Quick answer: Singapore’s bak kut teh scene splits into two camps: the clear, peppery Teochew style (think Song Fa, Ng Ah Sio) and the dark, herbal Klang version (Founder, Leong Kee). Song Fa at Jewel Changi is the go-to for a classic bowl. Joo Siah in Jurong wears a Michelin Bib with pride. Ya Hua and Leong Kee keep late-night supper kakis happy. There’s a claypot for every craving.
Part of Best Chinese Food & Dim Sum in Singapore: 51 guides covering this ground, for the wider view before you choose.
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh started life as a street stall in 1969 and now you can get your peppery fix at their air-conditioned Jewel Changi outlet, among many others. The broth is a garlicky, white-pepper punch that clears sinuses and warms the soul.
Their Prime Rib Soup comes with ribs so tender they slide off the bone, plus free-flow refills – a detail that turns a meal into a slow, satisfying session. Add some you tiao and a plate of braised pig’s trotters and you are set.
Address: 78 Airport Boulevard, #B2-278/279/280, Singapore 819666
Phone: +65 6533 6128
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 9pm; closed Mondays
Website: songfa.com.sg
This is the place for a fail-safe introduction to Teochew bak kut teh. The Jewel location is handy for families and travellers after a quick, quality meal between flights or shopping. The Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition means you know the broth is consistent – every bowl tastes like the one before it.
Related: Best Sichuan Food in Singapore — when only proper mala heat will do.
Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh
Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh has been simmering pork ribs since the 1950s, and their spot at the Rasapura Masters food court in Marina Bay Sands brings that heritage to the heart of the city. The broth here is less pepper-forward than some, mellow and garlic-fragrant, making it an easy sip even for first-timers.
Go for the Premium Loin Ribs Soup – the meat is ridiculously tender – and don’t skip the homemade ngoh hiang. The pig tail soup is a side order worth exploring if you are feeling adventurous. Complimentary soup refills mean you can ling longer without your wallet feeling the pinch.
Address: 2 Bayfront Avenue, #B2-50, Singapore 018972
Phone: +65 6284 1601
Hours: Daily, 7am to 10pm
Website: ngahsio.com
If you are shopping at MBS or staying in the area, this is an atas food court option that does not trade flavour for convenience. It suits families and couples who want a lighter, less oily bak kut teh that still delivers depth. After that, check out our guide to Hawker Delights at Tiong Bahru Market for more classic local eats.
Founder Bak Kut Teh
Founder Bak Kut Teh has been dishing out herbal, Hokkien-inflected claypots since 1978, and their Balestier Road shop still pulls crowds for that deep, almost medicinal broth. It is richer and darker than the Teochew versions, with a complexity that speaks to hours of simmering.
The classic order here is a mix of pork parts – ribs, belly, intestine – all swimming in an aromatic soup that pairs beautifully with preserved vegetables and crisp you tiao. Portions are generous, so come hungry or bring backup.
Address: 347 Balestier Road, Singapore 329777
Phone: +65 6352 6192
Hours: Daily, 11:45am to 12am; closed Tuesdays
Website: founderbkt.com.sg
This one is for the herbal broth loyalists – those who believe bak kut teh should taste like a tonic. It is also a good pick for big groups, as the hearty portions and late hours (till midnight) make for a laid-back supper. Just remember, they are closed Tuesdays, so plan ahead.
This list is editorial, not advertising. Run something similar? Tell us what you do and we will take a look.
Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh
Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh in the Keppel Road area has been a supper fixture since the 1970s, serving a clear, peppery Teochew broth that feels light yet packs a spicy kick. The shop has an old-school charm that matches the straightforward, no-frills bowls they push out.
The Spare Ribs Soup comes with meat that gives way easily, and you can ask for free broth top-ups as you eat. Sides like salted vegetables and braised tofu round out the meal without overwhelming the main act.
Address: 7 Keppel Road #01-05/07, Singapore 089053
Phone: +65 6222 9610
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 7am to 11pm; Sunday, 7am to 10pm; closed Mondays
Website: yahua.com.sg
Late-night office crowds and hungry souls near the port swear by Ya Hua. If you want a bowl that won’t leave you feeling jelak, this is the one. The hours make it a solid alternative when you are too tired to queue elsewhere.
Joo Siah Bak Koot Teh
Joo Siah Bak Koot Teh in Jurong East is proof that you do not need a fancy address to earn a Michelin nod – they have bagged the Bib Gourmand for three years running. This family-run stall serves a Teochew peppery soup that is sharp, garlicky, and unapologetically bold.
Their Premium Loin Ribs come in a broth that hits you with a pepper zing, and the braised trotters are a worthy sidekick. Value sets make it wallet-friendly without skimping on flavour, which is a winning combo in the heartland.
Address: Blk 349 Jurong East Ave 1 #01-1215, Singapore 600349
Phone: +65 9111 8129
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 8am to 7:15pm; Sunday, 8am to 3:30pm; closed Mondays
Website: Facebook
If you are west-side, this is your jam. The pepper punch is strong, so spice lovers, gather. Families and seniors appreciate the daytime hours and the no-nonsense price point. Three Michelin years don’t lie – the quality is steady.
