Songfa Bak Kut Teh in Singapore

There are two Songfa Bak Kut Teh locations within 30 feet of one another. The one facing New Bridge Road is indoors. The other wrapping around the street is outdoors. Considering the humidity of Singapore, I opted for the indoor Songfa with rotating fans.

There weren’t many customers since it was past peak lunch hours. However at 2:30 pm–during the first half hour into my dine–couples, groups of friends and a crew of middle-aged men trickled in. 80% of the restaurant became occupied. Half an hour later they stealthily left as they had arrived.

The interior contained black-and-white photos of Clark Quay and colored photos of their dishes. With questions sprouting in my mind regarding Songfa’s food and its history, I inquired the waitresses. They didn’t speak much English so it was up to my imagination and Google to answer my curiosities.

I ordered a small bowl of Pork Ribs Soup, also known as “bak kut teh” (meat bone soup). The soup had a strong presence of black pepper. The soft garlic cloves dissolved as you gently squeezed the meat out of them. Some of the pork ribs were soft. Others had a slightly dry texture despite being rehydrated in the soup. If you run low on hot soup, ask a server for free refills.

Usually Bak Kut Teh is paired with rice or noodles. Instead I consumed it with a small plate of Choi Sum topped off with garlic chips. The vegetables were seasoned just enough to have flavor, but not so much that it would take attention away from the soup.

Each table has a pot and mini sink. You boil your own cup of tea. As for me I drank their Homemade Water Chestnut, which can be ordered cold or warm. It tasted medicinal with a slight sweetness.

My bill totaled to $11.80 SGD ($9.39 USD). And yes, they charged 20 cents for the wet tissue. In the US, customers are given dry napkins. Singapore I’m learning always gives wet tissues.

PS: The tiny bathrooms here should be illegal 😂 Aside from lavatory woes, I’d come back for more Songfa Bak Kut Teh.

Indoor Songfa:

11 New Bridge Road #01-01

Singapore 059383

Tel: +65 6533 6128

Outdoor Songfa:

17 New Bridge Road #01-01

Singapore 059386

Tel: +65 6438 2858

Far East Songfa:

6 Changi Business Park

Ave 1, #01-38 S486017

Tel: +65 6694 8098