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Bak Kut Teh Singapore
Bak Kut Teh is a dish that originated in the Jiangnan region of China. The dish has been adopted by other countries and cultures, with different variations made to it depending on where it is eaten. Bak Kut Teh can be considered a comfort food for many people, especially during the colder months. So if you are looking for some good Bak Kut Teh in Singapore, then these 8 restaurants should be your first stop!
Key Consideration Factors
- Type of Bak Kut Teh: There are different types of Bak Kut Teh, such as Teochew-style, Hokkien-style, and Malaysian-style. Consider which type you prefer and look for a restaurant that specializes in it.
- Location: Consider the location of the restaurant and how easy it is to get there. Is it near public transportation or parking facilities?
- Price: Check out the prices of the dishes on the menu and see if they fit your budget.
- Quality of Ingredients: The quality of ingredients used can greatly affect the taste of the dish. Look for restaurants that use fresh and high-quality ingredients.
- Taste: Of course, one of the most important factors is the taste! Read reviews from other customers or ask friends for recommendations.
- Service: Good service can greatly enhance your dining experience. Look for restaurants with friendly staff who are attentive to your needs.
- Ambience: The ambience of a restaurant can also affect your enjoyment of the meal. Consider whether you prefer a casual or formal setting, and whether you want a quiet or lively atmosphere.
- Halal Certification: If you’re looking for halal options, make sure to check whether the restaurant has halal certification.
Best Bak Kut Teh Singapore
1. Joo Siah Bak Kut Teh
| Key Service | Teochew-Style BKT |
| Website | https://joosiahbkt.oddle.me/en_SG/ |
| Address | Blk 349 Jurong East Avenue 1, #01-1215, Kai Xiang Food Centre, Singapore 600349 |
| Phone | +65 9111 8129 |
| Operating Hours | Tue-Sun 8am to 7:15pm |
Joo Siah Bak Koot Teh, a Teochew-style BKT shop in Jurong East, is known to Westsiders. It’s run by Mr Chua, who previously worked as a risk analyst and is the second generation of his family to operate the business. Their current selection features family recipes that have been fine-tuned over the years.
We loved their Prime Ribs Bak Kut Teh ($8.50), which features two delicate prime ribs cooked in a spicy, garlicky sauce. Double the meaty richness with their Pig Trotters ($5.50), served in a fragrant sauce. Get You tiao ($1) on the side to mop up all of the soup and gravy.
Key Differentiators
- Offers a variety of items
- Teochew-Style BKT
- Affordable & Tasty
Customer Testimonial
“This was one of the best Bak Kut Teh in the western region of Singapore. This is the one with peppery Bak Kut Teh flavour (instead of the herbal type), offering 2 different types of ribs. On top of these, they also offered other dishes such as mixed pork organ soup (with their peppery soup base), braised pork belly (very tender pork, nicely stewed in a dark sauce), beancurd skin, peanuts, preserved vegestables, youtiao (fried dough stick). I remembered one time when we asked for refill of the soup – only to be told to check with them later as the soup is being cooked. Such is their commitment to quality. 🙂 Highly recommended Bak Kut Teh experience.”
2. Outram Park Ya Hua Rou Gu Cha
| Key Service | Quality Ingredients Utilised |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/YaHuaBKT/ |
| Address | 7 Keppel Rd, #01-05/07, Singapore 089053 |
| Phone | 6222 9610 |
| outramyahua@gmail.com | |
| Operating Hours | Tue-Sun 7am to 11:30pm |
The restaurant, located at Outram Park Ya Hua Rou Gu Cha, is run by an ex-employee of Ng Ah Sio, another well-known bak kut teh brand in Singapore. Today, this modest eatery has three locations, but I always visit their flagship at Keppel Road.
Fresh Fish Sliced Soup ($8+), which offers a run for the money of most fish soup stalls, is another must-try. Their premium tea collection, which is priced at $4+ and includes tie guan yin and xiao yue gan to enhance your bak kut teh experience, is their most expensive option.
Key Differentiators
- Operated by an ex professional chef
- 3 Distinct Locations
Customer Testimonial
“This is a non air-conditioning restaurant, so those of you who needs the blasts from aircons should give this a miss. Otherwise this restaurant rewards you with great food.
I don’t care too much for the pork ribs, but the aide dishes are wickedly good. The braised peanuts, dau gua, dau poke, salted vegetables, you tiao, zicai soup are dishes I swear by.
It’s a pleasure forme to dine here, but be warned that some dishes do run out. So having lunch here is my best best.
There are other branches and sister restaurantsif you need air-conditioning. Look for their main branch at Havelock road and the sister restaurant Tuan Yuan at Kim Tian road.”
3. Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh
| Key Service | Prominent BKT Store |
| Website | https://www.ngahsio.com/en/home |
| Address | 08 Rangoon Road, Hong Building, Singapore 218453 |
| Phone | 6291 4537 |
| Operating Hours | Daily 9am to 9pm |
Ngeh Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh is a prominent BKT vendor on Rangoon Road, and its history dates back to the 1950s. Since moving to their current location in 1988, it’s become a household name among Singaporeans, with over a million bowls sold since then.
The Premium Loin Ribs Soup ($11.80) is highly recommended, which may be eaten with rice or mee sua. This restaurant’s Fish Maw Soup ($10.80) and Home-Made Ngoh Hiang ($10) are two of its most popular dishes.
Key Differentiators
- Reputable & Well Known
- Offers a wide variety of dishes
Customer Testimonial
“Agree with the comment that the pork rib can be hard, and considering this is for the expensive item. Nevertheless the soup is their saving grace. The large intestine is very good and tender.”
4. Balestier Bak Kut Teh
| Key Service | Traditional & Reputable Brand |
| Website | https://www.balestierbakkutteh.com/ |
| Address | 365/369 Balestier Road, Singapore 329785 |
| Phone | 6951 4798 |
| Operating Hours | Daily 24 hours |
Balestier Bak Kut Teh, which has been in operation since 1966 and is now run by the third generation of owners, is among Singapore’s oldest teahouses. Apart from the usual Spare Ribs Soup ($7), their Red Wine Glutinous Wine Chicken ($6) is a must-try because this old favourite is difficult to find in Singapore nowadays.
Furthermore, the restaurant serves zi char dishes like Thai Style Squid ($16) and Cereal Prawns ($20), which go great with rice. Here you can satisfy your hunger pangs as they are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week!
Key Differentiators
- Well versed by many elderly people in Singapore
- Affordable Priced Food
- Available 24/7
Customer Testimonial
“Ordered on their website for pickup because of restrictions in dine-in. All still hot and tasty when we got home. The premium loin ribs and pork slices were soft and tender. Soup was peppery yet easy to drink. Braised large intestines were also not overly chewy and clean. Will come back again!”
5. Tuan Yuan Pork Ribs Soup
| Key Service | Quality Pork Ribs Soup |
| Website | https://tuanyuan.sg/ |
| Address | 127 Kim Tian Road, #01-01, Singapore 160127 |
| Phone | 6684 0123 |
| Operating Hours | Mon-Fri 11am to 2:30pm, 5pm to 9:30pm, Sat-Sun 11am to 9:30pm |
Ardent fans of Outram Park Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh may rejoice about Tuan Yuan Pork Ribs Soup, which is served at this stall run by the Gwee siblings, whose father created the well-known BKT brand at Keppel.
The restaurant demands that all of the meat be fresh, not frozen. This may explain why their Premium Spare Ribs Soup ($12++) is only available in small quantities.
Another popular dish is the Braised Pork Belly Bun ($16++), as well as Steamed Threadfin Fish Tail In Teochew Style, which costs slightly higher depending on the season.
Key Differentiators
- Many Popular Dishes served here
- Teochew Style cooked food
Customer Testimonial
“I’m quite the BKT connoisseur (self-proclaimed) hee. But I’ve not come across any restaurant serving 3 levels of spiciness of the soup, And topping up your soup with the commensurating level after you used up the soup… Again & again.
Service was tip top. From the waiting staff to the cashier.
The air con help to maintain your comfort as you surpe the soup.
BKT is firstly about the soup & the meat comes after; Both of these Tuan Yuan excelled at. Cologen richness with succulent Ribs. Simply hard to beat.
The reason a 5 Stars is accorded is that all other favourite dishes we ordered were tip top, quality, freshness & taste. Of note is the steam threat in fish tail.
Please do try this dish. Teochew steam fish, 2 thumbs up!”
6. Jia Bin Klang Bak Kut Teh
| Key Service | Malaysian-Style Bak Kut Teh |
| Website | https://jiabinbakkutteh.com/ |
| Address | 62 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218352 |
| Phone | 6900 7708 |
| mbfood32@gmail.com | |
| Operating Hours | Mon, Wed-Fri 10am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm, Sat-Sun 10am to 10pm |
Jia Bin Klang Bak Kut Teh (also located at Rangoon Road) is a Malaysian-style bak kut teh worth visiting in Singapore. Their characteristic Jia Bin Bak Kut Teh ($8.80) has an herbaceous broth that’s been simmered with a range of herbs and spices.
Consider the Jia Bin Dry Bak Kut Teh (from $8.80) and Jia Bin Spicy Pork Belly (from $8.80), which are both immersed in a similar dark gravy, lightly seasoned with dried chilies for dry-style meats.
Key Differentiators
- Malaysian-Style Dishes
- Affordable rates & prices
- Serves a wide variety of dishes
Customer Testimonial
“Visited the shop multiple times. The taste is really similar to the taste we had in Malaysia. The soup and dry both are delicious.
