Bak kut teh restaurants in KL
Klang might just as well be known as the town of bak kut teh. Literally translating to “meat bone tea”, the dish is a staple in the royal city, with rows of shops serving the peckish diner variations of it – from extra herbaceous takes on the herb-and-spice broth to dry dark-sauced renditions.
While there’s no denying the appeal of the bak kut teh spots in Klang, there are some pretty well-visited BKT restaurants in KL too. We rounded up some of them below, so you can avoid the long drive to enjoy this recently-named national heritage dish.
Table of Contents
1. Ban Lee Bak Kut Teh
Opens at 5am
Image adapted from: @imsean8 via Instagram
Ban Lee Bak Kut Teh is a spot that’s highly raved by KL folks – don’t be surprised to find early-bird patrons dining here as early as 5am, and as late as 2am.
The no-frills restaurant has been around for over 35 years, maintaining the quality of their strong, thick, and slightly bitter herbal soup. Together with the generous portions and well-prepared pork cuts, the restaurant has earned itself a loyal following. The price is pretty decent too – expect to fork out between RM20-RM25 per diner.
Image adapted from: @love__sweetheart_ via Instagram
Each piping-hot claypot of BKT here comes with three pork cuts – tender belly, trotters and ribs. You can opt for various add-ons such as you tiao and tau kee.
Image credit: @simon.choong.9 via Instagram
Address: 222, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51200, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 5am-3pm | 4.30pm-2am (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 012-203 6865
2. Kim Tek Bak Kut Teh
BKT with pork offcuts
Image credit: Chris via Google Reviews
There’s a whole slew of BKT restaurants in Kepong to rival those in Klang. Kim Tek, near Batu Caves, is an especially popular spot among locals. The restaurant occupies two combined shoplots, to accommodate the flocks of diners looking to indulge in their signature thick broth.
They open at 6am, which may seem pretty early to be slurping down BKT. But it’s wise to heed to the advice of the locals and come early to avoid disappointment, as dishes tend to dwindle around 9am when there are crowds.
Image credit: Kevin Ong via Google Reviews
During your meal, you can enjoy a range of meat cuts that include unique parts like offal, ears, and knuckles, to have with the regular pork cuts and additions such as you tiao and enoki mushroom. A meal here will set you back around RM30 per diner.
Image credit: 余光汉 via Google Reviews
Address: 26, Jalan 3/1 A, Taman Kepong Indah, 52100, Kepong, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 6am-2pm, Daily
Contact: 012-624 2826
3. Hing Kee Bak Kut Teh
Michelin-approved BKT
Image credit: Daniel Loo via Google Reviews
Another BKT spot in Kepong that has become popular among locals and out-of-towners is Hing Kee Bak Kut Teh. They’ve been in business for 19 years, garnering loyal customers from near and far. Propelling them to even greater fame is their recent accolade – they were awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction in 2022.
Image adapted from: @puwiteatseverywhere via Instagram, @pooomy via Instagram
The star on their menu is the claypot bak kut teh (from RM25), comprising aromatic broth with tender pork ribs. The fragrant, fried onion-infused and slightly oily rice is the perfect accompaniment to the broth, which rests on the clearer and lighter side. But don’t be fooled, the soup is still satisfyingly herby and tasty despite its lighter colour.
The restaurant also serves a dry version of bak kut teh, and equally-loved rice wine chicken.
Image credit: Kenny Fo via Google Reviews
Address: 121, Jalan Kepong, Metro Prima, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 7.30am-10pm (Closed on Fridays)
Contact: 016-655 5553 | Hing Kee Bak Kut Teh’s Facebook
4. Sheng Huat Bak Kut Teh
BKT with pork knuckles & layered intestines
Image credit: @anthonycheahh via Instagram
Sheng Huat Bak Kut Teh is a BKT spot in Jinjang that rarely has an empty table. Although lesser-known to out-of-towners, the restaurant is often touted as one of the best places to get BKT among Jinjang residents.
Sheng Huat isn’t your regular BKT restaurant either. They operate in two sessions. The dinner service, from 4pm to 6pm, is led by the family’s uncle. From 7.30pm nonwards, his nephew takes over to serve a more concentrated, deep-flavoured bak kut teh (from RM25).
Image credit: @sinsbenelainez via Instagram
The latter has become especially popular among hungry patrons for including huge, bouncy pork knuckles and multi-layered intestines. As for the broth, it’s similar to one you’d find at Klang restaurants.
Image credit: @sek_la_via via Instagram
Address: 922, Jalan Jinjang Utama, Jinjang Utara, 52000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 4pm-6pm & 7.30pm-10pm, Daily
5. Fatty Bak Kut Teh & Fish Head
BKT with pork meatballs
Image adapted from: Joanne Tay via Google Reviews
Along Old Klang Road, you’ll find Fatty Bak Kut Teh & Fish Head, which has been around for over 20 years. They are widely praised for their herbal broth that closely resembles the thick, Hokkien-style ones that you’d find in Klang. Alongside the usual pork cuts, you can scoop up huge pork meatballs swimming in the fragrant soup.
Image credit: Shy Huey via Google Reviews
While renowned for its bak kut teh, the restaurant is also popular for their fragrant ginger steam fish head (from RM40) that boasts tender meat and fresh ginger gravy that rests in that perfect spot between raw and cooked.
