When one of my best friends have been away too long while studying overseas, his crave for local food simply perks up whenever he is back in Singapore. And while arranging for a meet up, the suggestion for Bak Kut Teh started floating about. I proposed visiting Song Fa Bak Kut Teh where I first paid a visit nearly two years plus back in 2009 as it was a central location and being the Christmas season then, it would be a great place to chillax.
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh has been around for over 30 years and it was formerly helmed by Mr. Yeo Eng Seong who has since passed on the business to his son. The Bak Kut Teh served up at the New Bridge Road coffeeshop restaurant is of Teochew origins where the broth itself is clear and slightly peppery in flavour.
Two kinds of Bak Kut Teh meats are available. I ordered the Pork Ribs Soup ($6.50/$8.50) though if there is a preference for Premium Loin Ribs ($8.50), it is also available upon request. The loin ribs will generally be more tender and perhaps with a slightly more fat and cartilage with lesser bone. But for me, I was well sated with the traditional serving with the very nice peppery savoury and slightly sweet broth.
Two must have accompaniments for the Teochew style Bak Kut Teh would be the Salted Vegetables ($1.20/2.20/3.20) and the Dough Fritters [You Tiao] ($1/2/3) . I like the salted vegetables here as while not excessively salty, there is a sweet aftertaste and a crunch to each bite which simply clears any excessive flavours from the broth. The you tiao is by itself an excellent dish to complement with the bak kut teh as it soaks up the broth nicely, giving a punch in flavours as you bite through the soaked dough fritters.
The Braised Pig’s Intestines ($6/8) was good for me, though I guessed not many in my generation (at least for my table) would appreciate the dish. Not too strong in any overwhelming aftertaste but instead a nice nutty smooth texture partnered with slightly sweet braising sauce and natural savouriness from the meat.
Colin, Hui Jun, En Ping, Me, Han Leng (Imagine that. Since Primary School)
A quick impromptu get together where nearly everyone was late, but a nice catch up before some of our friends fly back overseas/back to army/work/study. Know of any other excellent Bak Kut Teh places, leave a comment below!
| Song Fa Bak Kut Teh 11 New Bridge Road #01-01 Tel : 6533 6128 Closes Every Monday Opposite The Central (Clarke Quay MRT Station) Website : http://www.songfa.com.sg |