“Bak Kut Teh” is a popular Chinese pork rib soup dish, and it originated in the Fujian province of China. The dish has evolved over time and has become particularly associated with Malaysia and Singapore, where different regional variations have emerged.
Another iconic dish that has been fiercely disputed, Bak ut Teh (肉骨茶 directly translated as Meat Bone Soup) has evolved into many variations with individual specialty flavours belonging to respectively Singapore and Malaysia. With the Singapore version being the soupy and peppery and Malaysia being the soupy yet darker or herbal one.
Some say there are more than 50 outlets serving the herbal Bak Kut Teh in Klang, Malaysia alone! And all of them have their distinctive unique flavour!
Although many may enjoy eating different version of Bak Kut Teh, what is prominent is the pipping hot soup and the amazing depth of flavour in each bowl of soup and must not miss out the pairing of the crispy you tiao. The perfect meal at any time of the day to indulge in.
Dry Or Soup?
Dry Bak Kut Teh (also known as “Gan Lao Bak Kut Teh” 干捞肉骨茶 in Mandarin) is a variation of the traditional Bak Kut Teh dish, which is a popular Malaysian and Singaporean herbal soup made with pork ribs, various herbs, and spices. Unlike the traditional soup version, Dry Bak Kut Teh is cooked without the soup broth, resulting in a drier and more intensely flavored dish.
Dry Bak Kut Teh offers a different dining experience compared to the traditional soup version. Its concentrated flavors and tender, caramelized meat make it a beloved dish among food enthusiasts. It’s a delightful alternative for those who enjoy the taste of Bak Kut Teh but prefer a richer and more intense flavor profile.
Some of the Top 10 Best Bak Kut Teh in Singapore
Showcasing 10 esteemed names in the realm of Bak Kut Teh in Singapore. These establishments are revered by both locals and visitors alike. These are the recommended spots that serves authentic Bak Kut Teh serving as a testament to the excellence of Bak Kut Teh in Singapore.
Outram Park Ya Hua Rou Gu Cha
Address: 7 Keppel Rd, #01-05/07 PSA, Singapore 089053
Opening Hours: Daily except Monday 7am-11pm
Sunday 7am-10pm
Since founded in 1973 they have been known for their flavourful rich bak kut teh and their service is also good which is no wonder why people love this place. They also have many varieties and serve till 10 so if you want to grab some hot soup for supper also can!
Public Rating: 4.2/5
Public Reviews:
“Peppery style Bat Kut Teh. Never disappoints. The service is very fast and helpful (need more soup, raise your hand and waiters will be there in no time)
Rice portion is very generous. You Tiao is crunchy. If you have the stomach, go for the mee sua as well.
They also have old style hot water cleaning for the utensils.”
“This is the first time I eat here and insofar the Bak Kut Teh experience I have had, I feel this is the best. I am quite blown away by the quality of the food, the prompt and friendly service. There is a choice of lean or fatty meat which I think is very customer oriented to cater to the preference. The youtiao (fried dough stick) may look cold and ordinary, but it is actually warm, crispy and fluffy and is perfect for dunking into the hot peppery soup. Definitely a place to go to have Bak Kut Teh”
NG AH SIO Bak Kut Teh (Rangoon Road)
Address: 208 Rangoon Rd, Hong Building, Singapore 218453
Opening Hours: Daily 9am-9pm
Comforting broth with a very peppery taste that is what is desired in a hot soup of Bak Kut Teh and although they are popular with their Bak Kut Teh, they serve other Singapore classic which are worth a try too
Public Rating: 4.3/5
Public Reviews:
“I absolutely adored the Bak Kut Teh at Ng Ah Sio! The meat was exquisitely tender, and the peppery broth provided a delightful, warm, and comforting experience. The staff was both friendly and attentive, even topping up our soup mid-meal. I opted for the pork rib soup, and it was simply divine. The braised beancurd, drenched in a delectable sauce, was also incredibly satisfying. 💖”
“Very attentive and welcoming customer service.. I find the soup a little too pepperish and the small intestine is a little bitter, didn’t like the preserved vegetable as it’s towards the sweet side. Pork rib and kidney tasted decent but could be better as kidney cut is too big for me. Will recommend people to still try if you are nearby that area and have BKT craving. Good customer service is always the key, food taste can always improve :))
Kid-friendliness: They provide baby chair for toddlers and will remind you to keep baby chair inwards so that when food is served the hot soup won’t be near the child.”
