Chow Yun-fat loves it to death — Singapore’s “Founder’s Bak Kut Teh” with three-layer pork belly and marbled fat

▲ Founder’s Bak Kut Teh Restaurant packed with customers. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

Reported by Reporter Chen Ziying / Singapore

There are many famous eateries serving bak kut teh in Singapore, such as Ng Ah Sio, Song Fa, Ah Wah, Yong Cheng, and Founder’s — Singapore Tourism Board’s Greater China Regional Director for East China, Guan Shumin, says: “When it comes to which one is the best, we Singaporeans can really argue about it!” This shows that each place has its unique deliciousness.But among them, “Founder’s Bak Kut Teh Restaurant” is a favorite of Hong Kong star Chow Yun-fat. It’s said that Brother Chow never misses a chance to have Founder’s bak kut teh whenever he visits Singapore, and the celebrity endorsement has helped this humble eatery gain even wider fame.

Owner Cai Zhengkun used to sell pork in his younger years, but switched to selling bak kut teh in his twenties. However, he knew that to succeed with bak kut teh in Singapore, you need to make it stand out. He confidently said: “Because I used to sell pork, I know which cuts are the most delicious.”Cai Zhengkun emphasized that the pork ribs used in bak kut teh must have three-layer pork belly with streaks of marbled fat, and the marbling needs to be longer than usual to truly taste good.As for the broth, he said he never had a master to learn from — he could only keep experimenting and adjusting the flavor himself over time.


▲ Founder’s owner Cai Zhengkun. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)


▲ Pork ribs with three-layer belly and marbled fat. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

From a small roadside stall next to a coffee shop 40 years ago to becoming a bustling, well-loved eatery today, Founder’s is considered by many to serve the best bak kut teh in Singapore. Pointing to the countless photos of celebrities on the wall, Cai Zhengkun said: “Chow Yun-fat almost always comes to eat our bak kut teh whenever he’s in Singapore.” His face showed unmistakable pride.


▲ Cai Zhengkun said Chow Yun-fat almost never misses Founder’s when in Singapore. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

The hallmark of Singaporean bak kut teh is its bold peppery flavor. Founder’s broth is sweet and fragrant with pepper, and the pork ribs have evenly distributed marbling, with the broth seeping into the meat — a truly perfectly balanced bite. In addition, the clear soup can be refilled unlimited times for free, ensuring the broth is always “steaming hot.” The shop also offers takeaway meal kits, so you can easily cook up a pot of Singaporean bak kut teh at home by just adding ribs.


▲ Founder’s bak kut teh is a famous eatery in Singapore. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

Founder’s Bak Kut Teh Restaurant
Address: 347 Balestier Road, Singapore, Postal Code 329777
Phone: (65) 9099-3338
Business hours: 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM (Closed on Tuesdays)