Bak kut teh is a Chinese soup dish that is one of the most well-loved dishes in Singapore. Literally translated as “meat bone tea”, Bak kut teh consists of meaty pork ribs simmered in a complex broth of spices. They’re a top favourite when it comes to rainy day comfort food, and the best part is there are many different variations to explore in Singapore! Where is your favourite bak kut teh stall? Click here to vote and let us know!
1. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
Starting out as a pushcart in 1967, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh has come a long way since. With several outlets across Asia and Michelin Bib Gourmand awards under its belt, the local eatery continues to serve up piping hot bowls bak kut teh. Its trademark clear peppery soup is made of high quality pork, carefully simmered with fresh garlic and white pepper for long hours. The pork ribs are perfectly fall-off-the-bone and pairs like a dream with some simple black sauce, chilli and white rice.
2. Outram Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh
Founded in 1973, Madam Gwee Peck Hua has worked tirelessly to perfect their Teochew-style bak kut teh recipe. Offering Teochew-style clear and peppery bak kut teh soup, this bak kut teh restaurant used to be a regular supper spot as diners gather here after a night of clubbing and drinking. They no longer operate till late, but a bowl of their classic bak kut teh is just as good in the middle of the day.
3. Sin Heng Claypot Bak Koot Teh
What’s special about Sin Heng is that they serve both Teochew and Hokkien bak but teh, the former being more peppery and the latter being more herbal-based. The shop also operates until 12am so you can come late for their signature Special Bak Kut Teh, served in a claypot with pork spare ribs, innards, vegetables and mushrooms!
4. Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh
Established in 1977, Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh has welcomed many political dignitaries and celebrities through its doors. Today, the brand is synonymous with delicious and authentic bak kut teh and the recipe remains unchanged from when the stall was just a streetside cart. The heritage dish is well-loved by many Singaporeans, and the brand has also released a Bak Kut Teh Spice pack so you can recreate it at home!
5. Heng Heng Bak Kut Teh
Perhaps an unheard of brand for some Singaporeans, the soup Heng Heng serves is neither herbal nor peppery, offering a different approach to the usual bak kut tehs served everywhere else. It’s an old time favourite with a clear-tasting broth that some would say is an acquired taste. Heng Heng has its fair share of regulars who come for their unique bak kut teh as well as a steamed fish dish that they are equally known for!
6. Joo Siah Bak Kut Teh
West-siders may be familiar with the stall and the traditional bak kut teh that they have been serving for decades. The special family recipe calls for premium ingredients to create a flavourful soup and braised pork leg that constantly draw customers back for more. The savoury, umami peppery soup combined with tender pork ribs is a perfect company on any rainy day.