Legendary Bak Kut Teh At Rangoon
Address: 154 Rangoon Rd, Singapore 218431
Opening Hours: Daily except wednesday 11am-10pm
Another one in Rangoon area truly spoilt for choice. The pork ribs here are cooked the perfection and it falls right off the bone with a less pepperish soup taste and might be a better option for those who aren’t a fan of too peppery soup.
Public Rating: 4.1/5
Public Reviews:
“Dinner on a Sat night 8pm
Staffs are short handed but they are responsive and friendly
Ordered the bkt B and C. Broth is full flavored peppery though not overwhelmingly. Pork rib is fresh and well cooked. Meat is soft enough to be peeled from the bone easily
Lettuce is crunchy too.
With youtiao, tua Kee and 3 bowls of rice 🍚 at $42 for 2paxs”
“For those who like pork, Bak Kut Teh is probably one of the most popular in Singapore, As the name implies, it is Bak Kut (pork bones/ribs) + Teh (Nanyang Tea) that gives it the best match. Specially locally blended tea, known as Nanyang Tea (most if not all from Pek Sin Choon, a tea company since 1925) could be brewed “gongfu” style which this restaurants will provide the tea pot and cups with the different tea for different taste. The restaurant will be able to advise on the tea to your liking and the other dishes ordered. Many other dishes to go along with the traditional pork ribs in its specially boiled soup.”
Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh
Address: 257 Jln Kayu, Singapore 799485
Opening Hours: Daily 11am-10pm
This Bak Kut Teh is the herbal type more similar to the malaysian type and although it isnt as dark as those malyasian ones it still has it very nice herbal taste to it which is something different from the usual pepper ones we are familiar with.
Public Rating: 4/5
Public Reviews:
“Visited quite a number of times already. Have also visited after my bicycling rounds at seletar aerospace.
Wife and I really love the herbal soup here. Although it isn’t as dark as the ones in Malaysia but the taste is just woahhh. Between the 2 of us, we had our soups refilled 3 times before finishing up the entire claypot. This time we also ordered a stirfry kailan, really fragrant and yummy.
Small order of bak kut teh soup comes with pig livers, pig stomach, tau kee, enoki mushrooms and of cos the pork ribs. Pork ribs are tender to the bite.
If 2 pax are not big eaters, a small size is good enough with rice to go along.
Definitely not my last visit here.”
“Visited quite a number of times already. Have also visited after my bicycling rounds at seletar aerospace.
Wife and I really love the herbal soup here. Although it isn’t as dark as the ones in Malaysia but the taste is just woahhh. Between the 2 of us, we had our soups refilled 3 times before finishing up the entire claypot. This time we also ordered a stirfry kailan, really fragrant and yummy.
Small order of bak kut teh soup comes with pig livers, pig stomach, tau kee, enoki mushrooms and of cos the pork ribs. Pork ribs are tender to the bite.
If 2 pax are not big eaters, a small size is good enough with rice to go along.
Definitely not my last visit here.”
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh @ Seletar Mall
Address: 33 Sengkang West Ave, #01-39/40/41 The Seletar Mall, Singapore 797653
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-9pm Friday 1030am-9pm Saturday 1030am-930pm Sunday 1030am-9pm
It is a well known brand and has many other outlets that started out just like the other Bak Kut Teh stalls at the coffee shop has grown so well till it is a brand now selling as a restaurant.
