When it comes to authentic Malaysian Bak Kut Teh, Hing Kee Bak Kut Teh stands out as a local favorite. This eatery has earned a reputation for its rich, aromatic herbal broth and tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs. Whether you’re a Bak Kut Teh enthusiast or a first-time visitor, Hing Kee is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience one of the best traditional Bak Kut Tehs in Malaysia.
Malaysia serves up a different version of Bak Kut Teh, Pork Bone Soup, from Singapore, the former is a Hokkien-style bone broth soup concocted with herbs while the latter is a Teochew-style strong peppery bone broth soup.
It took us at least 30 minutes to travel to Hing Kee Bak Kut Teh at Jalan Kepong from The Exchange TRX due to traffic conditions. We arrived at 6.30pm on a Saturday and the street parking and proper carpark spaces were all taken, we had to circle a couple of times before getting a carpark lot. Once we got there, the eatery was about 90% occupied and the entire eatery was bustling; workers were moving very quickly taking orders and delivering hot claypots while customers were chatting boisterously.
The staff assigned us a table and we ordered Bak Kut Teh (Ribs), Spicy Dry Bak Kut Teh, Braised Pork Trotters and a Iceberg Lettuce. For the Bak Kut Teh, you can order any organ or type of meat and you are charged the same price.
Signature Herbal Broth – Deep, Fragrant, and Comforting
Hing Kee’s Bak Kut Teh soup is slow-cooked for hours using a secret blend of Chinese herbs and spices, giving it a rich flavour with a slightly sweet undertone. The broth is darker and more herbal tasting compared to strong peppery versions found in Singapore. It’s served piping hot in a claypot to keep the soup warm. Although the soup had a mild herbal taste, it did not lack in flavour making it suitable for children as well.
Succulent Pork Ribs
The highlight of any good Bak Kut Teh is the meat, and Hing Kee does not disappoint. The pork ribs are incredibly tender, absorbing all the herbal goodness of the broth. For those who enjoy variety, you can also order a mix of pork belly, intestines, stomach, and other offal, all cooked to perfection.
The Bak Kut Teh that came with around 5 pork ribs. The best part about this dish was the pork ribs, which were tender and easy to tear off the bone. We ordered an additional serving and indeed the pork ribs were similarly tender. Compared to Singapore with a regular order, we would get dry and tough pieces of pork depending on your luck. Even if you order the expensive premium loin rib “dragon bone”, the meat may not be fork tender so it can be a hit or miss situation.
When the dry Bak Kut Teh was served to us, you could immediately smell the caramelised dark sauce. It was an aromatic dish seasoned with dried cuttlefish added to enhance the umami. We could see why this was a recommend dish to order here at Hing Kee.
We were supposed to order the Braised Pork Knuckle but somehow we got it wrong and ordered the Braised Pork Trotter instead. The serving size was generous with many chunks of collagen goodness. The skin was soft, peeled off with ease and the gelatinous texture made every mouthful a sticky flavour bomb. It wasn’t too salty that I needed to chase it with rice.
Ambience & Dining Experience
Hing Kee Bak Kut Teh has a laid-back, no-frills environment, much like the traditional hawker-style eateries in Malaysia. The setting is simple yet inviting, making it a great spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy a hearty meal.
Despite its popularity, service is fast and efficient, and the friendly staff are always ready to recommend their popular menu items for your Bak Kut Teh experience.
For an enjoyable Bak Kut Teh experience in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, Hing Kee is a must-visit! Whether you’re a local food lover or a traveler on the hunt for authentic Malaysian street food, this place is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Rating: 4.2 / 5
Hing Kee Bakuteh Restaurant Jalan Kepong
LOT 3541-A JALAN KEPONG BT 7, 52000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FED8X12hjgVuPWG67
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