I never believed when some people told me that the best Bak Kut Teh was found here till I tried it, and the crowd speaks for itself. It is located along Seng Poh Lane, just opposite Tiong Bahru market.
Coming on a weekday during lunch peak hours, we were fortunate to find an empty table at the other end of the restaurant. Despite the huge number of customers, it did not take long before our food arrived after ordering.
I was unsure at first because I was told that the broth can be quite peppery. It definitely was peppery, but it was full of flavour. The pork rib was tender, which you can rip off the bone easily, and the fat just melts in the mouth!
Best thing of all, you can ask for a refill as soon as you finish the soup! You bet that I was slurping it down like it was water just so I could have more!
Now if you are going to get the Bak Kut Teh, you MUST order the You Tiao (Chinese Donut Stick), which they have cut into bite sizes. These fluffy pillows absorbs the broths into its air pockets, while its outer skin stays crispy.
This was my first time having pig trotters, and I have become such a fan ever since. The meat was unimaginably tender and just like the pork rib, it fell off the bones just as you lifted it up. The sauce was also amazing, without being overly salty. I loved drizzling the sauce on my white rice.
Now with every balanced diet, you have to have some greens right? The xian cai (salted pickled vegetable) may not be the healthiest due to it’s salt content, but it is one of those side dishes that you cannot leave out! It tastes amazing and its a great addition when you are out eating zi char or bak kut teh! It’s the friend that everyone needs.
Last but not least, we have the legendary bean curd skin! It provides such a silky, smooth texture which is just so irresistible. It’s also dripping with sauce, which makes it an amazing combo with dry dishes like rice.
If you are feeling a little thirsty, or just want something to drink with your meal, I highly recommend getting their plum juice. Unlike other plum juices I have tried, this one was not very acidic, and was actually very refreshing and pleasant to drink. As it’s slightly sour, it is also sort of a palate cleanser while you are having a meal packed with strong flavours. In fact, my friend ordered 2 rounds because it’s that good!
Old Tiong Bahru Bak Kut Teh
58 Seng Poh Rd,
Singapore 160058
Opening hours: 6.30am – 9pm (Tue-Sun), Closed on Mondays
