Joo Siah Bak Koot Teh

Easily one of our favourite Bak Ku Teh stalls to visit in SG. Savoury pepper broth with hints of garlic (thankfully not too strong). The pork ribs were tender, organs were clean and cooked to perfection (just don’t leave it in the broth too long to prevent it from overcooking). Special mention to the peanuts, which were exceptionally soft and tasted like it was braised from scratch, instead of store-bought canned peanuts. We also had BuZhiXiang tea that went paired well with the meal. Highly recommend for its BKT!

Bak Kut Teh (SGD $13.90) @ Joo Siah Bak Koot Teh. . Serving their signature peppery garlicky savoury soup for over 30 years, their rendition isn't quite as potent as other brands, but is certainly appetizing and drinkable. . The pork ribs are tender enough to come off the bones easily, but have a chew, with meaty savoury sweet peppery flavour. . The preserved mustard greens are nicely soft stewed, with a slight tangy note to complement the vegetal savoury sweet flavour . Dunk the hot crisp pourous you tiao / dough fritters in to soak up the soup; refills of the delicious broth can be had over the counter. . Among the best BKT in West Singapore, and well deserving of their Michelin Bib Gourmand Singapore 2021 recognition.

Headed over to the vicinity of Chinese Garden MRT Station to try Joo Siah Bak Kut Teh. Located within a coffeeshop facing the overhead bridge, this popular Bak Kut Teh store has many loyal fans. Ordering is simply done at the cashier. The best option here is the Premium Loin Ribs Soup. The ribs were juicy and fell off the bone nicely. If one were to finish the soup, one may return to the shop to ask for a container with just soup to refill. The sides here are nothing to shout about except for the Braised Pork Belly which was so good. The soft skin with the soft pork fat was so yummy and the skin was not dry. General Verdict: Good Bak Kut Teh, located within a coffeeshop, let down by thin soup with sides that could have been left out Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8am-7:15pm Sunday 8am-3:30pm Closed on Mondays Queue Situation: Next to none Price: SG$10-SG$15 per person Payment Mode: Cash and Internet Banking by QR code and AMEX Singapore App QR code Is this worth a try? Yes. Is it worth making a trip just to try it? Maybe not. Is this worthy of the Michelin Bib Gourmand Singapore Award? Unlikely. Items Ordered: 1) Item: Gong Fu Cha (Tea) - Brewed with Bu Zhi Xiang (不知香) tea leaves Description: Fragrant tea that helps to balance the meal Verdict: Good, Can Order Price: SG$3 2) Item: Premium Loin Ribs Soup 排骨肉骨茶 Description: The ribs were juicy and fell off the bone easily. Sadly, the soup was a little lacklustre, not peppery enough Verdict: Good, Can Order Price: SG$8.50 3) Item: You Tiao 油條 - Fried Dough Fritters Description: Pairs well with the Soup. A little too soft, not fresh from the fryer Verdict: Acceptable, Order only if you want to try Price: SG$1 4) Item: Braised Pork Belly (Small serving) 滷肉 (小) Description: The pork fat was melt in your mouth yummy and the flesh was succulent. Sadly the sauce was a tad salty Verdict: Good, Can Order Price: SG$5.50 5) Item: Beancurd Skin (Large serving) 豆支 (大) Description: The skin had a nice chewy feel but sauce was a tad salty Verdict: Acceptable, Order only if you want to try Price: SG$3 6) Item: Braised Peanuts (Small serving)滷花生 (小) Description: Soft peanuts that enhances the meal only when consumed with rice or porridge Verdict: Acceptable, Order only if you want to try Price: SG$1 7) Item: Preserved Vegetables (Small serving) 梅菜 (小) Description: Pairs well with the Soup and Rice but tastes slightly bitter by itself Verdict: Acceptable, Order only if you want to try Price: SG$1 8) Item: White Rice (Large serving) 白飯 (大) Description: Fluffy white rice that holds the meal together. Nothing fantastic about it on its own. Verdict: Acceptable, Order only if you want to try Price: SG$0.70

Meat is slightly tougher than expected. Need to wait for 15-30mins during peak period but will deliver to your table number so have them ready before ordering. Soup can be refilled but only if sitting nearby. When they bring your food to you, they'll prepare their preserved vege dish for extra $1, which is reasonable. Soup taste is ok, above average at best, more the peppery heat taste. Value for money considering the amount of ribs you get. Total $5.5 + $1.