10 Most Highly-Raved Bak Kut Teh in Singapore [2022] 

Bak kut teh (Chinese: 肉骨茶) is undeniably one of Singaporean’s all-time favourite food. While great debates often ensue the mention of this dish over whether the peppery or herbal variety is the best, the truth is: they are both amazing and distinctive! In Singapore, we have a fair share of both types of bak kut teh, and even some that fuse both for an innovative twist.

1. Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh

NG AH SIO Bak Kut Teh dates back to the 1950s when founder Mr Ng Ah Sio’s father sold the dish around the present-day River Valley and Hill Street vicinity. The first outlet was set up in 1977 and has since expanded with three more branches in Singapore and five outlets overseas. In addition, they have created retail packs that make bak kut teh accessible from the comfort of your own home.

Their bak kut teh is prepared in traditional Teochew methods, which is characterized by strong peppery notes. The broth gets soaked up by Chinese doughnuts, turning them into, especially addictive appetizers. It also goes exceptionally well with a bowl of steamed rice. Take your meal up a notch with their Teochew-style braised specialities, particularly the fork-tender pig’s trotters that are absolutely worthy of seconds.

Highlights

• Authentic Teochew Style Bak Kut Teh Spice and Xiao Ye Gan Tea Leaves retail packs
• Rich, peppery bak kut teh broth
• Teochew-style braised specialities such as signature Teochew braised pig’s trotters and braised big intestine

2. Rong Hua Bak Kut Teh

The name “Rong Hua” pays tribute to the bak kut teh chain’s history. It all started with a coolie from Nanyang called Ah Hua who developed a deep passion for the Teochew dish. He went on to find pupillage as a kitchen apprentice at a popular bak kut teh stall ran by his village elder, Uncle Rong. Ah Hua’s dedication to the craft earned him Uncle Rong’s affirmation, who appointed him successor to the business before he passed away.

Ah Hua found bak kut teh to be an effective energy booster with the use of herbs including star anise, cinnamon, cloves, dang gui, fennel seeds and garlic. As such, the brand focuses on the health benefits of the ingredients, which they extract by slow-boiling the broth for hours. Notably, the soup’s peppery aroma is derived from carefully sourced Sarawak White Peppercorns.

Highlights

• Order online for delivery, pick-up or dine in
• Peppery aroma derived from carefully-sourced Sarawak White Peppercorn
• The broth maximizes health benefits extracted from the herbal ingredients

3. Hong Ji Claypot Herbal Bak Kut Teh

Hong Ji Claypot Herbal Bak Kut Teh is a family business owned by Mr Lim and his four children. The acclaimed bak kut teh chain has been specializing in Malaysian-style bak kut teh since 1996. Unlike Teochew-style bak kut teh, Hong Ji’s broth downplays the pepper to instead spotlight the underlying herbal flavours – a result of slow-boiling more than 10 types of herbs for hours.

The bak kut teh is served in traditional clay pots, which keep the food at an optimal temperature throughout your meal for an enjoyable dining experience. Besides rice, Hong Ji also has a range of noodle dishes that feature their signature pork-based soup.

Highlights

• Order online for pick-up
• Order online for delivery with minimum spend S$20
• Free islandwide delivery for orders above S$50

4. Koon Bak Kut Teh

Koon Bak Kut Teh has come a long way from their humble beginnings as an unassuming hawker stall. The traditional bak kut teh at Koon is a clear broth that comes with a pair of premium prime ribs. Besides, they pride themselves on their constant innovation that has produced unique items like fusion soups.

The restaurant offers an extensive range of other Singapore cuisines and side dishes to complement the bak kut teh. These include a collagen-rich Superior Chicken Stew and delectably charred Char Siew Chicken. At their Bukit Timah outlet, store exclusive extras are also sought-after by gourmets, especially the XO Chicken Pot.

Highlights

• Islandwide delivery available on Grab, Deliveroo and Foodpanda
• A vast range of popular chicken dishes, including a char siew chicken
• Store exclusive extras at each outlet

5. Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh

The story of Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh is one of second chances and redemption. The founder, Mr Jabez Tan, was sentenced to 13 years of jail and 12 strokes of cane through his involvement in gang fights, theft, drug abuse and drug trafficking. At Changi prison, he worked as a dishwasher and quickly made the ranks of the main chef in recognition of his outstanding culinary skills. When released, he was determined to turn a new leaf.

Subsequently, Mr Jabez Tan invented a bak kut teh recipe from scratch and ventured into the F&B industry, where he has since begun a new chapter of his life and found success. Soon Huat’s bak kut teh is a unique blend of the Malaysian and Singaporean styles, made indulgent with additional golden mushroom and beancurd skin. They also have the dried variety, which adds a distinct flair to the soup dish.

Highlights

• Bak kut teh recipe made from scratch
• Unique blend of Malaysian- and Singaporean-style bak kut teh
• Dried bak kut teh available

6. Leong Kee (Klang) Bak Kut Teh

Leong Kee Bak Kut Teh utilizes a traditional recipe that originates from Klang, a region in Malaysia that is famous for herbal bak kut teh. Apart from the distinguished flavours, the dish also differs from Teochew bak kut teh with its thicker texture and cloudier appearance. For those who do not shy away from the pungency of garlic, accentuate your every bite with a cluster of those to add a potent, tantalizing kick.

