Choosing the best bak kut teh between the Malaysian and Singapore versions is simply too difficult, as both versions have their own special features.
The former features an herbal soup, while the latter has a strong garlic and pepper flavor.
But in Johor, the state closest to Singapore, bak kut teh is world famous.
It can be Teochew style (clear soup) or Klang style (dark herbal soup), both of which can be found in different towns in the big city.
Kiang Kee Bak Kut Teh
What sets Kiang Kee bak kut teh apart is that it offers a strong herbal flavor of bak kut teh. Cooked with a variety of herbs and “dang gui” in charcoal, the broth gives you a comforting but not overpowering taste. As far as the ribs go, it’s a little tough, but the taste is naturally sweet.
There were so many guests that it was normal for them to run out of ribs before noon. So, we suggest you go there as soon as possible.
Location: Batu 8½, Jalan Mawai, Kota Tinggi, 81900 Johor, Malaysia.
Tel: +607 – 882 1290
Opening Hours:
Wednesday to Sunday: 7:30am until sold out
Closed on: Monday & Tuesday
Ah Soon Bak Kut Teh
The outlet serves delicious bak kut teh in Johor and is often packed with people who love it. Bak kut teh is served in a casserole dish with a clear broth filled with many chunks of pork. As you chew the tender pork, it gives you a natural sweetness and a light creamy texture. The broth has a typical Teochew flavor and relies on the natural texture of the pork to make it even more attractive. It’s best to taste the broth while it’s still steaming hot.
Location: 141, Jalan Keris Satu, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Closed on: Monday
Soon Soon Heng Bak Kut Teh
Located opposite KSL Mall, Singaporeans often come here for a bowl of bak kut teh after a tiring shopping trip. It offers a Teochew version of bak kut teh, but the overall taste is lighter. At Soon Soon Heng, soup refills are free.
They serve typical bak kut teh, which means only the ribs are in the clay pot, but additional toppings such as pig tribe and fried tofu can be charged extra.
Location: 43, Jalan Serigala, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Opening Hours:
Daily: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Shoon Huat Bak Kut Teh
Shoon Huat bak kut teh has more than 20 outlets in Johor and offers premium bak kut teh. If you’re looking for something to eat near JB City Square, good news! Because it has a outlet near the City Square in Johor.
The bowl of bak kut teh is filled with tender pork and pork offal, the broth is clear and sweet to eat, and the extra herbal flavor maximizes its charm.
Location: 11, Jalan Sutera 1, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Tel: +6019 – 778 0709
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 8:30am – 9:00pm
Monday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Hin Hock Bak Kut Teh
Hin Hock bak kut teh owner Ah Hock has been selling his own bak kut teh for more than 30 years. Bak kut teh is rich in herbal flavours and many customers find it delicious and can’t stop after the first sip. And braised pork in brown sauce, very big, very tender meat. Fish with garlic is also a recommended dish for Hin Hock. Like any other customer, these two dishes will make an impression on you.
Location: 72, Lorong 2, Jalan Toh Ah Boon, Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor Malaysia. (Near Jalan Dato Mohammed Seth, Tampoi)
Tel: +6019 – 779 3434
Opening Hours:
Daily: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Closed on: Monday
Restoran Sze Hwa
There are several outlets in Johor Bahru and Kulai, which have been in business for more than 30 years, and people often put “Sze Hwa” and “Kulai” bak kut teh together. Sze Hwa’s bak kut teh is homely, with large portions that usually feed two people. Designed to provide authentic bak kut teh flavours, its aromatic brown broth has garlic flavours and pork ribs are meaty and chewy.
Location: 3, Jalan Seruling 1, Taman Sri Kulai Baru 2, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia.
Tel: +6012 – 785 2234
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 8:00am – 2:00pm & 4:30pm – 10:00pm
Closed on: Monday
Hwa Mei Bak Kut Teh
If you want to sample typical Johor bak kut teh, then you must visit the Hwa Mei Bak Kut Teh located under this ancient tree. It is only a 10-minute walk from the Johor Bahru checkpoint (CIQ complex). Hwa Mei Bak Kut Teh has been in business for more than 50 years and is the only outlet in Johor that still uses charcoal to cook bak kut teh, rice and even boil water.
Their bak kut teh not only has prime rib, but also pork skin and pork belly. Both will give you delicious food. As in most restaurants, the broth here exudes a delicate herbal flavor and tastes good.
