Best Bak Kut Teh (BKT) In Singapore: Teochew Peppery & Hokkien Herbal Style
When the weather gets a bit chilly and it is raining out, a good dish to have is a hearty bowl of ‘肉骨茶’ or Bak Kut Teh (literal translation: meat bone tea).
In Singapore, you can typically find two types of bak kut teh.
There’s the Teochew style bak kut teh which is peppery, garlicky and has a bit of a kick to it.
There is also the Hokkien style (aka Klang or Malaysia style) bak kut teh that has a darker and richer soup base that is packed with herbs.
Regardless of which type of bak kut teh you prefer, we’ve rounded up a list of some of the best bak kut teh in Singapore.
The best part? They all cost $10 and below for just the pork rib soup without the rice, youtiao (Chinese for fried dough sticks), and all the other side dishes
TL;DR: 18 Best Bak Kut Teh In Singapore Below $10
There are plenty of bak kut teh places in Singapore, but here are 18 of the best bak kut teh joints that Singaporeans love.
| Best Bak Kut Teh In Singapore | Chinese Name | Type | Outlet(s) | Price For Pork Rib Soup (Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 333 Bak Kut Teh | 333肉骨茶 | Teochew Pepper | Balestier | $8 |
| Balestier Bak Kut Teh (Kian Lian) | 马里士他肉骨茶 | Balestier | $7 | |
| Founder Bak Kut Teh | 發起人肉骨茶 | Balestier | $9.80 | |
| Heng Heng Claypot Bak Kut Teh | 興興肉骨茶 | Farrer Park | $7 | |
| Joo Siah Bak Kut Teh | 裕城肉骨茶 | Jurong East | $6.90 | |
| Lau Ah Tee Bak Kut Teh | 老亚弟肉骨茶 | Whampoa | $7.60 | |
| Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh | 黄亞细肉骨茶 | Chui Huay Lim Club Marina Bay Sands Rangoon Road | $7.80 | |
| Old Street Bak Kut Teh | 老街肉骨茶 | 18 outlets island wide | $8.60 | |
| Rong Cheng Bak Kut Teh | 榕城肉骨茶 | Sin Ming | $7 | |
| Rong Hua Bak Kut Teh | 榮華肉骨茶 | Fusionopolis Marina Square Punggol | $7 | |
| Seng Kee Bak Kut Teh | 成记肉骨茶 | Ang Mo Kio | $5 | |
| Song Fa Bak Kut Teh | 松發肉骨茶 | 13 outlets | $8.10 | |
| Tuan Yuan Bak Kut Teh | 团缘肉骨茶 | Tiong Bahru | $8 | |
| Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh | 亚华肉骨茶 | Havelock Road Tanjong Pagar Complex Kovan Heartland Mall | $8.90 | |
| Hong Ji Claypot Herbal Bak Kut Teh | 宏记药材肉骨茶 | Hokkien Herbal | Ang Mo Kio Marsling | $5.70 |
| Leong Kee (Klang) Bak Kut Teh | 梁记(巴生)肉骨茶 | Geylang | $7 | |
| Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh | 順發肉骨茶 | Bedok Chinatown Jalan Kayu Tanjong Katong | $7.90 | |
| Sin Heng Claypot Bak Kut Teh | 新興瓦煲肉骨茶 | Hokkien Herbal & Teochew Pepper | Joo Chiat | $9 |
Information is accurate as of 4 September 2021. Do note that prices are subject to change without prior notice.
Some Commonly Asked Questions About Bak Kut Teh
Which Is the Best Bak Kut Teh?
The best bak kut teh is the one that is closest to me whenever I have BKT-feels.
That’s why we included locations and the price list for your ease of reference!
Although it seems like Balestier is the best place to be in, if you ever have bak kut teh cravings, considering the number of bak kut teh options available in that area.
Which Is The Cheapest Bak Kut Teh?
