Klang Bak Kut Teh – The Really BIG Breakfast
April 9, 2010 | 2,725 views| 47 Comments » |
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Friday is HERE !!! Darn those cravings for anything porky, the meatier/fatter the better !!! Why can’t I find a worthy Bak Kut Teh here in Ipoh? So for today, let’s drool over some of Klang’s (hands down, the CAPITAL of delicious Bak Kut Teh in Malaysia!) signature BKT outlets, strewn all over the town. Last I heard there are HUNDREDS of them in Klang alone. Almost at every nook and corner, every turn of the junction; you know you won’t be deprived of one of Malaysia’s MOST prolific breakfast of choice.
Big Bones, Small Bones. No Bones? The various cuts of porky goodness one can pick from a myriad of cuts. If you’re not sure, just ask for recommendations. Or walk over to the counter at the front portion of the shop, and pick your meats.
One of the oldest outlet serving BKT in Klang has to be Seng Huat, fondly referred to as the “Bak Kut Teh Under the Bridge“. Widely acknowledged as THE origin of Bak Kut Teh by many, this restaurant has been around for more than 60 years! Astounding right? It’s probably the essence of the remnants encrusted at the bottom of the huge pots since decades ago that provides the dark-coloured soup with the much-revered strong herbal tinge, something rarely found in the other diluted copycats. Ask the locals, and chances are, you’d be promptly told that REAL BKT are served in small porcelain bowls, not in claypots.
Seng Huat – The Timeless Classic Under the Pedestrian Bridge @ Klang
But truth is, I adore claypot BKT as much as the one served in bowls. Or wait, probably more than the latter. For I have grown up eating my BKT served in claypots, and only recently (not as recent actually, about 2 years ago) introduced to its much thicker, darker and robust cousin without any beancurd sheets (foo chook), mushrooms or lettuce. And some do not even serve minced garlic with chopped cili padi (bird’s eye chillies) in soy sauce on the side, as they believe this will only ruin the taste.
Personally, I could not imagine having BKT without the bells and whistles (you tiao/Chinese crullers, lots of enoki mushrooms, maybe a few pieces of gelatinous, soft chicken feet, and the almost-compulsory soy sauce+cili padi dip). But to each his own, in this case.
So, wanna know where else for Klang’s famous Bak Kut Teh? Read on …
Pao Xiang has a rather novel idea of cooking their brand of BKT; tying the trotters and ribs with cotton strings, to expel the fats and prevent the meat from falling off. Interesting?
Repeated feasts consisting of irresistible trotters, “big and small bones”, ribs, 3 layered pork, innards, etc cooked in the aromatic broth made from various herbs had me rounding up the countless selections, and came up with this post of BKT in Klang.
Pao Xiang on the other hand, situated in Taman Kimberley of Klang, serves a rather unusual Bak Kut Teh with Strings. The meat is first tied with cotton strings prior to being cooked, to expel the excessive fats and oils from the pork, as well as keeping them intact through out the laborious process.
No doubt first of its kind in Klang, or anywhere else, Pao Xiang has even branched out to various malls in the Klang Valley. But the broth suffered from a lack of oomph, although appearing dark and promising, and served in those classic bowls. At RM7.50/USD2.10 per bowl, you do not get vegetables, mushrooms and the likes in your serving as well.
Another famous name, Weng Heong is situated directly beside Teluk Pulai Bak Kut Teh in Taman Intan
I have posted twice on my personal favourite spot for claypot Bak Kut Teh in Klang; the Teluk Pulai Bak Kut Teh in Taman Intan, off the Federal Highway before you reach Klang town. And on both occasions, there were detractors, most complaining about the diluted broth, and commonly compared to Weng Heong next door, which also serves BKT in claypots, and carved a name for themselves by including sea cucumbers in claypot in their menu.
If you’re around Taman Intan of Klang, do not worry at all about hunger. For you are looking at at least 8 or so Bak Kut Teh outlets within the vicinity!
