A few weeks ago, I made a post that showcased every chicken dish I had in recent weeks. I did this to discover what else can be done with a main ingredient like chicken and what kinds of tastes I would experience when the same ingredient is prepared using recipes from different cultures. It was an amazing experience to explore the possibilities of flavor and learn more about specific cultures through their food.
A good starting point for learning about a culture is to begin with the taste of food that represents that culture.
Since I had a great time discovering cuisines featuring chicken as the main dish, I wanted to continue this journey by exploring dishes from other cultures that feature pork as the main ingredient. Recently, I tasted Taiwanese cuisine, and the first dish I tried was Braised Pork Rice. It was a good start since I seldom explore Taiwanese cuisine, and now I'm quite happy with this discovery. It was indeed an enjoyable experience because of the generous serving of sauce that made me finish the entire dish with a smile 😁.
Continuing my search for pork dishes from various cuisines in Singapore, I found myself at Old Street Bak Kut Teh! It's one of the largest bak kut teh chains in the city and probably one of the best as well.
I ordered Set A from their set menu category. It consists of Bak Kut Teh, a bowl of rice, and a basket of You Tiao.
Before I delve into my experience sampling every dish in this spread, I want to discuss the place's ambiance.
The first thing I noticed about the place is its theme, which is a modernized version of the traditional street ambiance of Singapore in the olden days.
The hanging lamps on the ceiling give off a nostalgic atmosphere. They are traditional lamps that originally used kerosene to fuel the wick, burning until the fuel was drained. However, they have been converted to electric lamps that now illuminate the interior alongside modern lighting.
At the center of the restaurant, cutleries and condiments are arranged. I took a few utensils and prepared my condiments with a mixture of chopped garlic and dark sauce.
The furniture is comfortable, that's for sure. I particularly enjoy cushioned bench chairs when dining out. Fortunately, available tables were open during my visit.
Among the many soup dishes I have tried, Bak Kut Teh is my absolute favorite! At every Bak Kut Teh place I've visited, I've enjoyed the free-flow soup servings. Slurping the flavorful broth is what makes this dish truly enjoyable. It's best experienced during colder weather or in a place with good air conditioning like this one, LOL.
The You Tiao served as an appetizer. I typically dip the fried dough into the soup to absorb its flavor. This elevates the You Tiao's taste tenfold!
A perfect way to end this meal is with warm bean curd topped with sugar syrup! It's light yet creamy. The sweet taste provides a refreshing finish after such a heavy meal.
Culinary journeys are more than mere taste experiences; they're windows into the soul of cultures through their most intimate expression—food. Old Street Bak Kut Teh represents not just a meal, but a slice of Singaporean culinary tradition, where each dish tells a story of heritage and passion. As I continue exploring the rich tapestry of flavors, I'm reminded that every bite is an invitation to understand and appreciate the diversity of our world.
