The 6 Best Bak Kut Teh in Singapore to Warm Your Soul

When it comes to Singaporean cuisine, some dishes are more loved than others. Such is the case for bak kut teh, the piping hot bowlful of goodness that will fill your tummy and warm your soul. Translating to meat bone tea, it’s a type of pork rib soup, cooked with love, patience and various herbs and spices. It’s typically served with rice and other side dishes, such as braised tofu or vegetables. While the dish knows many variations, such as a peppery or herbal broth, The Beat Asia narrowed down the best places in Singapore where you can enjoy a delicious and comforting serving of bak kut teh.
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh is a beloved institution that has been serving up delicious pork rib soup since 1969. Their signature dish is made with premium pork ribs that are slow-cooked in a secret blend of herbs and spices, resulting in a fragrant, flavourful broth that is truly unforgettable. In addition to their classic bak kut teh, Song Fa also offers braised pig trotters, salted vegetable duck soup, and fried dough fritters.
Location: Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, 11 New Bridge Road #01-01, Singapore 059383
Opening hours: Tue-Sun; 7 AM-9:30
Founder Bak Kut Teh
An institution along Balestier Road, affectionately called “bak kut teh street,” Founder Bak Kut Teh has been satisfying hungry clients since 1978. Their Teochew-style soup is not too peppery and perfectly accompanies the tenderness of the meat, fat and skin, chopped into small pieces. To best enjoy the dish, don’t hesitate to add dark sauce and chili padi to the meat.
Location: Founder Bak Kut Teh, 347 Balestier Road, Singapore 329777
Opening hours: Wed-Mon; 12 NN-2:30 PM, 6 PM-2:30 AM
Ng Ah Sio Pork Ribs Soup Eating House
For those native to Singapore, Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh needs no introduction. Established in 1950, they have long been known as one of the best bak kut teh places in the city. They offer the traditional Teochew-style peppery broth, but with one of the strongest flavours among competitors. Cooked for hours in a blend of 12 spices, the pork ribs are tender and fall off the bone, in a broth that is both rich and satisfying. They also offer braised pig trotters, stir-fried kangkong, and deep-fried bean curd skin, all worth trying out.
Location: Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh, 208 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218453
Opening hours: Daily; 11 AM-9 PM
Hong Ji Claypot Bak Kut Teh
Family-owned Hong Ji Claypot Bak Kut Teh serves pork ribs simmered for six hours in a savant mix of Chinese herbs and spices. One of the best herbal BKTs in the north, Hong Ji Claypot Bak Kut Teh offers a rich broth with a homey taste and tender, generous meat that will change from the classic peppery-style BKT. Be sure to order youtiao to accompany your dish, and dip them into the soup to get a delicious burst of spices.
Location: Hong Ji Claypot Bak Kut Teh, Block 107, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, Street 11 #01-138, Singapore 560107
Opening hours: Daily, 8 AM-9:30 PM
Leong Kee (Klang) Bak Kut Teh
Changing from the regular Singaporean version of BKT, Leong Kee (Klang) Bak Kut Teh offers a Malaysian variation of the dish, slightly lighter and clearer, with exquisite herbal flavours. They also serve Herbal Mutton Soup for those who do not fancy pork, and Dry Bak Kut Teh with a delicious gravy. Leong Kee (Klang) likewise offers a range of other dishes, including braised pig trotters, steamed fish, and stir-fried vegetables.
Location: Leong Kee (Klang) Bak Kut Teh, 251 Geylang Road, Singapore, 389309
Opening hours: Daily, 11 AM-01 PM
Balestier Bak Kut Teh
This one is for all the night owls craving hot soup during wee hours. Welcoming customers anytime of the day, Balestier Bak Kut Teh evokes a vibrant ambiance that makes it feel like your second home. Started over 50 years ago, the restaurant has made a name for itself, serving some of the most authentic bak kut teh in Singapore. Old-school foodies will never forget to order a bowl of their Red Wine Glutinous Wine Chicken, a rarely-found dish they make to perfection.
Location: Balestier Bak Kut Teh, 365 & 369 Balestier Road, Singapore 329785
Opening hours: Open 24/7
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