Weng Heong Bak Kut Teh was indeed delicious, the soup was hearty and flavoursome from all the herbs added, and various cuts of pork thrown in for good measure. The generous portion of pork (we chose lean meat and ribs I remember correctly) served in the claypot was a plus, and the meat was tender yet toothsome.
Minor gripes? The rice with onion oil was slightly soggy, and the ‘yau char kwai’ (Chinese crullers) was soft instead of crunchy. But certainly comparable to Teluk Pulai’s version when it comes to the BKT itself, and arguably one of the best in Klang.
Bored of the usual ribs and fatty pork? Try some innards for a change.
Klang Lek Bak Kut Teh and Teluk Pulai Bak Kut Teh (not to be confused with the aforementioned one, this one is really on Jalan Teluk Pulai) are two other BKT outlets I visited before, and the former was one I patronized more than once.
Why? For the DRY Bak Kut Teh of course.
Klang Lek’s version of DRY Bak Kut Teh – But not as stellar as Yap Chuan‘s in Puchong.
But second visit to Klang Lek was lacklustre, and even the dry bak kut teh had an unpleasant burnt taste, probably left on the fire for too long. But comparing Klang Lek Bak Kut Teh to Yap Beng in Pandamaran, I’ll pick Klang Lek anyday. Just don’t compare with Yap Chuan of Puchong, for that one was REALLY good. Yap Keat in Subang also does a rather mean version of dry bak kut teh. And Yap Keat opened a branch in Taman Intan as well, next to Weng Heong.
Still one of my favourite haunt, though bear in mind that on some days, the broth can get really diluted you’d be wondering did they add water to the soup to cater to the massive crowd?
Of course, there are so many more that I’m intending to wallop in Klang. There’s the under-rated yet very popular with the locals; Ah Her Bak Kut Teh in Pandamaran which opens for dinner (go early, about 5-6pm to be safe), and Mo Sang Kor in Taman Berkeley (few shops away from Pao Xiang) and Pandamaran of Klang, as well as a chic & modernized outlet stall in Hutong Food Court in Lot 10.
So where’s your favourite spot for Bak Kut Teh in Klang? Unleash the carnivore in you, and go all out, people !!! Happy Weekend !!!
UPDATED 4th July 2010 – Mo Sang Kor Bak Kut Teh @ Pandamaran – Current favourite of mine!
Detailed reviews in the following posts :
Seng Huat (Under the Bridge) Bak Kut Teh
Teluk Pulai (Pottery) Bak Kut Teh @ Taman Intan
Klang Lek Bak Kut Teh
Teluk Pulai Bak Kut Teh @ Teluk Pulai
Locations & Contact Numbers :
Weng Heong Bak Kut Teh (next door to Teluk Pulai Bak Kut Teh)
28-30, Jalan Batai Laut 5,
Kawasan 16, Taman Intan,
41300 Klang, Selangor
6012-382 4408
Pao Xiang Bak Kut Teh (same row with Mo Sang Kor, and famous Fatty Mee Hoon Kuih)
No 45, Lebuh Bangau,
Taman Berkeley,
41150 Klang, Selangor
Business hours : 7.00am – 3.00pm
6012-263 8869
Seng Huat similar like Chow Kiat, same serving style and big, big meat chunks. Been eating Pao Xiang at 1U for few times, although the serving is small and pricey, I’m already adapted to the thickness and flavour of the soup
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J2Kfm Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Oh ya, Chow Kiat, opposite Boston right? Missed that. And there are few more, but always finding myself going back to Seng Huat and Teluk Pulai.
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How come ah.. I stay in KL but I haven’t been to all of the 4 places you listed but YOU from Ipoh have! ‘Chap shu’ lar me…
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I vouch for Mo Sang Kor of Berkeley
also Kaka BKT @ Jalan Kepong (opposite Carrefour)
Pao Xiang also not bad
I always keep my expectation to the minimum
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J2Kfm Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
Mo Sang Kor really nice ah? Hmm, ok. Probably should have gone for that instead of Pao Xiang.
