There’s a new best hot cross bun in Auckland

Breaking news for those who just want a really good, classic hot cross bun.

“This is the best hot cross bun I’ve ever had.”

“I don’t usually like hot cross buns but fuck that was good.”

Just two of the many overhead comments in The Spinoff office this morning after I announced that there were hot cross buns in the kitchen but didn’t specify where they were from. The Spinoff employees are not afraid to share their honest opinions and their unprompted enthusiasm for this particular offering confirmed my suspicion that there’s a new best hot cross bun in town* (*Auckland, sorry everywhere else).

Enter: Beabea’s bakery in Westmere.

Full disclosure, I’m aware that Beabea’s made hot cross buns last year too but at that time the bakery had only been open a few months so I would excuse anyone (me) who didn’t catch on immediately and only learned of its prowess in the bun department last week. 

Now on to the bun. 

The best way I can describe a Beabea’s hot cross bun is that it is ordinary, elevated. Too often we are forced to choose between a supermarket bun and a bakery bun. Which means choosing between a cheap-classic-but-not-that-great bun or an expensive-and-with-a-twist boutique bun. Sometimes you just want a classic hot cross bun that’s baked exceptionally well and now you can have it, thanks to Beabea’s.

Beabea’s hot cross buns taste like if a supermarket bun had a glow-up, and I mean that as a compliment. There’s no custard cross, no heavy glaze, no toppings or quirky additions. It’s just a really good hot cross bun.

The bun is substantial without being a towering monstrosity (I’ve written before about hot cross buns getting too tall) and maintains enough moisture to be eaten untoasted. There’s a very healthy serving of soaked fruits, with a stunning orange that’s not overpowering. The top – typically the area that’s the first to feel stale or overcooked – is soft and giving.

The fact that these buns can be eaten and enjoyed both without toasting and without butter is a testament to them being simply leagues ahead of your average supermarket offering. 

You might think I’m waxing lyrical about a product that is simply unaffordable. No bun this good would be cheap. And you’re right, Beabea’s buns are $4 each or $22 for six. A supermarket six pack of hot cross buns will never cost you more than $10, but compared to its bakery competitors, Beabea’s buns might actually be the cheapest out there. And I can say from experience that they age well so are technically an investment in your future self.

I have heard on the wind that Beabea’s is baking thousands of hot cross buns a day, so word is evidently spreading of their supremacy. In fact, online pre-orders have already closed for Easter due to high demand, but for those nearby, they are available in-store from 7am and I would recommend heading there early to taste the best hot cross bun in Auckland, possibly the world. 

And if you find yourself disappointed because they’ve sold out, you’ll still be able to taste an elevated staple in their pink coconut buns.