Best Bak Kut Teh in Singapore

Bak kut teh in Singapore: a visitor's guide

Bak kut teh in Singapore is pork ribs simmered for hours in a hot, peppery broth. The name means "meat bone tea" in Hokkien, a Chinese dialect. There is no tea in the soup itself. Instead, it is eaten with a pot of strong Chinese tea. It is a warming, filling meal that locals enjoy at any time of day.

The two main styles

Teochew style

This is the style you will find most often in Singapore. The broth is clear and pale. It tastes strongly of white pepper and garlic. It warms you up, even on a hot day.

Hokkien style

This version is darker. It is cooked with soy sauce and Chinese herbs, so it tastes richer and more herbal. It is more common in Malaysia, but a few Singapore shops serve it too.

What to order with bak kut teh

Most shops let you build a meal from small dishes. A typical order for one person is a bowl of rib soup, rice and one or two sides.

• Pork ribs. Shops often offer more than one cut, such as prime ribs or spare ribs.
• Rice. Plain white rice soaks up the broth.
• You tiao. These are fried dough sticks. Dip them in the soup to soften them.
• Braised dishes. Popular choices include pork trotters, braised peanuts, tofu puffs and salted vegetables.
• Chinese tea. Many people order a pot of tea to balance the rich meal.

Many shops will top up your soup if you ask. Many also serve a small dish of dark soy sauce with cut chilli for dipping the meat. A meal with ribs, rice and a side often costs around S$10 to S$20 per person. Prices change, so check the menu.

Where to eat bak kut teh

Our list includes shops across Singapore. Here is where to find each one:

• Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (New Bridge Road) and Legendary Bak Kut Teh are both in the Marina Bay & CBD area. They are handy if you stay in the city centre.
• Founder Bak Kut Teh (Balestier) is in the Balestier & Toa Payoh area, just north of the city centre.
• Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh is in the Little India & Jalan Besar area.
• Heng Heng Bak Kut Teh is in the Ang Mo Kio & Bishan area. This is part of the heartlands, the housing estates where most Singaporeans live.

Bak kut teh shops are casual. You can usually walk in without a booking. Popular shops can have queues at meal times, so go a little before or after the lunch rush. Opening hours vary, and some shops close one day a week.

Tips for first-timers

• Taste the broth first. Teochew-style soup has a strong pepper kick. Sip it slowly before you add anything.
• Use the dip. Dunk the ribs in the soy sauce and chilli for extra flavour.
• Go with friends. Sharing lets you try more of the braised side dishes.
• Note that it contains pork. Bak kut teh does not suit diners who avoid pork. For other local dishes, see Chicken Rice or browse our Hawker Favourites.

The peppery Singapore style comes from Teochew cooking. If you enjoy it, try Teochew Porridge next, or browse our Teochew restaurants. Our post Teochew Braised Duck Rice: What It Is and How to Order covers another classic dish.

FAQs about bak kut teh

Is there tea in bak kut teh?

No. The name means "meat bone tea", but the soup is made from pork ribs, pepper, garlic and spices. People drink Chinese tea alongside the meal.

Is bak kut teh spicy?

It is peppery rather than chilli-hot. The Teochew style, which is common in Singapore, has a strong white pepper taste.

How is Singapore bak kut teh different from Malaysian bak kut teh?

Singapore shops mostly serve the clear, peppery Teochew style. In Malaysia, the darker, herbal Hokkien style is more common.

Can I get a soup refill?

Many shops will top up your broth if you ask. Policies vary, so check with the staff.

When do locals eat bak kut teh?

Locals eat it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Opening hours differ between shops, so check before you go.