This dish has now been officially named as one of Malaysian’s heritage foods! But first, let’s get this straight, once and for all. The “bak” in Bak Kut Teh actually means “meat” in Hokkien, not pork meat. While most Bak Kut Teh uses pork as a primary protein choice, some would use chicken or beef like this one in Sarawak. Putting the conflict aside, it is a dish well-loved for its rich herbal taste, accompanied by its spiced-infused tender meat and ingredients. So let’s wait no more and dive into the list to check out which places serve the best Bak Kut Teh in Penang!
10 Best Bak Kut Teh Spots in Penang
1. Khoon Klang Bak Kut Teh
This is no doubt the author’s FAVOURITE Bak Ku Teh spot! First off, we have to compliment the broth for its overpowering herbal taste, which makes it difficult for you to stop slurping on it. Furthermore, you get to choose whether if you want any innards in your soup, and they’ll be replaced with even more meat and meatballs. There is also a dry version where you will enjoy a spicier, thick-flavoured BKT with more lady fingers.
Photo: Google
Address: 320, Jalan Perak, Jelutong, 11600 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operation Hour: 11AM-10.30PM (Closed on Fridays)
2. Lai Xiang Bak Kut Teh (来香砂煲肉骨茶)
There’s just something about enjoying a piping-hot meal of Bak Kut Teh on the roadside that makes you feel relaxed. And that’s what you can get at Lai Xiang Bak Kut Teh! The flavors and aromas of herbs in their version are pronounced yet perfectly balanced. Just a taste of it will have you craving more! Don’t worry, there are indoor seatings too for those who prefer a cooler environment.
Address: Lintang Mayang Pasir 3, Bandar Bayan Baru, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang.
Operation Hour: 4.00PM – 9.30PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
3. Lao San Tong Bah Kut Teh
Now we can’t leave out the Michelin-recommended Bak Kut Teh, can’t we? Well-loved by the residents of Butterworth, this establishment is notable for its herbal-filled BKT as well as its wide selection of ingredients. Moreover, many praise their affordable pricing despite their name being appeared on the Michelin’s radar. A tip for those planning to visit: order the Yam Rice instead of the white rice!
Address: MY Pulau Pinang Butterworth Jalan Raja Uda, 1, Lorong Perniagaan Melur, 12300
Operation Hours: 4:00pm – 10:00pm (Daily)
4. Padang How Bak Kut Teh
Photo: @yenchun828 via Instagram
This spot right here has got really nice and juicy pork belly, not forgetting their pork ribs too! Though the soup is a bit on the thin side, but don’t let it fool you, its strong flavour will be sure to prove you wrong. It’s just so pleasant to drink; you will be asking the boss for refills in no time!
Address: 126, Jalan Perak, 10460 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operation Hours: 5:00 – 10:45 pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
5. Lao Xiang Claypot Bak Kut Teh
Nestled in the heart of Bukit Mertajam, Lao Xiang is a beloved gem frequented by locals and visitors alike. Their traditional clay pot Bak Kut Teh has drawn many regulars with its flavour-packed soup over the years, so it is no surprise that their restaurant is always full. Besides the soup, you can add more of your favourite ingredients, including meat parts, lettuce, meatballs, and so on. It will also be a guaranteed stress-free meal with the premise’s ample parking.
Photo: @cathxerica.foodescapades via Instagram
Address: 6, Lorong Sepakat 1, Taman Sepakat, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Operation Hours: 8:00 am – 2:15 pm; 5:00pm – 9:30 pm (Closed on Thursdays)
6. WEN HUA BAK KUT TEH 吧生文化肉骨茶
Using a recipe that has been passed down for generations, Wen Hua’s Bak Kut Teh brims with the aromatic blend of herbs and spices, promising an authentic experience. For a twist on tradition, savor their Dry Claypot Bak Kut Teh, which exudes a strong and deep “wok hey” taste. You can also complement your feast with their exquisite side dishes, featuring off-the-bone Braised Chicken Feet and succulent Steamed Clams.