If you go during lunch or dinner time please expect a 30-40mins waiting time. But the food served really fast, they prepared the food in advance before your table is ready. Will definitely go back again. Strong recommended”
7. Leong Kee Bak Kut Teh
| Key Service | Herbal & Dry Klang Bak Kut Teh |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/Leong-Kee-Bak-Kut-Teh-SG-geylang-111714140489344/ |
| Address | 251 Geylang Road, Singapore 389309 |
| Phone | 9380 1718 |
| Operating Hours | Daily 11am to 9:30pm |
Malaysian bak kut teh is difficult to come by in Singapore, so we’re grateful for Leong Kee (Klang) Bak Kut Teh, which offers herbal and dry klang BKT.
The soup costs $7 and is made with an aromatic herbal broth overflowing with pork ribs, lettuce, and the classic fried beancurd skin. Their Dry Bak Kut Teh ($10.50) is fantastic as well, combining pork ribs in a savory dark soya sauce. Get the Fried Chicken With Shrimp Paste ($6.50), as these make for moreish bites alongside your BKT.
Key Differentiators
- Affordable & Delicious meals
- Tons of amazing side dishes
- Malaysian-Style Dishes
Customer Testimonial
“It’s beyond my expectations, probably due to many places I tried which always disappointing. This place is good especially the dry version. Thier soup is good and thick too, but not very lingering herbal taste. Definitely is a good place to eat Malaysia version Bak Kut Teh.”
8. Nanjing Street Bak Kut Teh
| Key Service | Operated by an Ex Famous Chef |
| Address | 1 Kadayanallur Street, #01-89, Maxwell Food Centre, Singapore 069184 |
| Operating Hours | Tue-Sun 7am to 3pm |
Nanjing Street Bak Kut Teh has over 80 years of history, as the proprietor is an ex-employee of the now-defunct Ong Say Bak Kut Teh, Singapore’s oldest BKT restaurant. This vendor uses Ong Say’s original recipes, so you may savor Hokkien BKT that is as genuine as it gets.
The black soy sauce that Ong Say used is again used in the Bak Kut Teh (from $4), which features a dark herbal broth made with the same black soy sauce as before. Apart from their standard BKT served with ribs, their Pig’s Kidney Soup (from $5) is also highly recommended, and it includes firm kidney pieces prepared with their signature broths.
Key Differentiators
- Prepared by a chef with tons of professional experience
- Oldest Bak Kut Teh Restaurant in Singapore
- Offers tons of dishes
Customer Testimonial
“It’s boiled for a long time, so it’s good for bones.
Finally, we eat rice and eat it.
It’s like a traditional Chinese medicine dish, but the soup is here
It is clearer.”
Bak Kut Teh Singapore
Bak Kut Teh, a pork rib soup dish that is popular in Singapore, can be found at various restaurants throughout the country. Some of the best places to find this traditional meal include Rangoon Road, Balestier Bak Kut Teh, Tuan Yuan Pork Ribs Soup, Jia Bin Klang Bak Kut Teh, and Leong Kee Bak Kut Teh. Each restaurant has its own unique spin on this classic soup dish, so it’s worth trying out several different establishments to see which one you like best.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you have any questions about Bak Kut Teh in Singapore, you can refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the best Bak Kut Teh Singapore below:
Who is the founder of Bak Kut Teh in Singapore?
The founder Bak Kut Teh in Singapore is not known for sure, but it is believed to have been brought over by Chinese immigrants from Fujian province in China. You can check the best bak kut teh place in Singapore by searching online using the “best bak kut teh near me” like Hok Lai with their signature Hok Lai’s soup, and Hock Lai Bak Kut Teh Klang with their darker soup broth.
What are some common ingredients found in Bak Kut Teh?
Bak Kut Teh typically consists of pork ribs simmered in a broth made with a variety of herbs and spices, such as garlic, pepper, and star anise. Other common ingredients include braised egg, chilli padi (small spicy chili peppers), yau char kuai {dough fritters), pu er, and braised beancurd.
What is the best way to enjoy Bak Kut Teh?
There’s no one “right” way to enjoy Bak Kut Teh – it all depends on your personal preferences! Some people like to eat it with rice or noodles during breakfast, while others prefer to dip their dough fritters directly into the broth. Many people also like to add a few drops of soy sauce, pepper, or vinegar for extra flavor of peppery taste. There is the Teochew version with a stronger and darker broth compared to the typical light flavor that tastes good even from first sip to the last morsel.
Is Bak Kut Teh spicy?
It can be! The level of spiciness can vary depending on how much chilli padi is added to the broth. If you’re sensitive to spice, you may want to ask for less chilli when ordering.
Can I find vegetarian or halal versions of Bak Kut Teh?
Yes, there are vegetarian and halal versions of Bak Kut Teh available at some restaurants. Instead of pork ribs, these versions typically use mushrooms or other meat substitutes as the main ingredient.
Additional Useful Articles
If you are looking for other useful guides and articles about Bak Kut Teh in Singapore, check them out below:
