A Singaporean Pork Rib Dish called Bak Kuh Teh

Across our hostel in Singapore (thank you Cebu Pacific), there was a restaurant whose specialty was something unfamiliar - bak kut teh. Asking our host from Kinn Hostel, she said it is a pork ribs dish with a savory and peppery broth and suggested that I visit the more well-known restaurant serving this iconic dish.

Curiosity led me to the restaurant which was a block away and found an 8-time Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee, the latest being this 2025!

The branch where I first queued - 11 New Bridge Road

Song Fa Bak Kut Teh is a renowned culinary institution in Singapore, celebrated for its authentic rendition of traditional Teochew-style Bak Kut Teh.

Founded in 1969 by Yeo Eng Song as a pushcart stall in Johor Road, Singapore, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh is now a chain of restaurants with multiple branches in Singapore and abroad (yes, I saw one in Bangkok)

The branch I visited was at the New Bridge Road (the only branch awarded by Michelin Guide), just a few minutes walk from Kinn Capsule.

The branch where I was led to - 17 New Bridge Road. Just less than a minute away

While I was queueing, with already long lines before 11AM, I was directed to another branch/extension (less than a minute walk) which was less crowded and air-conditioned - I wondered if there was a price difference.

The have a digital menu, you scan the QR code provided, choose your order through your phone and pay at the counter upon leaving. My order came fast since it was their specialty (and just a small number of customers in the aircon area) and a cup of rice.

Bak Kut Teh is a Pork Ribs Soup made with soft and tender pork ribs in a clear, peppery broth made with garlic and Sarawak peppers roasted in-house.

It basically is a plain pork ribs stewed until tender and served with a savory and distinctly peppery and garlicky broth. Comparing to Filipino soups like sinigang or even La Paz batchoy, one may find it less flavorful and very plain.

I wasn’t event sure if it came with condiments or side dish, but I finished my order in no time, even asking for extra soup which even though complimentary but is still prepared according to standard operating procedures to ensure consistency.

A selection of traditional teas, including the Bu Zhi Xiang blend and King's Garden Tea, designed to complement Bak Kut Teh for that perfect over-all experience, is also served.

Aside from bak kut teh, other best-sellers include Braised Pig's Trotter and Homemade Ngoh Hiang, among others.

The restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity has earned it a loyal following among locals and tourists alike making Song Fa Bak Kut Teh a must-visit destination for an authentic taste of Singaporean cuisine.

And if ever I find myself in Singapore again, I will surely have another bowl of bak kut teh from Song Fa!

Cebu Pacific Air flies DIRECT 3X WEEKLY between Iloilo and Singapore with the following schedule:

ILOILO TO SINGAPORE (MON-WED-FRI)

ETD 1045PM ETA 220AM

SINGAPORE TO ILOILO (TUE-THU-SAT)

ETD 325AM ETA 700AM

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