Public Rating: 4.2/5
Public Reviews:
“Whenever i feel like having a peppery bak kut teh, song fa will be the one i go to. They are quite attentive to refilling your soup. The side dishes like garlic fried chicken and prawn cake not bad also. 😋”
“No queue when i went. Food was nice as usual. Ordered the pork leg, dou miao, pork soup and ginger pork claypot and you tiao. Soup was hot and 👍. Free wet wipe for diners”
Leong Kee (Klang) Bak Kut Teh
Address: 251 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389309
Opening Hours: Daily 1130am-1130pm
A herby Bak Kut Teh which is not too overpowering with herbs and is recommended for first time trying the Hokkien kind of Bak Kut Teh. The pork is also very tender and pairs well with the rice noodle.
Public Rating: 3.9/5
Public Reviews:
“This malaysia styled bkt is the kind that I prefer, rather than Singapore’s peppery kind. Ordered the mix soup which was not overpowering with herbs. Mixed intestines and parts were generous enough, and I like that the ribs are of smaller sizes that just falls off the bone and easy to eat. Despite eating at peak lunch hours, I hardly perspired. Price is reasonable and they accept visa which is a plus. Will try the dry version in the next visit”
“One of the best bkt!!! Love the soup and the chilli with garlic, so malaysia style. They allow refill of soup only once! The green vegetables so sweet and crunchy.
They have other food like frog porridge, small side dishes if you don’t like the ribs.”
Jia Bin Klang Bak Kut Teh 嘉宾 巴生肉骨茶
Address: 62 Rangoon Rd, Singapore 218352
Opening Hours: Daily except monday
Tuesday-Friday 11 am–3 pm, 5–9:30 pm
Saturday Sunday 10:30 am–9:30 pm
Originated from Seremban, the taste of this Malaysian Bak Kut Teh is unique. Besides the herby strong taste of the Bak Kut Teh, it also has a strong liquor aftertaste. Although Bak Kut Teh is usually soup ver. their stall sells the dry ver. too which is highly liked by the locals.
Public Rating: 4.1/5
Public Reviews:
“BKT soup had a strong herbal taste, aroma, and had a nice licorice aftertaste. The pork ribs and other ingredients were boiled well and tasted good. Wine chicken was rich in Chinese liquor and ginger flavor.”
“A friend bought me here for the Malaysia Klang bak kut teh. Very strong herbal taste and the soup is refillable. Enjoyed both the soupy style and the dry bak kut teh. Dry bak kut teh has it’s own aroma different from the herbal soup bkt. Cannot decide which one better so will still order both in next visit. I don’t like the salted vegetables but the beansprouts has been fresh and crunchy. Crispy youtiao to go with the soup too!”
Founder Bak Kut Teh
Address: 347 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329777
Opening Hours: Daily except Tuesday 1145am -12am
Founder Bak Kut Teh has established a reputation as one of the best Rou Gu Cha in Singapore for over 40 years. This is just one of their many outlets and is visited by many Southeast Asian celebrities which means this place is truly recognised not only by locals but also Asia! With a peppery and tender pork is truly lives up to its name.
Public Rating: 4/5
Public Reviews:
“Pork ribs was tender, soup was peppery and tasty. Braised pork knuckle was cooked nicely with fragrant soy sauce aroma and the skin was so soft. Great comfort food during rainy day.”
“One of the best peppery bak kut teh I had, though the price is not cheap. The pork ribs were tender and the pepper soup was flavourful. The pork kidney was made to almost perfect during my first visit, but overcooked during my 2nd visit. The tau pok and salty vegetable were quite nicely done also. You will get to see many celebrity‘s photo on the wall.”
Sin Heng Claypot Bak Koot Teh
Address: 439 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427652
Opening Hours: Daily except Monday 10am-1130pm
Sin Heng Claypot Bak Koot Teh, located in Joo Chiat, is famous for serving both peppery and herbal style BKT, alongside its zi char dishes! They have been serving their own versions of Bak kut teh, succulent and tender pork ribs immersed in a pipping hot broth served up in a claypot, since 1981.
