Song Fa’s Deliciously Humble Bak Kut Teh

by Julius Kensan
12th September 2014
The popular Song Fa Bak Kut Teh from Singapore has finally arrived in Jakarta and has been drawing constant stream of crowds since its opening. Underestimate the modest pork ribs soup on your own account.

It is safe to say that Song Fa’s reputation precedes itself in Jakarta. How else do you explain the long lines of waiting diners snaking outside the establishment? And they are not even open for business yet, mind you.

An already popular establishment in Singapore, Song Fa’s very own version of Bak Kut Teh (Bak Kut means pork ribs) seems to sit easily with Jakartans’ taste buds. In Song Fa, the meat is cooked past its tough stage until it is soft enough to fall off easily from the bone (an updated version to suit the taste of the younger generation). In addition, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh is rooted in Teochew style, where the clear soup is prepared with pork bones, pepper and garlic.

It goes without saying that their pork ribs soup is a no brainer option. Not to mention that the soup is refillable, which means you can drink to your heart’s content. But why stop there if you’ve gone through the pain of waiting just to get a seat in this establishment. Their Braised Pig Trotter and Chicken Feet are highly recommended as well and of course, the meal is not complete without an order of Cakwe (Fried Dough Fritters).

Tea is also an important aspect of Bak Kut ‘Teh’. Traditionally, Bak Kut Teh is enjoyed with tea. Apart from being a healthy alternative, ordering of Chinese Tea in Song Fa means you get to enjoy mini theatrics of its own: Staff carries out the traditional way of serving Chinese tea through plenty of pouring steps. A hypnotising distraction while one waits for the food to arrive.

Judging from the satisfied crowd, Song Fa’s popularity is definitely undisputable. Soon, one can’t make a list of best restaurants to visit without mentioning the name Song Fa.