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ipoh got 2 BKT can makan la…just that it sold out too fast?Sun Tong Chew and Tung Lok Hin.
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J2Kfm Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Hi wenxuan. Yes, I have been to both.
Previously Tung Lok Hin was my favourite, for they’re the only one serving DRY BKT. (pardon me if I’m wrong). But the last visit (sometime in 2009) was pathetic, the soup bland and tasteless.
Sun Tong Chew on Jalan Chung Thye Phin was not as good as yesteryears, for I found nothing worth raving after repeated visits last few months.
The one in Pasir Puteh is NOT BAD, the one near to Kek Lok Seah temple.
But personally, I find that in Ipoh, Good Taste Chef in Bercham managed to appease my BKT cravings.
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wenxuan Reply:
April 13th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
tung lok hin’s dry one was better than the wunderkid from Puchong’s version, IMHO.
i havent been to sun tong chew for quite some time because it was sold out in the morning (am not a morning person).
will try out the others soon! thanks!
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J2Kfm Reply:
April 13th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Really? Maybe I should go again and really, really taste the BKT again. Previously Tung Lok Hin’s version was my favourite in Ipoh, both the dry and the wet. I ain’t a fan of Sun Tong Chew, for I find them over-rated somehow.
Correct me if I’m wrong, anyone. But I think Sun Tong Chew opened a branch right behind Tow Boo Keong temple late last year.
Porky delight…is this post in conjunction with the 30cents increase in porky price?
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J2Kfm Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 10:44 pm
Nothing connected. But still, nothing beats some porky getaways for the weekend!!!!
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makan bak kut teh tak jemput i
wah long time i tak makan bkt. must go and eat again.
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J2Kfm Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Hehe, you’re in Klang meh? No lah, all these walloped over some time one, not in one trip. Pengsan loh, ate so much meat repeatedly.
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neko-hime Reply:
April 11th, 2010 at 4:33 pm
not only pengsan, eat already, blood pressure go up! No lah i stay in Subang. Got nice bkt around my area as well.
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that dry bak kut teh looks familiar.. Mo Sang Kor is not bad as well..
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i’ve tried all of d above BKT mentioned.
Give a try at Kee Heung BKT in Taman Eng Ann, Klang.
Go 4 d BKT in bowl in order 2 get d best flavor! sure worth it….slurppp…….
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Strangely, KL’s & PJ’s BKT may fair better than Klang………..! Klang’s BKT can be very expensive and over rated too!
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J2Kfm Reply:
April 11th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Erm, expensive cannot say lah, cz more or less the same only. But over rated, I don’t think so. Unless you went to the wrong ones, perhaps?
I have tried Jalan Ipoh’s famous ones, but not up to par in my opinion.
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pang Reply:
April 12th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
i’ve tried quite a nos. of popular /famous BKT in KL n PJ. eg Ban Lee nxt 2 Dynasty hotel KL, Sun Foong, Jln imbi, KL, Yip Yan, seri kembangan,Sel, Ah Sang, Sg Way,PJ, Heng Kee Old town,PJ, Yi Sin Ge BKT tmn People’s park,PJ, n BKT Segambut dalam, KL n hv tried this bkt link as well
http://themalaysianlife.blogspot.com/2007/08/bak-kut-teh-in-klang-valley.
All I can say is, taste is alwiz very subjective n “sensitive” too. KL/PJ bkt’s broth is either peppery (JB stlye), usually thin or even thick herbal(Juz Not-d-same as Klang).Well, it is a matter of individual preference. Everyone has his/her fav bkt to make his/her day! There is no benchmark HERE!
Most KL/PJ bkt stalls disappoint me unless they r fr Klang origin. Most Klang bkt stalls make my Day!
