya
- The Campus Ampang: G-24, The Campus Ampang, Jalan Kolam Air Lama, Mukim, Hulu Kelang, 68800 Ampang
Opening hours:
- Damansara Kim: 8am to 5pm (daily)
- The Campus Ampang: 8am to 8pm (daily)
Contact:
- The Campus Ampang: +6011 3332 7581
4. KEFI KOHI
For a shiopan treat in a simple, laidback space, Kefi Kohi is the supreme choice. The saltbread here is made exactly how it was meant to be: fluffy with a crust and delightfully salty. Its garlic herb shiopan is also worth trying for some variety. This spot got its start as a mobile coffeehouse making pop-up appearances, which means you shouldn’t leave a cuppa out of your order too.
Address: 44b, Jalan 19/3, Seksyen 19, 46300 Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: 12pm to 8pm (Monday & Thursday) | 11am to 10pm (Friday to Sunday)
Contact: +6011 2322 8963
5. DOU DOU BAKE
When looking for pastries and good coffee in the PJ area, Dou Dou Bake is an obvious choice for many locals. Set within a dreamy garden with minimalist interiors to match, it has proved itself as one of the most reliable spots for sourdough bakes, sweet tarts, creative pastries, and now, shiopan. Available in just one flavour, it is the ultimate definition of a simple pleasure. Those in the Taman Paramount area can also find them at One Half Coffee, alongside members of its baked troop.
Address: 38, Jalan SS 4C/5, Taman Rasa Sayang, 47301 Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: 7.30 am to 6 pm (daily)
Contact: +6011 6963 5817
6. KONA BAKEHOUSE
While Kona Bakehouse in SS2 keeps things simple, its bakes are anything but. Packed with buttery goodness, the shiopan has garnered a steady following of its own, standing out amongst its vast array of bites. It also offers a chocolate version for those who want to switch things up a little.
Address: 49, Jalan SS 2/30, SS2, 47300 Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: 8am to 5pm (daily)
Contact: +6016 200 5541
7. UNSALTED BUTTER
Unsalted Butter is known for its adorable Korean-inspired bakes, ranging from colourful buttercream cakes to fluffy sponge cakes. Aside from the sweet treats, however, its shiopan has slowly garnered a following of its own. Available in a wide range of flavours such as mentaiko egg and lemon, these buttery bites of joy will be a welcome addition to any table.
Address: AG01-11, Eve Suites, Jalan PJU 1A/41, Taman Putra Damai, 47301 Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: 10am to 9pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
Contact: +6016 601 1171
8. BREW & BAKE
Lightly salted and perfectly golden brown, the shiopan at Brew & Bake has quickly become one of the favourites in the area. These little rolls have found the sweet spot between crispy and chewy, ensuring your cravings are taken care of properly.
Address: 25-1, Jalan PJU 5/15 Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: 7.30am to 6pm
Contact: +603 6158 6668
9. FLYING SOLO
You know a shiopan is good when its bottom is perfectly crusted over, thanks to the butter bath it sits in while baking. At Flying Solo, you’ll get exactly that. This microbakery and specialty coffee hotspot is cosy and inviting—the perfect place to start your mornings. Here, you can have your shiopan with a side of the early morning sun and a freshly brewed cuppa.
Address: 6A, Jalan H 3, Taman Melawati, 53100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 8am to 7pm (Tuesday to Thursday) | 8am to 1pm & 2.30pm to 8pm (Friday) | 9am to 8pm (Saturday & Sunday)
Contact: +603 4107 1601
10. BARCOOK
If you happen to be strolling around The Gardens Mall, SS5, or Bangsar South and find yourself in need of a little treat, head straight for Barcook Bakery. Oh, so soft with a touch of saltiness, these golden shiopan rolls come in five different flavours, including ikan bilis and even kaya.
Address:
- The Gardens Mall: LG-225, Lower Ground Floor, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 58000, Kuala Lumpur
- The Sphere Bangsar South: UG-7, The Sphere, Bangsar South City, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
- Petaling Jaya: 4 & 6, Jalan SS5b/2, SS5, 47301 Petaling Jaya
Opening hours:
- The Gardens Mall: 10am to 10pm (daily)
- The Sphere Bangsar South: 8am to 9pm (daily)
- Petaling Jaya: 8am to 6pm (daily)
Contact:
- The Gardens Mall: +603 2201 4075
- The Sphere Bangsar South: +603 2732 0821
11. ADOUGH
While they’ve perfected the art of making sourdough, ADOUGH makes some pretty mean rolls of shiopan too. Here, the shiopan is perfectly crispy on the outside, while light and buttery on the inside. If you’re looking for a shiopan around that is true to its origins, then make a beeline for ADOUGH. However, do note that its shiopan is only available on weekends—and they run out fast!
Address: Unit GL-5, Agile BB-TRX by ASTRA, 3, Jalan Delima, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 8.30am to 4.30pm (Wednesday to Monday)
Contact: WhatsApp +6018 916 8366
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