Public Rating: 4.1/5
Public Reviews:
“Food was awesome! Considering that they were having a staff shortage, they still managed to dish out good food, and tried hard to provide service. We went at a time where they didn’t even have staff to brew coffee.
The BKT was flavourful, and the baby Kailan was crunchy and garlicky! Overall not too salty too.
On a side note, they serve generous amounts of tea! This pot of tea cost $4 and it’s huge!”
“
Stumbled upon this place since we are in the area and it didn’t disappoint.The herbal bak koot teh is mild but full of the spices and herbal flavor. I like that they have mushrooms, vegetables and others instead of just meats. Makes it more holistic and light. Mushroom really goes well with the herbal soup.”
KOON Bak Kut Teh 坤肉骨茶
Address: 10 Cheong Chin Nam Rd, Singapore 599735
Opening Hours: Daily 11am-12am
From a humble hawker stall, KOON Bak Kut Teh today as since transformed to serve an innovative and extensive menu. From classic traditional soups, to our latest fusion soups, to our various signature dishes, KOON Bak Kut Teh aims to serve you the best in Singaporean cuisine, and more.
Public Rating: 4.2/5
Public Reviews:
“A nice wallet friendly place to have your BKT fix. Soup was peppery and ribs were tender.
Shrimp paste chicken is nice, but took awhile to be served.
Kids friendly”
“IMHO the best pepper soup based bak kut Teh I have had. My fav is the soup. It is clear, full of umami goodness and not overly peppery nor savoury too. Feels clean and pure. Meat is tender and the veg is cooked to crispy perfection. Not too soggy nor too raw. Will definitely return for more”
*IMHO – in my honest opinion
Google Map’s Best Bak Kut Teh in Singapore 2024
We have curated from Google Maps the top 50 Bak Kut Teh in Singapore, so that you don’t have to! The list below shows the top 50 Bak Kut Teh Stalls with at least 50 reviews and ratings of more than 4!
| Name | Address | Reviews | Rating | Neighbourhood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh | Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Stall No 01-04 Eng Kee Bak Kut Teh, Blk 341, Singapore 560341 | 270 | 4.3 | Ang Mo Kio |
| Hwa Ji Bak Kut Teh | 11 #01-138 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4, Hong Ji Claypot Herbal Bak Kut Teh, Block 107, Singapore 560107 | 512 | 4 | Ang Mo Kio |
| Hong Ji Herbs Bak Kut Teh | 1220 ECP, #01-42 Han Jia Bak Kut Teh Pork Leg, East Coast Lagoon Food Village, Singapore 468960 | 198 | 4.5 | Bedok |
| Old Street Bak Kut Teh | 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-18 Leon Kee Claypot Pork Rib Soup, Singapore 150120 | 60 | 4.2 | Bukit Merah |
| Morning Bak Kut Teh | 1 Maritime Square, #02-74/75 Song Fa Bak Kut Teh HarbourFront Centre, Singapore 099253 | 461 | 4.4 | Bukit Merah |
| Ming Fu Herbal Bak Kut Teh | 7 Keppel Rd, #01-05/07 Outram Park Ya Hua Rou Gu Cha, PSA, Singapore 089053 | 1422 | 4.2 | Bukit Merah |