From our compilation, it looks like Seng Kee Bak Kut Teh’s (Teowchew Pepper) $5 standard bowl of pork rib soup and Hong Ji Claypot Herbal Bak Kut Teh’s (Hokkien herbal) $5.70 bowl of pork rib soups are your best bets.
What’s In Bak Kut Teh And Is Bak Kut Teh Healthy?
Considering that bak kut teh is usually prepared with meaty (and often fatty) pork ribs simmered in a rich broth of herbs and spices.
It’s hard to believe that eating it will confer any health properties given that a copious amount of fat goes into the preparation of this dish.
So unless the bak kut teh was prepared with lean cuts of pork, it’s not the most healthy thing to have.
Just in case you’re counting calories, a bowl of bak kut teh is about 323cal.
Also, do save this article if you find it helpful!
1. 333 Bak Kut Teh (333肉骨茶 )
Type: Teochew Style (Pepper)
333 Bak Kut Teh is a notable bak kut teh stall in Balestier that serves up a mean peppery pork ribs soup.
This spot is especially popular amongst the supper crowd as the place opens till 6am in the morning.
You can order their Signature Pork Ribs Soup which costs $8 for a small bowl and $10 for the bigger bowl.
333 Bak Kut Teh Address
J W Building
325 Balestier Rd
#01-01 J W Building
Singapore 329754
333 Bak Kut Teh Operating Hours
Daily (5.30pm – 6am)
333 Bak Kut Teh Number
6498 8993
2. Balestier Bak Kut Teh (Kian Lian) or 365 BKT (马里士他肉骨茶 )
Type: Teochew Style (Pepper)
While Balestier has a few famous bak kut teh spots.
Balestier Bak Kut Teh (Kian Lian) is what most people are referring to when they say, ‘Let’s go have Balestier bak kut teh!’
This place is also known affectionately as 365 BKT amongst the supper crowd.
Their Classic Bak Kut Teh Soup will set you back $7 per bowl.
Balestier Bak Kut Teh Address
365 and 369 Balestier Road
Singapore 329785
Balestier Bak Kut Teh Operating Hours
Open 24/7
Balestier Bak Kut Teh Number
6951 4798
3. Founder Bak Kut Teh (發起人肉骨茶 )
Type: Teochew Style (Pepper)
Founder Bak Kut Teh is yet another famous Balestier bak kut teh joint on this list.
But this spot has a famous clientele that includes celebrities like Jay Chou, Eason Chan, S.H.E., Zhang Zi Yi, Fann Wong, and Stefanie Sun.
If you ever feel like treating yourself, be sure to try the signature Founder’s Bak Kut Teh which will set you back $9.80.
Founder Bak Kut Teh Address
| Founder Bak Kut Teh Outlets | Address | Operating Hours | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balestier | 347 Balestier Road, Singapore 329777 | Daily (11:45am - 12 midnight) Closed on Tuesday | 6352 6192 |
4. Heng Heng Claypot Bak Kut Teh (興興肉骨茶)
Type: Teochew Style (Pepper)
The soup here is on the clearer side and is less peppery than other restaurants like Ng Ah Sio and Rong Hua Bak Kut Teh.
If you’re watching your diet, you’ll be happy to know that Heng Heng uses leaner cuts of pork to create their delicious broth.
Their Pork Rib Soup will set you back $7.
Heng Heng Claypot Bak Kut Teh Address
107 Owen Road
Singapore 218914
Heng Heng Claypot Bak Kut Teh Operating Hours
Daily (7:30am – 2:30pm)
Closed on Tuesday
Heng Heng Claypot Bak Kut Teh Number
6292 4913
5. Joo Siah Bak Kut Teh (裕城肉骨茶)
Type: Teochew Style (Pepper)
The great thing about independent stores like Joo Siah Bak Kut Teh is that they can offer the same (or better) taste as the bigger players.