So wat r u waiting 4, go carnivore, BKT tis weekend!
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J2Kfm Reply:
April 13th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
Thanks pang for the clarification. Ditto my opinions as well. Some of my friends from Ipoh also could not accept Klang’s BKT. However strange that may sound.
pang Reply:
April 14th, 2010 at 12:23 am
tried Nam chau dry curry meen 4 d 1st time (back 2 Ipoh 4 “ching Beng”) 2 wks back.
It was good 2 d last drop……thick n aromatic curry gravy……d way a plate of dry curry mee should be…..drooling….again! *swallow saliva*
Thx James.
btw, down d road b4 turning into MBB (right junction) there is a shop, Sang Kee Hakka mee, beef balls, cuttlefish balls/tofu too.
Manned by mother n son. There r also newspapers’ write-ups framed n hanged on d wall, d outstanding one was d son photographed with Oscar winning director, Ang Lee when he was in Ipoh filming “Lust,Caution” Link: http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/bernama-malaysian-national-news-agency/mi_8082/is_20060906/ang-lee-begins-filming-lust/ai_n51530836/ I juz luv their cuttlefish fried tofu…it is good man! alwiz sold out by 10.30am. Beside d cuttlefish fried tofu, hakka mee, beef balls r unmemorable. Hv u tried them yet?
J2Kfm Reply:
April 14th, 2010 at 9:15 am
Hi pang. Yeah I have written about the place here : http://www.j2kfm.com/ipoh-old-town-hakka-mee-beef-soup/
Certainly one of the better place for Hakka noodles, with beef to boot.
Oh CK Reply:
May 6th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Hi Pang ang J2Kfm:
I studied in Klang secondary school during the 80′s, later moved back to Ipoh ( parents from Ipoh ), now working in Kuching. Klang is considered the Mecca of BKT, Klang folks eat BKT for breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner and supper. Maybe others don’t like the Klang type BKT, but for me, Klang BKT is the gold standard BKT. I really enjoy Klang BKT back then, and still do…
No favorite BKT since I’ve never ever eatan BKT in my life!!! *sobs*
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J2Kfm Reply:
April 11th, 2010 at 11:11 pm
Oh so pity. Nvm, come over to Malaysia, then eat away! BKT is available almost in every state.
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Thanks for ur post remind me Mo Sang Kor just had their latest branch @ Kepong which near my place!!! Later I 1 2 lunch there!!! YEAH!!!
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wow… nice bak kut teh…. shit!! i cant get the paste here in germany ><
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I agree that this IS the ultimate big breakfast! Full if carb and protein to start the day. And to end the meal with a cuppa hot tea, shiok. Klang’s bkt is nice but too lazy to go there la, sonetimes…hehe. I find kepong’s bkt not bad also.
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J2Kfm Reply:
April 11th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
yes ah? Many said so too. I almost never went to Kepong for food hunt. Except once, when I went to Tuck Kee for dim sum.
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I love the Pork innards one…And also dry bat kut teh..drooollss
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Famous Klang Bak Kut Teh Restaurants | Motormouth From Ipoh – A Malaysian Food Blog…
Klang is no doubt THE most famous town in Malaysia serving Bak Kut Teh. Hundreds of outlets serving everything from the most traditional version in bowls, to dry Bak Kut Teh, as well as the conventional claypot version….
the only klang BKT i’ve tried so far is the pandamaran Ah Her BKT. seriously good man!!
so which outlet’s BKT is your fav so far?
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J2Kfm Reply:
April 11th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
So far? Seng Huat, and Teluk Pulai. Yap Chuan in Puchong also not bad.
That day we went Pandamaran, the stall was closed already. Too late.
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WAhhh… u do luv yr BKT dun ya? Ok, Sat or sun..if ur in KL, we go to one that is in Selayang. Damn thick broth. 630am ya.
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J2Kfm Reply:
April 13th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
6.30am?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
fainted.
