Singapore Clarke Quay Dining Gem – Song Fa Bak Kut Teh

October 12, 2023 1.1k Views

In the culturally diverse city-state of Singapore, renowned for its culinary scene alongside Hong Kong, one can discover a variety of cuisines.

In Singapore, a dish known as “Bak Kut Teh” awaits exploration. In Chinese characters, it’s written as “肉骨茶,” literally translating to “meat bone tea.” This dish, reminiscent of Korea’s “Galbitang” or “Samgyetang,” is a representative healthy food in Singapore.

“Hearty and Healthy – Bak Kut Teh with Pork”

Bak Kut Teh is a dish made by simmering pork ribs in a flavorful broth. While it shares similarities with Korea’s Galbitang, the key difference lies in the choice of meat. Bak Kut Teh uses pork rather than beef or chicken.

To counter any potential porky odor, various herbs and spices, including garlic, are added to the pork ribs. This results in a dish that evokes a similar feeling to Korea’s Samgyetang or Galbitang.

“Song Fa Bak Kut Teh – A Dining Hotspot in Clarke Quay, Singapore”

Numerous eateries offer Bak Kut Teh, but one that stands out is “Song Fa Bak Kut Teh.” Despite its name containing “Songpa,” reminiscent of Seoul’s Songpa-gu district, it has no connection to the Korean location.

Song Fa Bak Kut Teh has gained a reputation as a dining destination, even earning recognition in the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand category. Consequently, waiting in line for a meal, even well past dinner hours, is not uncommon.

“Opening a Second Branch Near Clarke Quay – Song Fa Bak Kut Teh”

Located not far from Clarke Quay MRT station, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh has capitalized on its popularity by expanding and opening a second branch nearby. It’s likely that the branch visited by the author was not the original one.

“Pricing Varies Based on Meat Cuts – Bak Kut Teh”

Bak Kut Teh comes with different price points depending on the cut of meat. However, as a first-time visitor, the author opted for the basic menu.

Despite initial concerns about porky odors, the dish’s combination of garlic and other herbs seamlessly masked any unpleasant smells, allowing for a flavorful and enjoyable meat experience.

Later discovered as a fun fact, the travel show “Battle Trip” featured Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, showcasing Yoo Min-sang and Moon Se-yoon relishing the dish. Their depiction of the meat “falling off the bone” resonated well, adding a relatable touch to the culinary experience.

On a day when both Fort Canning Park and Botanic Gardens were explored simultaneously, rejuvenating with Singapore’s iconic health food, Bak Kut Teh, seemed like a fitting and revitalizing choice, especially given the drained energy levels.

“Song Fa Bak Kut Teh in Clarke Quay, Singapore”