Fortune Bak Kut Teh

There are really lots of good food around my neighbourhood. The last time I introduced The Best Food in Kebun Baru Food Centre, but that is not the end. There is the very popular Melben Crabs, Tian Wai Tian Fish Head Steamboat etc. Located at the same coffee shop as Tian Wai Tian Fish Head Steamboat is Fortune Bak Kut Teh, a favourite makan hangout for Grandpa and me.

You see, I lived with my grandparents since the day I was born and I am very close to them. From young till now, my grandfather will always bring me to Kebun Baru Food Centre or some nearby coffee shops for meals when he is not cooking.

Now that he is getting older, instead of asking him to whip up a meal, we will sometimes eat out during lunch if I am not working, or on Friday night when I am the only one joining him for dinner. Hence, Fortune Bak Kut Teh became one of our favourites.

I can’t really remember when did I learn to eat pig trotter. In fact, I was taught to eat all the pig innards since I was very young. I enjoy it actually, and I am very glad to be able to share and appreciate the food Grandpa loves.

Let’s be frank. This may not be the best bak kut teh I have tasted, but they are good enough for us. The pig trotters ($5) were braised in dark soy sauce together with garlic, till the the skin and fat became tender and well-flavoured. Very simple dish, but loved by many. For a $5 bowl of pig trotter, I think the portions were very generous.

How do you like your Bat Kut Teh to be cooked? Very strong peppery taste or more herbs? For me, I like it peppery because it opens up my palette, and I can easily finish one bowl of rice.

Fortune Bak Kut Teh ($5) is peppery enough for me, not as spicy as Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh, but has somewhat similar level as Outram Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh. The meaty flavour of the pork and pepper goes together very well. The meat wasn’t tough at all, and if you were to stir the broth, you’d see copious bits of pepper residues.

Sometimes when we see that the boss is around (a skinny old man), we would order the pig’s liver and kidney soup ($5). Because he makes very good pig’s liver and kidney soup. I used to think everyone cooks the same, but when the boss cooks it, the kidney is very Q, and the liver is just nice, a bit bloated and very chewy!

And of course, sipping a bowl of hot bak kut teh together with Grandpa is pure bliss.