Singapore is famous for its delectable food, and one of its most sought-after dishes is Bak Kut Teh. The best bak kut teh in Singapore is a meaty broth made with pork ribs and herbs and spices, and it has a fascinating history that dates back to China’s Fujian province. In this article, we will explore the origins of Bak Kut Teh, the different styles of this dish, the key ingredients, and the best places in Singapore to enjoy it.
A Brief History of Bak Kut Teh
The story of Bak Kut Teh begins with the Chinese immigrants who came to Southeast Asia in the early 1900s. They brought with them their culinary customs, including the medicinal soup they called “Bah Kut Teh” – which means “meat bone tea.” The dish was made by simmering pork ribs and herbs and spices in a large pot of water, and it was said to have healing properties that alleviated fatigue and improved circulation.
Origins of Bak Kut Teh
The origins of Bak Kut Teh can be traced back to the Fujian province of China. According to legend, it was created by a Chinese herbalist who needed a nourishing soup to help his patients recover from illness. He experimented with different ingredients until he found the perfect combination of meaty broth and medicinal herbs. Over time, the soup became a popular dish among Chinese labourers who needed a hearty meal to sustain them through long workdays.
Bak Kut Teh’s Journey to Singapore
As Chinese immigrants migrated to Southeast Asia, they brought their culinary traditions with them, including Bak Kut Teh. The dish gained popularity in Singapore in the 1920s and 1930s when local street vendors started selling it to hungry workers. Since then, Bak Kut Teh has become an iconic dish in Singaporean cuisine, with various eateries serving their own unique versions of the dish.
The Two Main Styles of Bak Kut Teh
There are two main styles of Bak Kut Teh in Singapore, each with its own distinct flavour profile.
Teochew Style Bak Kut Teh
The Teochew-style Bak Kut Teh is known for its clear broth and peppery flavour. It is made with a combination of pork ribs, garlic, peppercorns, and other herbs and spices. The soup is light and refreshing, and it is often served with steamed white rice or youtiao (fried dough fritters). This style is a favourite among those who prefer a less heavy soup.
Hokkien Style Bak Kut Teh
The Hokkien-style Bak Kut Teh has a heartier broth that is darker and sweeter. It is made with a soy sauce base, pork ribs, garlic, and other herbs and spices. The soup is thicker and more fragrant than the Teochew style, and it is usually served with steamed white rice, sliced pork belly, and braised tofu skin. This style is a favourite among those who prefer a bolder flavour.
Key Ingredients in Bak Kut Teh
The key ingredients in Bak Kut Teh are pork ribs, herbs and spices, and the soup base. Each of these components contributes to the dish’s complex and unique flavour.
Pork Ribs
Pork ribs are the main ingredient in Bak Kut Teh. The meat should be tender and fall off the bone, and it should be cooked long enough to absorb the flavours of the soup.
Herbs and Spices
Bak Kut Teh’s herbs and spices are what give the soup its distinctive taste. These ingredients include garlic, peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon, and other spices that vary depending on the style of the soup.
Soup Base
The soup base is the foundation of Bak Kut Teh. It is made with a combination of water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings. The broth should be rich and flavorful, with a balanced combination of sweet, savoury, and herbal notes.
Top Bak Kut Teh Restaurants in Singapore
If you’re looking to sample some of the best Bak Kut Teh in Singapore, here are some top-rated restaurants to try.
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh is a household name in Singapore. Its pork ribs are perfectly cooked and served with the restaurant’s signature clear broth. The soup has a subtle peppery taste and is deliciously light.
Ng Ah Sio Pork Ribs Soup Eating House
Ng Ah Sio Pork Ribs Soup Eating House is one of the oldest Bak Kut Teh establishments in Singapore. Its soup has a rich and fragrant flavour, thanks to the addition of herbs like dang gui and kei chi.
Founder Bak Kut Teh
Founder Bak Kut Teh is known for its Hokkien-style soup, which is thick, sweet, and aromatic. The pork ribs are cooked to perfection and served with braised tofu skin and sliced pork belly.
Joo Siah Bak Koot Teh
If you’re looking for the classic flavours of bak kut teh, Joo Siah Bak Kut Teh is one of the recommendations that never leave the table. They’re usually one of the top places for bak kut teh because of the rich Teochew flavours they have. They’re also most of Malaysia’s preference when it comes to bak kut teh.
Outram Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh
Outram Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh’s speciality is Teochew bak kut teh – the strong flavours of the seasoning and the rich flavour of the pork are just present in every spoonful taste. They are one of Singapore’s favourite restaurants because of their generous serving of pork and soup – you will never walk out not feeling satisfied with your meal.
How to Enjoy Bak Kut Teh
There are several ways to enjoy Bak Kut Teh, depending on your personal preferences. Here are some tips on how to savour this dish to the fullest.
Pairing Bak Kut Teh with Side Dishes
Bak Kut Teh pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including steamed white rice, youtiao, braised tofu skin, and sliced pork belly. These dishes help to balance out the richness of the broth and add to the overall flavour experience.
The Perfect Bowl of Rice
The perfect bowl of rice is essential to enjoying Bak Kut Teh. The rice should be fragrant and fluffy, with each grain cooked to perfection. This helps to soak up the soup and enhances the flavour of the pork ribs.
Tea Pairings for Bak Kut Teh
Tea is a traditional accompaniment to Bak Kut Teh. It helps to cleanse the palate and enhances the flavours of the soup. Some popular tea pairings include pu-erh tea, chrysanthemum tea, and Tie Guan Yin tea.
Conclusion
Bak Kut Teh is an iconic dish in Singaporean cuisine, and it has a fascinating history that dates back to China’s Fujian province. With its rich, savoury flavour and tender pork ribs, Bak Kut Teh is a must-try for anyone visiting the country. Whether you prefer the clear broth of the Teochew style or the hearty sweetness of the Hokkien style, there’s a version of this dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. So why not head out to one of Singapore’s top Bak Kut Teh restaurants and experience this delicious soup for yourself?
