Hock Kien Klang Bah Kut Teh - “In a class of it’s own”

Bah Kut Teh is the cuisine that is so popular in both Singapore and Malaysia that you can find it almost anywhere. Bah Kut Teh can be classified into two main types, Teochew or Herbal Style. Teochew style is characterized by clear soup and white pepper. Herbal style has a dark soup and heavy herbal taste coming from star anise, cinnamon, cloves, dang gui, fennel seeds and garlic.

Both styles are very well accepted in Singapore and Malaysia. In Singapore we have "Ya Hua Rou Gu Cha" in Singapore and across the straits in Johor, Permas Jaya we have the "Shi Hwa Bak Kut Teh" which belongs to the teochew style. For the Herbal style we have from Johor near KSL City we have "Ah Soon Bah Kut Teh".

Today’s recommendation is a place that stands out from the rest by paying attention to the details.

After being in the trade with ups and down for almost 30 years the owner and chef has eventually come to an answer for what makes a good Bah Kut Teh.

The soup is that of a light herbal soup that encourages one to drink it mouthful after mouthful and not get bored of it.

The ribs, the chef-owner said that unlike in the past he thinks that it is important to select and serve only the good cuts of meat. Hence, diners are served with nice ribs that have a good amount of meat.

Cooking rice is not an easy task to do well, the chef has taken additional steps to ensure that the rice served is always at it’s best. To avoid overcooking the rice, it’s taken out slightly underdone and transferred into a steamer till serving. Resulting in rice that always retain its shape, soft and warm for consumption.

Besides Bah Kut Teh another must try is the braised “Keok Wan” that is like meat from the ankle/wrist area. Besides being braised so well that each piece of meat has very rich flavor, the skills of the chef and the cut of meat ensures that the skin and fats remains tender and yet has a bite to it making it better than normal fatty cuts I have ever had.

For the Bah Kut Teh lovers out there, there’s something else that is available at this place too!

Ever imagine eating chopstick length pork ribs? Imagine no more! Using pressure cookers, the chef is also able to prepare and cook long pork ribs too! However, it’s not something that is readily available at a moment’s request, it must be ordered at least 1 day before hand. 

Each set of long ribs comes in a pair. 

Address:

Restoran Heng Kee Bah Kut Teh

31, Jalan 3/62A

Bandar Menjalara

Kepong

52100 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 016-905-3600, 016-983-0399