DON’T …. WAKE …. ME …. UP ……
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so many klang bkt i never eat be4
only the lot10 mo song kor, the under bridge one b4 nia
btw, haiz, when you say “can’t I find a worthy Bak Kut Teh here in Ipoh”
i also got same feel, why la in other place of malaysia cant find good bkt
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J2Kfm Reply:
April 13th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
True, somehow. I tasted a few in Penang as well back when I was studying there. None that had me craving for a bowl after I left uni.
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Well as concern, one of the earliest “Bak Kut Teh” is in Jalan Pasar which is next to the “Old Klang Market” – “Seng Kiat Bak Kut Teh” (it no longer there already as sad to says he has passaway 10 years ago…)
It is quite famous among the older generations people – I think the name of the stall is still there as it is located in Emporium Makan second last row… The start operating as early as 3am in the morning and by 4 – 7 am it is pack of people … I’m trying to located the sons of the owner as i heard he is selling “Bak Kut Teh” in klang as well…miss the taste of “Seng Kiat”
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J2Kfm Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Oh Seng Kiat? I was told another story. Seng Huat actually has another similar ‘sibling’ outlet, a street away. The shop’s nameless, but within walking distance from Seng Huat.
Is that the one you meant?
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nec2000 Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Seng Huat located in Jalan Besar, first started with his uncle since early 80′s. He is the elder son of Lee Bon Teh, which is located in the back alley of Jalan Besar (less than 100M). Lee Bon Teh is the oldest BKT in Klang since late 40′s. Is been awhile I didn’t visit “yi-ya”. nick name of Lee, think his grandson is running the shop now.
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J2Kfm Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:22 pm
You’re really well-informed of the history of BKT from Klang huh?
That’s good. For many would be interested to find out whether BKT originated from Malaysia, Singapore, or elsewhere.
Anyway, I watched the episodes on Axian’s Taste of Jason show on AEC/AFC and only knew that the TEH in Bak Kut Teh does not refer to the soup, nor the chinese tea. Interesting enough.
well maybe the next bkt shall be restoran No. 158 jln pandamaran….p.klg opp.P`maran primary chinese school.Its neigbour is Florist shop…
the ladies run d restaurant…u may have loh egg, pig tendons and the awesome bkt trotter leg
..u read right..the knuckle version..big portion.p`rolly u may have to at least go in goup of 4.
Morning till b`4 1330pm after 2pm sorry la…finito
But nearer in Klang for lunch i `ll go Thong Yew bkt with side order specialty fresh fish cuisines.
Its off tmn berkely roundabot 3 oclock with Mamak restoran as neigbour mext door..from kl to klg direction
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J2Kfm Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Thanks ignatio. Sorry I missed replying your comment way back last month.
Anyway, Jalan Pandamaran?! Wow .. that area’s infested with BKT! Some within the vicinity of one’s house, hence I think I know where you meant.
Thong Yew is new to me, but if near to the Mamak then I have a rough idea where this is.
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Being a proud Klangite and fussy bakuteh eater, I wld rate Seng Huat as the best! They were once famous for being arrogant coz any request for extra soup wld be scoffed at! They hv since allowed it, i’m glad.
Fyi, Weng Heong used to occupy the corner neighbour’s lot (now occupied by teluk pulai bakuteh) till they were chased off, but somehow managed to obtain the next 2 lots to continue. That’s a lil piece of history that i wld like to share
. Weng Heong’s still my choice at Tmn Intan/Rashna.
Btw, I love the way Pao Xiang has that lil burner to keep the soup hot! *two thumbs up*
+Ant+
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J2Kfm Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 6:46 pm
Thanks Gratitude for sharing.
I have still yet to write about Mo Sang Kor, but that is my absolute favourite Klang BKT now. Bar none.
Hehe .. what do you think?
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Btw, this is a wonderful post! very informative ^_^
+Ant+
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