Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh (黄亚细肉骨茶) @ Rangoon Road [Singapore]

The crowded bustle a few doors away from the noticeably quieter Woodshed Cafe was unavoidable and even though i had made a mental note to check it out, it was only about five months later that i finally stepped into Ng Ah Sio Pork Ribs Soup Eating House!

With my dearest mom of course! Frankly, i am aware i am a mummy's boy but for those children out there, please do try your best to accompany your parents; life is unpredictable and you do not want to regret not spending sufficient time with them.

I am quoting from a short yet touching post that a cousin posted on Facebook - "Love your parents - we are so busy growing up that we often forget they too are growing old".

Bak Kut Teh (BKT) - the Teh actually refers to "tea" which was drank alongside the pork rib soup. Amazingly, this is the first time i am having bak kut teh the classic, authentic way! In the past, i have always had BKT with soft drink, lime juice or even coffee!

To portray its traditional roots, a black and white photo shall henceforth be posted as above. 

In my honest opinion, other than it being a tradition, the only other reason i could think of having tea with bak kut teh is its ability to absorb the oil and fats that came with the soup. Being health conscious (with me getting older), i guess having tea would be the way to go in future bak kut teh indulgence! 

Signature Spare Ribs Soup

Singapore's version of bak kut teh differs from the Malaysian style with a much more peppery broth and this would not disappoint fans of Singapore-style bak kut teh. It was so spicy; you have to drink it slowly so as not to choke on the peppercorns! 

The pork ribs had a pretty tough bite although they were in bigger, thicker pieces! However, ask me to choose and i would still vote for Ya Hua for its less overpowering (on pepper) yet more flavourful broth. 

Fried You Tiao

Not crispy enough! Even though it might add on to the turnaround time, picky diners like me would benefit from you tiao being toasted in a simple toaster (like those used in rojak stalls)! I can so imagine the shiok-ness once i pop a crunchier youtiao with soup-soaked insides ! 

Preserved Vegetables

Comparable to the epic ones i had in Founder's Bak Kut Teh back in 2009, these preserved vegetables came in larger pieces (versus the wrinkly ones found in some places); had a nice crunch with that irresistible sweet-salty taste. A must to have them with rice soaked in bak kut teh! 

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Location

208 Rangoon Road

[Near Farrer Park MRT Station]

Map 

As above

Opening Hours

Tuesdays to Sundays - 7am to 10pm

Mondays - Closed

Website

http://www.ngahsio.com/

Menu

As above

Prices

Signature Spare Ribs Soup - S$8.50

Fried You Tiao - S$2.00

Preserved Vegetables - $2.50

Rice - S$0.50 a bowl

Shui Xian (Tea for 2 persons) - S$2.00

[Subject to GST]

Additional Information

Cash payment only! For tourists, you can purchase the spice packs to bring back home as souvenirs for your friends. This is similar to the Huxuzhang luroufan in Taiwan. 

Use the hot water kettle placed at strategic locations to refill the teapot to brew your tea! Be careful though as it is constantly boiling!