| 国泰肉骨茶 CATHAY BAK KUT TEH | 18 Toh Yi Dr, #01-97 Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh, Singapore 590018 | 148 | 4.3 | Bukit Timah |
| Friends Wok & Bak Kut Teh 100AM Mall | 10 Cheong Chin Nam Rd, KOON Bak Kut Teh 坤肉骨茶, Singapore 599735 | 770 | 4.2 | Bukit Timah |
| Bak Ku Teh Restaurant | 531A Upper Cross St, #01-66 Hokkien Street Bak Kut Teh, Singapore 051531 | 78 | 4.3 | Central Area |
| 葉城 ( 乾 ) 肉骨茶 Yap Seng Bak Kut Teh (Nusa Bestari Branch) | 531A Upper Cross St, #01-72 Morning Bak Kut Teh, Singapore 051531 | 168 | 4.1 | Central Area |
| Heng Heng Bak Kut Teh | 3 Temasek Blvd, #B1-132 Song Fa Bak Kut Teh Suntec City, Singapore 038983 | 302 | 4.3 | Central Area |
| Bak Kut Teh @ Koufu Food Court | 46 South Bridge Rd, Legendary Bak Kut Teh At South Bridge 發传人肉骨茶, Singapore 058679 | 836 | 4.3 | Central Area |
| Leon Kee Claypot Pork Rib Soup | 176 Orchard Rd, #02-29/30 Song Fa Bak Kut Teh The Centrepoint, Singapore 238843 | 1536 | 4.5 | Central Area |
| Singapore BAK KUT TEH & Bacolod KAMBAL INASAL sa BOLBOK | New Bridge Rd, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh Chinatown Point, 133号 Singapore 059413 | 2174 | 4.3 | Central Area |
| Herbal Teochew Bak kut the | 11 New Bridge Rd, #01-01 Song Fa Bak Kut Teh 11 New Bridge Road, Singapore 059383 | 6349 | 4.4 | Central Area |
| Old Street Bak Kut Teh | 78 Airport Boulevard, Jewel, #B2-278 Song Fa Bak Kut Teh Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore Changi Airport, 279/280, Singapore 819666 | 316 | 4.4 | Changi |
| 福建肉骨茶 Hokkien Bak Kut Teh | BLK, 501 W Coast Dr, #01-244, S120501 Jia Le Herbal Bak Kut Teh, Singapore 120501 | 51 | 4.4 | Clementi |
| De Yun Bak Kut Teh | 11 Tanjong Katong Rd, B1-K5 Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh, KINEX, Singapore 437157 | 107 | 4 | Geylang |
| Seletar Nam Hoe Bak Kut Teh | 416 Pandan Gardens, #01-124/125 Tong Sheng Bak Kut Teh 同勝肉骨茶, Singapore 600416 | 171 | 4 | Jurong East |
| NG AH SIO Bak Kut Teh (Rangoon Road) | 50 Jurong Gateway Rd, #B1-09 Song Fa Bak Kut Teh Jem, Singapore 608549 | 505 | 4.2 | Jurong East |
| Rong Hua Bak Kut Teh @ Fusionopolis One North | 01-1215 Jurong East Ave 1, Joo Siah Bak Koot Teh, Block 349, Singapore 600349 | 528 | 4.1 | Jurong East |
| Bak Kut Teh. Ipoh Hor Fun | 62 Rangoon Rd, Jia Bin Klang Bak Kut Teh 嘉宾 巴生肉骨茶, Singapore 218352 | 867 | 4.1 | Kallang |
| Tuan Yuan Pork Ribs Soup | 154 Rangoon Rd, Legendary Bak Kut Teh At Rangoon, Singapore 218431 | 986 | 4.1 | Kallang |
| Parkson Bak Kut Teh | 208 Rangoon Rd, NG AH SIO Bak Kut Teh (Rangoon Road), Hong Building, Singapore 218453 | 2185 | 4.3 | Kallang |
| Rong Cheng Rou Gu Cha 榕城肉骨茶 | 439 Joo Chiat Rd, Sin Heng Claypot Bak Koot Teh, Singapore 427652 | 1213 | 4.1 | Marine Parade |
| 老2肉骨茶(Lao Er Bak Kut Teh) | 325 Balestier Rd, #01-01 333 Bak Kut Teh, J W Building, Singapore 329754 | 234 | 4.1 | Novena |
| Seng Kee Bak Kut Teh | 238 Thomson Rd, #01 - 56 / 57 / 58 Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (Velocity @ Novena Square), Singapore 307683 | 250 | 4.4 | Novena |
