One of Singapore's best known bak kut teh has finally expanded. You can now go celebrity-spotting at Founder Bak Kut Teh at Hotel Boss (500 Jalan Sultan) in addition to its base at 347 Balestier Road.
While Founder is known for its garlicky and peppery bowls of Teochew style pork rib soup, what's even better here (to me) is the stewed pork trotters in dark soy. Yes, the one in the foreground...mmmh, tender braised trotters.
I do like the soup I've tried here at this second branch. I am most happy to note that it seems more peppery than at the Balestier branch. That's an improvement in my books. Some say it's a little too spicy, but for me, this level is just perfect.
I also like the casual and retro feel of the outlet. Air-conditioning, bright lights and enough walking space certainly make for comfortable dining. They open til really late here too - 5am!
Bak kut teh is such an awesome communal meal. Hot bowls of fortifying broth (refillable here!) soothes the soul and the gnawing of meat off bones speaks to the primal senses. Adding depth and balance to the experience are side dishes - salted vegetables, braised tofu and eggs, and the all essential "you tiao" (deep-fried dough crullers). Yes, we Chinese like our croutons upsized!
There's also lettuce with oyster sauce, braised pig intestines and intestines soup. The beansprouts with salted fish is pretty good.
Mr Chua Chwee Whatt, the founder of Founder uses superior cuts of meaty long ribs, premium short ribs and his own secret blend of pepper and spices. He was a pig farmer in Seletar in the '60s and '70s. He loved bak kut teh but the versions in those years didn't satisfy him, as the ingredients were not of good quality.
Mr Chua decided to make his own using pork from his own farm, and concocting his own recipe. In 1978, he opened a small eatery in Choa Chu Kang called Founder. However as Singapore progressed, he had to give up his pig farm and move out of Choa Chu Kang. By 1988 he was a full-fledged restauranteur. With years of success (look at the wall of fame behind him, showing photos with celebrity patrons), he is finally looking at expanding in the region. There's already an outlet in Jakarta, so let's see where they'll go next.
FOUNDER BAK KUT TEH
Balestier Outlet
Address: 347 Balestier Road, Singapore 329777
Tel: +65 6352 6192
Open 12:00pm to 2:30pm, 6:00pm to 2:00am (Closed on Tuesday)
Hotel Boss Outlet
500 Jalan Sultan #01-09, Singapore 199020
Tel: +65 6816 2582
Open daily: 11am - 5am
Jakarta Outlet
Puri Indah Mall 2nd Floor, Unit #240 Jakarta Barat 11610
Tel: +62 (021) 582 2580
Open daily 10am to 10pm
Thanks to Founder for the invitation
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