Joo Siah Bak Koot Teh is one of the new entrants to Michelin Bib Gourmand Singapore 2021, making it the other Bak Kut Teh shop on the list other than Song Fa Bak Kut Teh.
Accordingly the stall has being around for more than 30 years, previously located at Yuhua Market & Hawker Centre just a short walk away (there is another famous Hua Xing Bak Kut Teh at Yuhua Hawker Centre).
It is found within a kopitiam called “Kai Xiang Food Centre”.
The current owner is the brother-in-law of the famous Rong Cheng Bak Kut Teh, and he is using the same recipe with blessings.
On the menu are Premium Loin Ribs Soup ($8.50), Pork Ribs Soup ($5.50, $7.50), Pig’s Organ Soup ($5.50, $7.50), Pig’s Kidney Soup ($5.50, $7.50), Pig’s Intestine Soup ($5.50, $7.50), and Pig’s Liver Soup ($4.50, $6.50).
This can be accompanied by sides of Braised Pork Leg ($5.50, $7.50), Braised Pork Belly ($5.50, $7.50), Preserved Vegetables ($1, $2, $3), Peanuts ($1, $2, $3), Beancurd Skin ($2, $3) and Dough Fritters ($1).
The price is considered quite affordable for Bak Kut Teh. What I ordered was less than $20.
Funny that I read quite a number of reviews stating the soup was one of the most peppery around. The Teochew-style soup base was considered peppery, but not as sharp as compared to the other big boys such as Song Fa, Ya Hua or Founders.
Some people would find the peppery taste ‘just right’ and mellow, though it could be a tad more flavourful. I would prefer something with more ‘punchy’.
You can ’jia tang’ (add soup) on your own, but glad to say it is not the diluted version – just as good as the original bowl.
Between the usual Pork Ribs Soup and more expensive Premium Loin Ribs Soup, I somehow preferred the basic bowl because the ribs were just more tender.
Perhaps it was just this bowl, the premium loin was overall towards the dry side, though there were still parts towards the end that were fattier and more succulent.
I quite enjoyed the sides, namely the Peanuts which was braised till soft with the garlic; while the Preserved Vegetables was also soft but not mushy, though could have more of the tanginess.
Unfortunately, the You Tiao was cold and thus doughy and not crispy.
Joo Siah Bak Koot Teh
Kai Xiang Food Centre #01-1215, Jurong East Ave 1, Block 349, Singapore 600349
Opening Hours: 8am – 7:15pm (Tues – Sat), 8am – 3:30pm (Sun), Closed Mon
Other Related Entries
Michelin Bib Gourmand Singapore 2021 The Full List
12 Best BAK KUT TEH In Singapore
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (New Bridge Road)
Kota Zheng Zong Bak Kut Teh Singapore (Holland Village)
Tuan Yuan Pork Rib Soup (Tiong Bahru)
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