Tracing the origins of bak kut teh


Claypot bak kut teh with its more herbal, lighter and cleaner taste is gaining popularity among the younger crowd. Teluk Pulai Bak Kut Teh is where it started. Photo: Julie Wong

In Quanzhou, a port city in Fujian province in south-east China, a dish that closely resembles Klang’s famous bak kut teh can be found at the HaoChengCaiNiuPai restaurant.

The restaurant was founded in 1910, and named one of China’s “Time Honoured Brands” by the Ministry of Commerce in 1999. Niu pai is also recognised as a famous snack by the Fujian Restaurant Cuisine Association. That is to say, niu pai is an icon dish of the city, pretty much like bak kut teh is to the Klang Valley.

Subscribe or renew your subscriptions to win prizes worth up to RM68,000!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Food News

Malaysian chef Linn Yong champions sustainable Sabah ingredients
RM1,530 for a coffee? Scottish farm sells Britain's most expensive cup of Joe
Traditional Sabahan recipes get the spotlight at Oitom by chef Raphael Peter Lee
Region-specific diets around China recommended to combat obesity
Cost of convenience: Coffee pods need and waste more resources than other methods
Drawn to magic of coffee art
White truffles, Italy's gold, menaced by climate change
American food chain shakes up KL with iconic burger, beverage
Two new KL restaurants get Michelin stars in 2025 Michelin Guide KL and Penang
Teochew touch to seafood

Others Also Read