The stall at Geylang offers a small collection of side dishes familiar to all bak kut teh enthusiasts, such as intestines, salted vegetables and chicken feet. Among them, the stewed pork leg is a crowd favourite, stealing the show with its tender pig trotter and sweet gravy.

Highlights

• Klang-style herbal bak kut teh
• Tender stewed pork leg prepared with a unique cooking method
• Thick broths and generous toppings

7. Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh

With a modest stall in River Valley Road, sisters Madam Gwee Peck Hua and Madam Gwee Guek Hua worked tirelessly to craft the ultimate Teochew bak kut teh. The efforts were paid off with two consecutive years of Singapore Hawker Masters Award wins in 2012 and 2013.

With a total of three outposts in Singapore, the chain serves up fragrant bak kut teh with a choice of mee sua or rice. Uncomplicated side dishes like braised peanuts and salted vegetables add interesting texture to the meal. Additionally, there are a variety of Teochew cuisines featuring fresh seafood, such as the light, delicate Teochew Steamed Fish and Sliced Fish Soup.

Highlights

• Award-winning Teochew bak kut teh recipe
• Choice of authentic Teochew cuisines
• Winner of Singapore Hawker Masters Award wins in 2012 and 2013

8. Sin Heng Claypot Bak Koot Teh

Located in Joo Chiat, Sin Heng Claypot Bak Koot Teh is another contender in the Hokkien-style herbal bak kut teh category. The outlet stands out with their mouthwatering bowls of yam rice, imbued with the briny flavours of dried shrimps and dotted with cubes of crumbly yam. A spoonful of the yam rice, accompanied by the moreish broth and ample minced garlic, makes for a gratifying meal anytime of the day.

Sin Heng also prepares a range of delicious side dishes, including pork spare parts tossed with ginger and shallots in a thick, dark gravy. For something more filling, opt for the stir-fry cuisines, such as the fresh prawn with vermicelli.

Highlights

• Delicious side dishes
• Choice of stir-fry cuisines
• Flavourful yam rice to go with the bak kut teh

9. Legendary Bak Kut Teh

Legendary Bak Kut Teh is established by founder Chui Chui who grew up on a pig farm. As a result, she amassed in-depth knowledge about pork. Combined with the cooking expertise of her husband, they conceived this friendly neighbourhood brand of bak kut teh. On top of operating restaurants and serving up appetizing bak kut teh, they sell spice packs for those looking to whip up the aromatic dish at home.

The bak kut teh scene is undoubtedly a competitive one, with so many excellent renditions in our tiny red dot alone. Legendary Bak Kut Teh equipped itself for the long run by having a quick-on-their-feet mindset and a readiness to reinvent their menu. Case in point, they frequently come up with frozen food items like homemade ngohhiang or even bubble tea to pique the interests of foodies.

Highlights

• Free islandwide delivery with minimum spend S$60
• Bak kut teh spice packs available
• Launch of handmade frozen items from time to time

10. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh

Song Fa Bak Kut Teh is a bak kut teh empire with 12 outlets in Singapore, as well as multiple outposts in Indonesia, Thailand and Taiwan. With their international success, it’s hard to imagine their origin that traces back to a simple food cart on Johor Road in 1969. However, they stay true to their roots over the years and have earned a place on the Michelin Bib Gourmand for four consecutive years from 2016 to 2019.

Like most bak kut teh restaurants, Song Fa’s bak kut teh comes with a myriad of meat choices. Furthermore, they have a reasonable range of braised and side dishes. For a more convenient way of satiating your bak kut teh cravings, get their retail packs of either bak kut teh or braised spices, which can be used as a soup base for an exciting steamboat session.

Highlights

• Bak kut teh or braised spices retail packs
• 12 outlets in Singapore
• Established presence in the international market

10. Balestier Bak Kut Teh

Balestier Bak Kut Teh is a popular supper spot for many locals, given that it is open 24 hours and is conveniently located in the central area of Singapore. This family business has been around for 50 years and has been passed down for 3 generations, now headed by Jonathan Yap. He used to help his father in the store as a kid and took over the business when his father passed away.

Their bak kut teh differs from others with its unique blend of herbs and bamboo sugar cane, or teck jia, to balance the pepper and porky flavours of the soup. Other than their classic bak kut teh, they also serve a myriad of other dishes such as frog meat and seafood that you can choose from. Be sure to keep a lookout for discounts on their Facebook page for more savings as well.

Highlights

• Affordable meal sets from $6.80
• Variety of dishes besides Bak Kut Teh
• Open 24 hours

Do the peppery or herbal broths of bak kut teh leave you desiring for more? Check out this article on where you can get your next Mala hotpot and steamboat fix! These restaurants offer a vast selection of soup bases and extensive spreads of ingredients for the most devoted of soup lovers!