All at a fraction of the price as their Pork Ribs Soup goes for $6.90.
Try it and see for yourself.
Joo Siah Bak Kut Teh Address
349 Jurong East Ave 1
#01-1215
Singapore 600349
Joo Siah Bak Kut Teh Operating Hours
Tue – Sat (8am – 7:15pm)
Sunday (8am – 3:30pm)
Closed on Monday
Joo Siah Bak Kut Teh Number
91118129
6. Lau Ah Tee Bak Kut Teh (老亚弟肉骨茶 )
Type: Teochew Style (Pepper)
If you’re a fan of Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh, you might find Lau Ah Tee’s version a little familiar.
And that’s because the owner learnt the recipe from his uncle, Ng Mui Song – the founder of Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh.
Their Pork Ribs Soup goes for $7.60 a bowl.
Lau Ah Tee Bak Kut Teh Address
34 Whampoa West
#01-67
Singapore 330034
Lau Ah Tee Bak Kut Teh Operating hours
Daily (7am – 9pm)
Lau Ah Tee Bak Kut Teh Number
9755 5250
7. Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh (黄亞细肉骨茶)
Type: Teochew Style (Pepper)
If Ah Seng is an 8, and Rong Cheng is a four, then Ng Ah Sio is a 10 on the ‘how peppery is this BKT?’ scale.
And it’s all thanks to Mr Ng Mui Song’s son, Ng Ah Sio, who took over the business in 1977 (20 years since it was first founded) and boosted the peppery taste of the soup.
If you like your bak kut teh robust and fiery, then you know where to go.
Their Classic Pork Ribs Soup goes for $7.80.
Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh Outlets
| Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh Outlets | Address | Operating Hours | Contact No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chui Huay Lim Club | 190 Keng Lee Road #01-03 Singapore 308409 | Daily (10:30am - 8pm) Last order by 8pm | 6250 4537 |
| Rangoon Road | Hong Building 208 Rangoon Road Singapore 218453 | Daily (9am - 9pm) Last order by 9pm | 6291 4537 |
| Marina Bay Sands | Rasapura Masters 2 Bayfront Avenue #B2-50 Stall 15 Singapore 018972 | Daily (10am - 11pm) | - |
8. Old Street Bak Kut Teh (老街肉骨茶)
Type: Teochew Style (Pepper)
Old Street Bak Kut Teh’s sauce counter always makes me feel like I’m at Hai Di Lao, a hot pot place that allows me to DIY my own sauce.
Their Pork Ribs Soup – Small costs $8.60.
Old Street Bak Kut Teh Outlets
| Old Street Bak Kut Teh Outlets | Address | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandra Retail Centre | PSA Building 460 Alexandra Road #01-30/31 Singapore 119963 | 10am - 10pm (Daily) |
| Bukit Panjang Plaza | 1 Jelebu Road #03-09A Singapore 677743 |
|
| Changi Airport Terminal 4 | 10 Airport Boulevard #01-10 Singapore 819665 |
|
| Compass One | 1 Sengkang Square #01-36 SIngapore 545078 |
|
| Funan Mall | 107 North Bridge Road #B2 - 26 Singapore 179105 |
|
| Hougang Mall | 90 Hougang Mall Ave 10 #02-22 Singapore 538766 |
|
| Lot 1 | 21 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4 #B1-10/11 Singapore 689812 |
|
| Nex | 23 Serangoon Central #B2-50/51 Singapore 556083 |
|
| Paya Lebar Quarter | 10 Paya Lebar Road #B2-02 Singapore 409057 |
|
| Plaza Singapura | 68 Orchard Road #B2-07 Singapore 238839 |
|
| Stadium Place | No. 1 Stadium Place #01-22/22A Singapore 397628 |
|
| Sun Plaza | 30 Sembawang Drive #01-23/24 Singapore 757713 |
|
| Suntec City Mall | 3 Temasek Boulevard $01-108A & 77 Singapore 038983 |
|
| Tampines Mall | 4 Tampines Central 5 #B1-K17 Singapore 529510 |
|
| Tiong Bahru Plaza | 302 Tiong Bahru Road #02-105/106 Singapore 168732 |
|
| Westgate | 3 Gateway Westgate Building #B1 - 25 Singapore 68532 |
|
| White Sands | 1 Pasir Ris Central Street 3 #02-07 Singapore 518457 |
|
| Upper Paya Lebar | 129 Upper Paya Lebar Road Singapore 534840 |
9. Rong Cheng Bak Kut Teh (榕城肉骨茶)
Type: Teochew Style (Pepper)
If Ah Seng’s pepperiness is level eight on a scale of one to 10, then Rong Cheng Bak Kut Teh is a four.