| Hock Kee Bak Kut Teh | 395 Balestier Rd, Kai Juan Eating House, Singapore 329799 | 318 | 4.3 | Novena |
| Founder Bak Kut Teh @ Foch Road | 347 Balestier Rd, Founder Bak Kut Teh, Singapore 329777 | 914 | 4 | Novena |
| Joo Siah Bak Koot Teh | 365 &, 369 Balestier Rd, Balestier Bak Kut Teh, Singapore 329785 | 927 | 4 | Novena |
| Restaurant Shun Fa Bak Kut Teh | 83 Punggol Central, #01-24 Song Fa Bak Kut Teh Waterway Point, East Wing, Singapore 828761 | 158 | 4.2 | Punggol |
| Lao Zhi Hao Bak Cheng Bak Kut Teh | 1 Fusionopolis Way # B1 - 13, Rong Hua Bak Kut Teh @ Fusionopolis One North, Singapore 138632 | 222 | 4.1 | Queenstown |
| Tea Inn Bak Kut Teh | 257 Jln Kayu, Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh, Singapore 799485 | 582 | 4 | Sengkang |
| Da Po Bak Kut Teh | 6 Changi Business Park Ave 1, #01-38 Song Fa Bak Kut Teh ESR BizPark @ Changi, ESR BizPark @ Changi, Singapore 486017 | 555 | 4.3 | Tampines |
| Song Fa Bak Kut Teh 17 New Bridge Road | 100 Tras St, #02-15/28 Friends Wok & Bak Kut Teh 100AM Mall, Singapore 079027 | 777 | 4.7 | Tanjong Pagar |
| Song Fa Bak Kut Teh 11 New Bridge Road | 127 Kim Tian Rd, #01-01 Tuan Yuan Pork Ribs Soup, Singapore 160127 | 1125 | 4.4 | Tiong Bahru |
| Mei Ling Street Bak Kut Teh & Pig's Organ Soup | 593 Havelock Rd, #04-01 Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh, Singapore 169641 | 1185 | 4.2 | Tiong Bahru |
| 興旺發肉骨茶 RESTORAN HOH BAK KUT TEH | 31 Tai Thong Cres, Hoe Nam Bak Kut Teh, Singapore 347859 | 185 | 4.8 | Toa Payoh |
| Kim San Leng Food Centre Bukit Panjang | 19 Marsiling Ln, #01-329 Hong Ji Herbs Bak Kut Teh, Singapore 730019 | 1743 | 4.2 | Woodlands |
| Eunos MRT Bak Kut Teh | 417 Yishun Ave 11, De Yun Bak Kut Teh, Singapore 760417 | 71 | 4.3 | Yishun |
| Song Fa Bak Kut Teh Northpoint City | 285 Yishun Ave 6, #01-10 Old World Bakuteh & Fried Porridge, Singapore 760285 | 577 | 4.3 | Yishun |
| Song Fa Bak Kut Teh Suntec City | 930 Yishun Ave 2, #B1-48 Song Fa Bak Kut Teh Northpoint City, Singapore 769098 | 613 | 4.3 | Yishun |
Are you a bak kut teh outlet on Google maps with more than 50 reviews and 4 stars and better but not listed? Reach out to us HERE and we are more than happy to list, feature and collaborate with your brand!
Frequently asked questions about Bak Kut Teh in Singapore
What does “Bak Kut Teh” mean?
Bak Kut Teh” translates to “meat bone tea” in Hokkien, reflecting the dish’s main ingredients of pork ribs and a flavorful herbal broth.
What are the main ingredients in Singapore Bak Kut Teh?
The main ingredients include pork ribs, a variety of Chinese herbs and spices, garlic, and soy sauce. The dish is typically served with white rice or youtiao (Chinese fried dough).
Are there different variations of Bak Kut Teh in Singapore?
Yes, there are two main variations: the peppery Teochew style and the herbal Hokkien style. The Teochew version has a clear and peppery broth, while the Hokkien version features a darker broth with a strong herbal flavor.
