Bak Kut Teh(肉骨茶) was first created by a hawker whom wanted a cuisine to energise the coolies working at the Clarke Quay harbour. Singapore being a trading port island, the Clarke Quay harbour was filled with all sorts of herbs and spices. The hawker then took these easily accessible herbs and spices with some pork which the rich doesn’t eat, to boil a pot of a nutritious soup.

Of course our hardworking coolies had to keep themselves hydrated, so he brewed a huge pot of tea right in front of his stall to compliment the soup.

The coolies loved their bak kut teh, so do we! Come and visit Balestier Bak Kut Teh for a taste of our nation’s heritage cuisine!