The peppery Teochew pork-rib soup that locals swear by, from a 1969 pushcart-turned-institution near Clarke Quay. Michelin Bib Gourmand, free soup refills, order rice separately. Comforting and reliable.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon 09:30-21:15 Tue closed Wed 09:30-21:15 Thu 09:30-21:15 Fri 09:30-21:15 Sat 09:00-21:15 Sun 09:00-21:15 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Clarke Quay MRT (NE5), ~4 min walk |
| Time needed | 45 min-1 hour |
| Best time to go | Off-peak: right at opening or mid-afternoon; the lunch and dinner rushes bring queues |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.9/10- Value8.0
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.2
- excellence8.0
- Crowd level6.0
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility8.5
Frequently asked questions
- How do I order?
- Get a bowl of pork ribs (loin ribs are the classic), a bowl of rice, and add sides like braised pig trotter, pork intestine, tau kee or salted vegetables. Dip the meat in dark soy with chilli and garlic. Rice is ordered separately.
- Is it halal?
- No. Bak kut teh is a pork dish, so it is not halal. If you don't eat pork, this isn't the spot.
- What are the opening hours and closing day?
- The New Bridge Road flagship runs roughly 9:30am to 9:15pm and is typically closed one day a week (commonly Tuesday), so check before you go. Sources vary slightly on exact times, so treat these as a guide.
- Is it worth it and is it Michelin?
- It's a Michelin Bib Gourmand pick and a genuine local favourite that grew from a 1969 street cart. It's not the cheapest bak kut teh in town, but the quality and heritage justify it for most. A dependable introduction to the dish.
- Is it good for kids or spice-averse eaters?
- The soup is peppery but not chilli-hot, so most can handle it, and you control the chilli in the dip. The ribs are tender and easy to eat, making it fairly family-friendly.
- How do I get there?
- It's about a 4-minute walk from Clarke Quay MRT, right by the river. Easy to combine with a riverside stroll or a Chinatown day.
- Are the soup refills really free?
- Yes, the peppery broth is topped up for free, which is part of the fun, keep asking and mop it up with rice. It's one reason the meal feels good value despite the ribs themselves being the pricier part.
- What is bak kut teh?
- Literally 'meat bone tea', it's a soup of pork ribs simmered with garlic and white pepper. Song Fa does the Teochew style: clear, peppery and garlicky rather than the darker, herbal Hokkien version. It's peppery, warming comfort food.
Nearby in Ask Singapore
- Ya Kun Kaya Toast (Far East Square)Café0.5 km · 6 min walk
- Asian Civilisations MuseumMuseum0.54 km · 7 min walk
- Chinatown Heritage CentreAttraction0.56 km · 7 min walk
- OdetteRestaurant0.56 km · 7 min walk
- National Gallery SingaporeMuseum0.59 km · 7 min walk
Where to stay near Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (New Bridge Road)
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