Light and mild enough to keep drinking without needing to take breaks to douse the fire in your throat.
Expect long queues on weekend mornings.
Their Pork Rib Soup will set you back $7.
Rong Cheng Bak Kut Teh Address
26 Sin Ming Lane
Midview City
#01-114
Singapore 573971
Rong Cheng Bak Kut Teh Operating Hours
Mon – Sat (7am – 9pm)
Sun (8am – 9pm)
10. Rong Hua Bak Kut Teh (榮華肉骨茶)
Type: Teochew Style (Pepper)
The brand doesn’t have a long history like some of the other bak kut teh names in this list.
But the balanced use of garlic and pepper provides just enough kick without overpowering the sweetness of the broth.
I particularly like that soup refills are always offered, even without asking.
Their Pork Rib Soup will set you back $7 for the small bowl and $9 for the big bowl.
Rong Hua Bak Kut Teh Outlets
| Rong Hua Bak Kut Teh Outlets | Address | Operating Hours | Contact No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marina Square | 6 Raffles Boulevard , #02-201 Singapore 039594 | Daily (10:30am - 10pm) | 6469 3536 |
| Punggol Waterway Point | 83 Punggol Central #B1-23 Singapore 828761 | Daily (10:30am - 9pm) | 6385 8765 |
| Fusionopolis | 1 Fusionopolis Way #B1-13 Singapore 138632 | Mon - Sat (10:30am - 9pm) Closed on Sun & PH | 6463 3138 |
11. Seng Kee Bak Kut Teh (成记肉骨茶)
Type: Teochew Style (Pepper)
Besides the traditional Teochew style bak kut teh, you’ll be tempted to order the braised pig trotter as from Seng Kee Bak Kut Teh too.
Another dish you should order here which is a personal favourite of mine is the classic Teochew Steamed Fish.
You can get their Pork Ribs Soup for $5 – $8 depending on the size of the bowl.
Seng Kee Bak Kut Teh Address
453 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10
#01-06
Singapore 560453
Seng Kee Bak Kut Teh Operating Hours
Daily (6.30am – 8pm)
Closed on Mondays
12. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (松發肉骨茶)
Type: Teochew Style (Pepper)
With 13 locations and growing, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh is one of the more popular and commercialised bak kut teh franchises.
I would recommend that you visit another outlet than North Bridge’s as it is usually packed.
That’s how popular they are!
Their Pork Ribs Soup goes for $8.10 for the small bowl and $10.20 for the bigger bowl.