Leong Kee (Klang) Bak Kut Teh
Leong Kee (Klang) Bak Kut Teh brings Malaysian-style bak kut teh to Geylang, with an herbal broth that is darker, thicker, and reminiscent of a good Chinese tonic soup. The dry version, where ribs are tossed in a caramelised dark sauce, is a must-try for those bored of the usual soupy affair.
Their Herbal Bak Kut Teh stars succulent ribs in a robust broth, and the side of fried chicken with shrimp paste adds a crunchy, savoury contrast. They are open until 12:30am, making this a supper haji’s dream.
Address: 251 Geylang Road, Singapore 389309
Phone: +65 9380 1718
Hours: Daily, 11am to 12:30am
Website: Facebook
Adventurous eaters and Klang-style purists should head here. The dry bak kut teh is a conversation starter, and the late closing time means you can satisfy a sudden craving even past midnight. For more local food finds, see our Supper Spots in Singapore list.
Legendary Bak Kut Teh
Legendary Bak Kut Teh on Rangoon Road is an offshoot of Founder Bak Kut Teh, but it pivots to a Teochew-style peppery broth that is cleaner and lighter. If you like the heritage of the Founder brand but want something less herbal, this is the spot.
The Teochew Style Bak Kut Teh features prime ribs in a fragrant soup that leans heavily on white pepper. Salted vegetables and Chinese tea complete the meal, keeping things simple and satisfying.
Address: 154 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218431
Phone: +65 6292 0938
Hours: Daily, 11am to 10:45pm; closed Wednesdays
Website: legendarybkt.com
Choose Legendary when you want Founder’s pedigree but in a pepper-forward bowl. It suits diners in the Farrer Park area and those who find herbal broths too heavy. Note they are closed on Wednesdays, so adjust your plans.
How to choose the right bak kut teh for you
The biggest split is between Teochew-style (clear, peppery) and Klang/Hokkien-style (dark, herbal). If you like a spicy kick and a lighter feel, go with Song Fa, Ng Ah Sio, Ya Hua, Joo Siah, or Legendary. If you prefer a richer, more aromatic broth, Founder and Leong Kee are your best bets. Consider location and timing – Leong Kee and Ya Hua are open late; Joo Siah closes early. Price-wise, most single-serve claypots run from about $6 to $12, though premium ribs might cost a little more. Check opening days – several close on Mondays or other weekdays. For a broader introduction to local flavours, see our Asian Food in Singapore round-up.
| Bak Kut Teh | Style | Broth | Awards | Late-Night? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Song Fa | Teochew | Peppery, garlicky | Michelin Bib Gourmand | No (closes 9pm) |
| Ng Ah Sio | Teochew | Milder pepper, fragrant | None noted | No (closes 10pm) |
| Founder | Hokkien herbal | Dark, aromatic, medicinal | None noted | Yes (until 12am) |
| Ya Hua | Teochew | Clear peppery | None noted | Yes (until 11pm Tue-Sat, 10pm Sun) |
| Joo Siah | Teochew | Sharp pepper kick | Michelin Bib Gourmand (3 years) | No (closes 7:15pm) |
| Leong Kee | Klang herbal | Herbal, bold, dry option | None noted | Yes (until 12:30am) |
| Legendary | Teochew | Peppery, lighter | None noted | No (closes 10:45pm) |
Summary
From Jewel Changi to a Jurong kopitiam, these seven bak kut teh spots prove that good broth never goes out of style. Whether you lean peppery Teochew or herbal Klang, there’s a comforting claypot waiting for you. Go on, round up your kakis and get your soup fix.
This list is editorial, not advertising. Run something similar? Tell us what you do and we will take a look.
Disclaimer: All information provided here has been compiled from publicly available sources. While we have made every effort to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee completeness. Please check with the business for the latest hours and details before heading down.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between Teochew and Klang bak kut teh?
Teochew style is clear and peppery with lots of white pepper and garlic; it’s lighter in colour and taste. Klang style is darker, thicker, and herbal, often with a more intense, medicinal flavour. Singapore has both camps – this list covers the best of each.
Which bak kut teh is the most affordable?
Most spots offer single portions in the $6–$12 range, but Joo Siah is known for value sets and heartland pricing, making it especially budget-friendly. Leong Kee and Founder tend to be moderately priced given the generous portions.
Are any of these places halal?
No, all the bak kut teh shops listed are not halal-certified as pork is the star ingredient. If you need halal options, look for specialised restaurants that do mock versions.
Can I get soup refills?
Song Fa and Ng Ah Sio both offer complimentary soup refills, so you can top up as you eat. Ya Hua also provides top-ups. At other places, it’s best to ask the staff.
Do they serve rice or other sides?
Yes, you can pair your soup with steamed rice, you tiao, salted vegetables, braised tofu, or ngoh hiang. Most stalls have a simple side menu.
Which one is best for late-night supper?
Leong Kee (Klang) stays open until 12:30am daily, and Ya Hua closes at 11pm on weekdays. Founder also runs till midnight (except Tuesdays). These three are your late-night warriors.