Address: 48, Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operation Hours: 12:00pm – 10:00pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
7. Bak Kut Teh Good Master Restoran 食王 (珍珠市) 肉骨茶
After being visited by many Taiwanese celebrities, this Bak Kut Teh establishment was then put on the map. Their broth is incredibly fragrant and packed with herb flavours, and all infused into the tender pork meat after long hours of cooking. They are also well-known for their Thai-style fried bean curd which is drizzled with sweet and spicy Thai chilli sauce, which makes a good palate refresher.
Address: 34, Jalan Tembikai, Taman Desa Damai, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang.
Operation Hours: 10am – 8pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
8. Soon Peng Bak Kut Teh
Address: 17/19, Jalan Tasek, Taman Valdor, 14200 Sungai Bakap, Pulau Pinang
Operation Hours: 11.30am – 10.00pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
9. Keat Claypot Bak Kut Teh
Slurp away on the strong taste of herb broth served in a sizzling claypot. Keat Claypot Bak Kut Teh has been around for years, serving the residents of Air Itam excellent, piping hot Bak Kut Teh at its humble establishment. While they are well-known for their flavorful broth, their yam rice and Three-Flavour Tofu are also fan favourites that pair perfectly with the main dish. Best to enjoy it during a rainy day!
Address: Jln Padang Tembak, Air Itam, 11400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operation Hours: 5pm – 12am (Closed on Mondays)
10. Beng Kee Claypot Bak Kut Teh @ Old Green House
Located alongside Burma Road, this popular coffee shop is home to some of the best street food in Penang, such as Curry Mee, Char Hor Fun, and Bak Kut Teh. The soup here is said to be more pungent in its herb’s taste and very fragrant. And as usual, you are free to pick whichever pork parts you like for your meal. Many of its regulars praised their Yam Rice, but do get there early as it runs out fast.
Photo: @ssteo88 (IG)
Address: 223, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operation Hours: 2:00pm – 11:30pm (Closed on Sundays)
11. 满膳食馆 肉骨茶 Man Shan Bak Kut Teh
Photo: @cariesty_lim_ via Instagram
Looking for an air-conditioned Bak Kut Teh spot? Here’s one! Not only that their comfortable ambience makes the restaurant a suitable venue for family dinners, their Bak Kut Teh is also worth the trip! Their broth is stewed for 12 hours, and cooked using 18 types of spices and herbs. They also added their twist to the Dry Bak Kut Teh by using garlic sauce as their main ingredient. Moreover, other signature dishes will make your dinner worthwhile, such as Pork Trotter Dry Pot, Braised Pork with Salted Fish Paste and Nyonya-style Egg Belanda.
Address: 128, Jln Perak, 10150 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operation Hours: 12:00pm-3:00pm; 5:30pm-10:00pm (Closed on Sundays)
12. 老夫子肉骨茶 (Lao Fu Zi Bak Kut Teh)
Finally, we end the list with an old-school favourite. Lao Fu Zi has two branches in Penang, but we’ll be focusing on the one based in Paya Terubong. Locals have praised their tasty Bak Kut Teh which comes with a generous portion of meat and fragrant yam rice. While the price may be slightly higher for a kopitiam‘s BKT, the strong herby taste and friendly service are worth it.
Georgetown branch:
Address: 13, Jalan Air Itam, 10460 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operation Hours: 4:30pm-11:30pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Air Itam branch:
Address: 1273, Jln Paya Terubung, Bandar Baru Air Itam, 11600 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang
Operation Hours: 3:30pm-11:30pm (Mon, Thur, Sat & Sun); 5:00pm-11:30pm (Wed & Fri) (Closed on Tuesdays)
Satisfy Your BKT Cravings With These Bak Kut Teh Spots In Penang
Nothing beats enjoying Bak Kut Teh on a cold rainy day. However, this soup packs a lot of calories, so go easy on it, please. So if you’re Penangite or just a tourist who’s planning a trip to Penang, don’t forget to drop by any of these establishments to peek a taste of our very own version of Bak Kut Teh. Have a good time eating, Foodies!
Also read: Top 10 Must-Try Cendol Spots In Penang (2024 Guide)
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