Restaurant Recommendation Series: The best Bak Kut Teh - Pork-ribs soup restaurant in Singapore that you can’t deny

As an organizational person, I always plan everything out before doing it. Obviously, I will have a travel plan before going to the place. It was a long list of what I wish to do at the next destination. However, something happened, and I couldn't complete my list. I would say, "Travel plan is always a good idea, but sometimes it isn't completely perfect."

It was a long day after visiting Orchard road in Singapore, I was excited to have Bak Kut Teh for my dinner. My family was planning to have Bak Kut Teh at the Founder Bak Kut Teh on Balestier Road. We arrived there around 7 p.m., so we had to wait in line for around more than 30 minutes. Most of the customers were travelers; just like us, they were waiting outside to have dinner at the restaurant with the hope of meeting celebrities and enjoying their delicious dishes. After a 40-minute wait, we finally got our table at the restaurant, and let's have a great dinner tonight! No, that's my thought. I couldn't imagine it could happen on the first day of my trip. Bak Kut Teh is already sold out!!! I was expecting it all day, so I felt very disappointed and wished I had been there earlier. Therefore, I had waited until the next trip to Singapore four years ago. From learning to the previous experience, I came to the Founder Bak Kut Teh and finally got my soup. It was fantastic and you couldn't deny it.

Founder Bak Kut Teh

Photo: Founder Bak Kut Teh

The story behind the restaurant

Founder Bak Kut Teh "發起人骨茶" has been established for over 40 years. The restaurant has been serving aromatic "Rou Gu Cha" and became one of the best Bak Kut Teh in Singapore and the region.

The restaurant owner, Mr. Chua, was born in the northwestern part of Singapore, located in the Choa Chu Kang area. His friends from the old neighborhood helped him test his recipes. After many testing times, he finally found his own recipes, so he called himself the Founder. He had started a small shop there in the late 1970s, and the business was going well. Later, the government redeveloped the neighborhood, which meant he had to move out from Choa Chu Kang and gave up his farm.

His customers come from around the region and his business also goes international and has opened many restaurants in the region (Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, etc.). Many local and international celebrities are also a fan of Bak Kut Teh and visiting Founder Bak Kut Teh is always their priority when they arrive in Singapore. As you can see at the restaurant, the walls of the restaurant are filled with a huge collection of celebrity photographs and the long line outside the restaurant are the proof of the reputation of Founder Bak Kut Teh and the success of the business. Founder Bak Kut Teh Restaurant is definitely the best restaurant for Bak Kut Teh when you visit Singapore.

Photo: Founder Bak Kut Teh

Special highlights

The restaurant is an ideal place for suppers. People who love a late-night meal like me must enjoy the opening hours of Founder Bak Kut Teh as it opens till 02:30 a.m. Nothing is better than a hot bowl of Bak Kut Teh during a cold rainy night.

If you love Bak Kut Teh, but don’t like its spicy taste. Bak Kut Teh is a great choice for you where you can find Teochew-style soup that its peppery soup is not as spicy as other stores.

Dark sauce and chili padi with the pork ribs is a great combination. The pork ribs chopped into four small pieces are decent. Their food is always fresh, tender and soft. If you want to know how it tastes, please refer to the previous post HERE.

The restaurant also has a great selection of side dishes that you can find at any Bak Kut Teh places in Singapore. These include youtiao, salted vegetable, braised peanuts, and braised tau pok.

Average price: S$15

Customer reviews

RATINGS: ☆☆☆☆☆ 4.5 (284 Votes)

“In my opinion, this is SG's best BKT. The soup at this outlet is always on point even with subsequent '加湯'. The pork rib is always fresh and tender. The braised pork trotter was also stewed long enough so the meat which absorbed the braise was so soft and tender.

Also, 5 stars as the service is really good. Very approachable and proactive staff who will gladly top up soup or tea for you.”

-Local Guide, Monica Tan-

Where to find

Balestier outlet

347 Balestier Road, Singapore 329777

Opening Hours

12:00PM – 11:30PM(Daily)

(* Tuesday Closed)

Tel No.: +65 6352 6192

Hotel Boss Outlet

500 Jalan Sultan #01-09, Singapore 199020

Opening Hours: 9:00AM – 9:30PM(Daily)

Tel No.: +65 6816 2582

Bugis

530 North Bridge Road, #01-01, Singapore 188747

Opening Hours: 11:00AM – 9:30PM(Daily)

Tel No.: +65 6255 3889

Balestier outlet

347 Balestier Road, Singapore 329777

Opening Hours

12:00PM – 11:30PM(Daily)

(* Tuesday Closed)

Tel No.: +65 6352 6192

Thanks for reading! I'd highly recommend you this place, if you have tried it, leave your comment below of what you think!