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh Outlets
| Song Fa Bak Kut Teh Outlets | Address | Operating Hours | Contact No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 New Bridge Road | 11 New Bridge Road #01-01 Singapore 059383 | Daily (9.30am - 9.30pm) | 6533 6128 |
| 17 New Bridge Road | 17 New Bridge Road #01-01 Singapore 059386 | Daily (11am - 10pm) (Temporarily Closed) | 6438 2858 |
| Chinatown Point | #01-04 133 New Bridge Road Singapore 059413 | Mon – Thu (11:00am - 9:00pm) Fri – Sat (11:00am - 9:30pm) Sun & PH (10:30am - 9:00pm) | 6443 1033 |
| ESR BizPark @ Changi | #01-38 North Tower Office 6 Changi Business Park Ave 1 Singapore 486017 | Mon – Thu (11:00am - 9:00pm) Fri - Sat 11:00am - 9:15pm) Sun 10:30am - 9:00pm PH (10:30am - 9:15pm) | 6694 8098 |
| HarbourFront Centre | #02-74/75 HarbourFront Centre Singapore 099253 | Mon – Thu (11:00am - 9:00pm) Fri – Sat (11:00am - 9:30pm) Sun & PH: 10:30 am - 9:00 pm | 6272 8966 |
| Jem | #B1-09 Jem 50 Jurong Gateway Road Singapore 608549 | Mon – Thu (11:00am - 9:00pm) Fri – Sat (11:00am - 9:30pm) Sun & PH: 10:30 am - 9:00 pm | 6262 4818 |
| Jewel Changi Airport | #B2-278/279/280 Singapore 819666 | Mon - Sun & PH (11:30am - 9:30pm) | 6214 9368 |
| Northpoint City | #B1-48 930 Yishun Ave 2 Singapore 769098 Nearest MRT: Yishun | Mon – Thu (11:00am - 9:00pm) Fri – Sat (11:00am - 9:30pm) Sun & PH (10:30am - 9:00pm) | 6257 8616 |
| Suntec City | Fountain Court 3 Temasek Boulevard #B1-132 Singapore 038983 | Mon – Thu (11:00am - 9:00pm) Fri – Sat (11:00am - 9:30pm) Sun & PH (10:30am - 9:00pm) | 6970 8312 |
| The Centrepoint | #02-29/30 176 Orchard Road Singapore 238843 | Mon – Sat (11:30am - 9:00pm) Sun & PH (11:00am - 9:00pm) | 6734 8498 |
| The Seletar Mall | #01-39/40/41 33 Sengkang West Avenue Singapore 797653 | Mon – Thu (11:00am - 9:00pm) Fri – Sat (11:00am - 9:30pm) Sun & PH (10:30am - 9:00pm) | 6702 7688 |
| Velocity@Novena Square | #01-56/57/58 238 Thomson Road Singapore 307683 | Mon – Thu (11:00am - 9:00pm) Fri – Sat (11:00am - 9:30 pm) Sun & PH (10:30 am - 9:00pm) | 6261 5283 |
| Waterway Point | #01-24 (West Wing) 83 Punggol Central Singapore 828761 | Mon – Thu (11:00am - 9:00pm) Fri – Sat (11:00am - 9:30pm) Sun & PH (10:30am - 9:00pm) | 6242 8946 |
13. Tuan Yuan Bak Kut Teh (团缘肉骨茶)
Type: Teochew Style (Pepper)
Own and operated by bak kut teh expert, Frankie Gwee, whose family is behind the famous Outram Park Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh.
The attention and quality of Tuan Yuan’s bak kut teh can be seen (and tasted) in the owner’s insistence of only using quality ingredients like fresh pork from Indonesia.
An additional perk is that this restaurant is air-conditioned as compared to most other traditional bak kut teh spots.
Their Tuan Yuan Pork Ribs Soup cost $8 a bowl.
Tuan Yuan Bak Kut Teh Address
127 Kim Tian Road
#01-01
Singapore 160127
Tuan Yuan Bak Kut Teh Operating Hours
Mon – Fri (11am – 2:30pm + 5pm – 9:30pm)
Sat – Sun & PH (11am – 9:30pm)
Tuan Yuan Bak Kut Teh Number
6684 0123
14. Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh (亚华肉骨茶)
Type: Teochew Style (Pepper)
Also known as Outram Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh, they serve Teochew-style BKT that has just the right amount of peppery flavour for me without it overpowering everything.
The Gwee family have been in the bak kut teh business for more than 45 years.
