Review: Ah Mak's Must Try List - Klang Style Bak Kut Teh

As most locals would know, there are 2 main types of Bak Kut Teh. The Singaporean style usually consists of a clear peppery broth with lots of garlic, while the other is touted as a Malaysian classic which has a thicker, herbal soup base served in a claypot. While I have my favourites for the former, Kays is a purist and insists that the Klang style claypot BKT is the real thing.

My most memorable BKT experience was indeed in KL Klang valley, where there were a row of shophouses all selling the delicious herbal variety. The stall we visited then served yam rice along with the BKT, which also had enoki mushrooms, fishballs and lots of veggies! I've not been able to find something that came close in Singapore, but we do have a couple of favourites whenever we needed to get our fix.

This weekend we had the craving again, and headed to Kays' favourite stall at Alexandra Village only to find out that the entire food centre has closed for renovations! Disappointed, we drove to the Jalan Bukit Merah ABC food centre around the corner to find some other food and surprise surprise, we chanced upon the said stall relocated here! It must be fate!

Leon Kee Pork Rib Soup was easy to miss because of the lack of photos on its signboard. We found them purely because its neighbour was also selling BKT (but the peppery kind) which caught my eye. Kays then very quickly recognised one lady next door at Leon Kee as a regular staff from the old location. Thrilled, we quickly ordered and took our seats, waiting eagerly for the food. Kays was elated because we stumbled upon this place and we lapped up the soup almost immediately.

Leon Kee BKT with fried fitters, kailan with stewed mushrooms

While Kays preferred the stronger herbal taste at this Bukit Merah stall and I agree the meat is more flavourful, I personally preferred the other Leong Kee, sounds similar but I don't think they are related, at Beach Road and Geylang, which has a richer, thicker soup and the tender meat comes right off the pork ribs. Will post more about this other Leong Kee when we next visit!

So there you have it, our 2 top choices for Klang style claypot BKT!
Ah Mak's Klang Bak Kut Teh Must Try List:

8 out of 10

1. Leon Kee Pork Rib Soup, Big Prawn Noodles

Blk 6, Jalan Bukit Merah

#01-03, ABC Market 

*Heard that their claypot prawn noodles are good too!

8 out of 10

2. Leong Kee (Klang) Bak Kut Teh @ Beach Road

321 Beach Road
Kampong Glam Conservation Area

3. Leong Kee (Klang) Bak Kut Teh@ Geylang

251, Geylang Road (Beside Lor 11)

(they've moved from their previous location at Lor 21A)