Among the slew of restaurants and hole-in-a-walls in Balestier selling bak kut teh, one of the more popular ones that see folks from all walks of life religiously returning to is 333 Bak Kut Teh. Their peppery pork rib broth is piping-hot, comforting and a surefire way to perk you up after a night of drinking.
It recently shifted from their former premise opposite Shaw Plaza to a coffee shop not far down the road. Since the move, many have expressed concerns that the standard of their food had dropped. We were eager to find out for ourselves.
We ordered for a bowl of their signature Pork Ribs Soup (S$8 for small, S$10 for large), Salted Vegetables (S$2), Beancurd Skin (S$2), Fried Dough Fritters (S$1.50) and a bowl of Plain White Rice (S$0.70)
What to order at 333 Bak Kut Teh
We were pretty impressed with their piping hot Pork Ribs Soup. It was peppery and rich in a deep porky flavour, the way any good bak kut teh broth should be. Allowed to boil for long periods of time with garlic as a fundamental aromatic, the soup was savoury and hearty.
The pork ribs were soft, tender and imbued with a nice peppery flavour. The layers of fat were butter-like and went along excellently when dipped into the sweetish, mildly spicy chilli-infused dark sauce.
The Salted Vegetables, commonly referred to as “kiam chai”, was disappointing. It was bland, uninspiring and was neither salty nor sourish.
Thankfully, the braised Beancurd Skin was executed well. Braised low and slow, the thin sheets of beancurd were tender and very flavourful. The beancurd skin was thin and soft with a little bite to it which we liked.
From this visit, we do agree to some extent that the standard of their food has dropped a little. Nonetheless, we do foresee ourselves coming back here for supper again because while it may not be the best around, it still hits the spot.
Read our guide to late-night Bak Kut Teh in Singapore
Disclaimer: Uncover Asia made an anonymous visit and paid for their own meal.
Address: 567 Balestier Road, Singapore 329884
Opening Hours: 6PM – 6AM (Closed every alternate Mondays)
Contact: +65 6352 6192
Nearest MRT Station: Novena
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