So if anyone knows how to do bak kut teh… it’s Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh.
Their Pork Rib soup goes for $8.90 a bowl.
Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh Outlets
| Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh Outlets | Address | Operating Hours | Contact No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Havelock Road Isetan Office Building | #01-01/02 593 Havelock Rd Singapore 169641 | Wed, Fri & Sat (11am – 3am) Tue & Thu (11am – 2am) Sun (11am – 10pm) Closed on Monday | 6235 7716 |
| Keppel Road Outlet PSA Tanjong Pagar Complex | 7 Keppel Rd #01-05/07 Singapore 089053 | Tues – Sat (7am – 3am) Sun (7am – 1am) Closed on Monday | 6222 9610 |
| Kovan Heartland Mall | 205 Hougang Street 21 Level 2 Singapore 530205 | Daily (10am - 11pm) | 6282 5818 |
Next up we have the Hokkien style herbal bak kut teh joints.
15. Hong Ji Claypot Herbal Bak Kut Teh (宏记药材肉骨茶)
Type: Hokkien Style (Herbal)
West-siders will know Hong Ji Claypot Bak Kut Teh as the famous “Marsiling bak kut teh”.
If you’re feeling lazy, Hong Ji provides delivery services on their website.
Alternatively, you can opt for self-collection as well if you don’t intend to dine in.
Their Original Claypot Bak Kut Teh will set you back $5.70.
Hong Ji Claypot Herbal Bak Kut Teh Outlets
| Hong Ji Claypot Bak Kut Teh Outlets | Address | Operating Hours | Contact No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ang Mo Kio | 107 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4 #01-138 Singapore 560107 | Daily (9am - 9pm) | 9682 2614 |
| Marsling | Blk 19 Marsiling Lane #01-329 Singapore 730019 | Daily (7am - 9pm) | 9799 2614 |
16. Leong Kee (Klang) Bak Kut Teh (梁记(巴生)肉骨茶)
Type: Hokkien Style (Herbal)
If you’re ever craving the dark, herbal soup which is the signature of Klang bak kut teh.
Leong Kee Bak Kut Teh is probably one of the better Klang style bak kut teh that you can find in Singapore.
You can get a bowl of Pork Ribs Soup for $7.
Shiok.
Leng Kee Bak Kut Teh Address
251 Geylang Road
Singapore 389309
Leng Kee Bak Kut Teh Operating Hours
Daily (11am -12:30am)
Closed on Tuesdays
Leng Kee Bak Kut Teh Number
9380 1718
17. Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh (順發肉骨茶)
Type Hokkien Style (Herbal)
Besides serving a really good bowl of herbal bak kut teh, Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh is all about second chances as their social mission is to, “To provide ex-offenders a new start in life with a meaningful career”.
If that does not make you want to patronise them, I don’t know what else would.
Their Bak Kut Teh cost just $7.90 a bowl.
Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh Outlets
| Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh Outlets | Address | Operating Hours | Contact No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedok Shopping Complex | 302 Bedok Road Singapore 469460 | Daily (11am - 10pm) | 6273 3338 |
| Jalan Kayu | 253 Jalan Kayu Singapore 799479 | Daily (11:45am - 10pm) | 6484 3454 |
| KINEX | 11 Tanjong Katong Road #B1-K5 Singapore 436950 | Daily (10am - 9pm) | 6386 6916 |
18. Sin Heng Claypot Bak Kut Teh (新興瓦煲肉骨茶)
Type: Hokkien Style (Herbal) and Teochew Style (Pepper)
Can’t decide what kind of bak kut teh you want?
Why not have both at Sin Heng Bak Kut Teh?
Their Special Bak Koot Teh starts from $9.
Sin Heng Bak Kut Teh Address
439 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427652
Sin Heng Bak Kut Teh Operating Hours
Daily (10am – 12am midnight)
Closed on Mondays
