H O S T E D
If there ever was a "bak kut teh" for millennials, this would be it.
The dishes have a modern vibe in concept and presentation but retain the taste of tradition. It shouldn't surprise considering @bakbak.sg is an offshoot of decades-old "Rong Cheng Bak Kut Teh" whose founder created the "white Teochew style" and introduced the use of premium pork loin ribs in BKT.
This trendsetting spirit is going strong with BakBak's new BKT dishes pictured in the top row above. One marries chewy Japanese Udon with Dragon Rib while the other has succulent sea cucumber. I find these new ingredients pair well with the peppery broth. If you are into pork, you'll adore the perfectly tender meat-to-fat ratio of the Dragon Rib as it gives a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
For those who are more health-conscious, the "shabu-shabu" styled sliced organic pork belly (shown bottom left) should interest you. It has a cleaner taste overall in comparison to the others and comes with fresh lettuce.
I really enjoyed their Braised Pork Trotter for its brighter, almost fruity taste profile pictured bottom right. After reading the press release, I realised it's because orange skin is used along with other herbs and spices to slow-cook the meat in a blend of light and dark soya sauces. No wonder it's got that lovely facet of freshness.
Last but not least, f you seek some quiet respite, you can dine solo at one of the "ichiran" booth seats on the ground level of this two-storey restaurant. Outfitted with smart technology, ordering and payment can be done without having to interact with anyone at all. I think it's a nifty concept because don't we all need that "alone time" once in a while?