Image credit: Raymond Choong via Google Reviews
Address: 5, Batu 4, 1/2, Jalan Klang Lama, 58100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 4pm-1am, Daily
Contact: 012-366 0035 | Fatty Bak Kut Teh & Fish Head’s Facebook
6. Ah Hei Bak Kut Teh
Broth made with 15 Chinese herbs
Image credit: @lisa_dewei via Instagram
Ah Hei Bak Kut Teh is another recently-nominated Michelin Bib Gourmand spot on our list, with a history of over 30 years. Their BKT features a broth boiled for hours with a blend of over 15 Chinese herbs, resulting in a light, aromatic soup that those who prefer less-herby broths will approve of.
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At this Pudu BKT spot, each pot of soup comes with a mix of tender meat cuts, as well as offcuts like intestines and stomach. A pot of soup is priced from RM27.
Image credit: @notsosecretdiner via Instagram
While their environment is already praised by patrons for being clean and airy, there’s also an air-conditioned area here for those who work up a sweat while feasting on BKT.
Address: 33A, Medan Imbi, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Thu-Tue 7.30am-2pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 012-366 0035 | Ah Hei Bak Kut Teh’s Facebook
7. Sun Fong Bak Kut Teh
Popular dry bak kut teh
Image adapted from: Muayeeyee via Google Reviews
Just next to Ah Hei Bak Kut Teh in Pudu is yet another popular BKT spot that stands out in its own right – Sun Fong Bak Kut Teh, established all the way back in 1971.
They’re well-known for their legit Hokkien-style bak kut teh, with a dark broth that boasts strong herbs and a garlicky undertone without being overly salty. As for meats, each pot comes with a variety of pork cuts.
Image credit: @eat.cook.live via Instagram
Patrons also rave about their Dry Bak Kut Teh. It stir-fries tender pork ribs with a variety of aromatics and ingredients like garlic, okra, and dried chilies, till each item in the pot is perfectly glazed and caramelised with the dark sauce.
You can expect to pay between RM40-RM60 for a meal for two here.
Image credit: Winson Yong via Google Reviews
Address: 35A-41A, Medan Imbi, Imbi, 55100, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 7am-11pm, Daily
Contact: 03-2148 0905 | Sun Fong Bak Kut Teh’s Facebook
8. Ka Ka Bak Kut Teh
Opens till 4am
Image credit: Thomas Chau via Google Reviews
Ka Ka Bak Kut Teh is almost always swarmed with patrons.
Tables spill from their humble shop, out onto the streets, to accommodate the dinner crowd. They are an especially popular spot to head to for supper in Kepong, as they welcome diners looking to fill their stomachs with warm herbal broth even at 4am.
Image credit: @every_day_every_meal via Instagram
Their soup has a light herbal note that pairs nicely with the oily onion rice, which won’t taste overpowering when you’re dining here past midnight.
Address: Jalan 1/32a, Kepong Baru, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 4pm-4am, Daily
Contact: 019-552 5525 | Ka Ka Bak Kut Teh’s Facebook
9. Yik See Ho Bak Kut Teh
Sweeter broth with lean pork cuts
Image credit: Regine via Google Reviews
Yik See Ho Bak Kut Teh is a popular bare-bones spot for BKT among Pudu folks – you might just find yourself dining on the shoulder of the road, as the restaurant is always packed. Chances are, you’ll have to join a line to have a meal here, but fret not, as service is quick. If you’re looking to skip the queues altogether, plan to head down once it opens its doors.
Image credit: @foodi3buddi3s via Instagram
As for their signature Hokkien-style BKT, it boasts a herbal broth that is on the sweeter side, with a mild herby aroma. If you prefer less fatty meats in your soup, they are known to serve up lean pork cuts.
You can expect to pay around RM45 for two pax.
Image credit: @orimykeenakan via Instagram
Address: 20, Jalan Landak, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9.30am-10pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 012-789 2293
10. Lieong Kee Bae Good Teh
Garlic-based broth
It’s hard to find two BKT restaurants that deliver the exact same soup flavours. That’s part of the charm of discovering all these different BKT spots – you get to hunt out a broth that ticks all the boxes of delicious.
Image credit: @boomerinthecity via Instagram
At Lieong Kee Bae Good Teh, patrons praise their clear BKT soup for having a strong garlicky taste – they add whole garlic cloves to the broth, which contribute to the sweeter soup base. The smooth and tender pork tendon that’s added to the flavourful broth also earns stamps of approval.
Image adapted from: @trexieho via Instagram
Don’t be surprised to find both shoplots that the restaurant occupies packed with a crowd. But the line goes pretty quickly – nonetheless, you might want to arrive early to get a taste of the pork tendon BKT, as the dish tends to sell out fast.
A meal here usually costs around RM25 per diner.
Address: 23, Jalan Development, Taman Kepong, 52100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 7.30am-2.30pm & 3.30pm-11pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 03-6275 0102
11. Minji Bak Kut Teh
50-year-old BKT spot in KL
Formerly known as Bing Kee Bak Kut Teh, Minji Bak Kut Teh is an easily accessible BKT spot in the heart of KL. They’re located just a 7-minute walk from Pudu LRT Station, so you can avoid parking woes.
Image credit: @minjibkt via Instagram
This long-standing KL restaurant has been around for over 50 years, serving huge slabs of tender pork ribs in their soup. If you’re someone who prefers a light broth that isn’t overly herbaceous, their BKT is worth a try.
Image credit: Roger Kah via Google Reviews
Address: 7-6, Jalan Sungai Besi, Pudu, 57100, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Thu-Sun 10.30am-3.30pm & 5.30pm-9pm (Closed Mondays-Wednesdays)
Contact: 03-9221 5232 | Minji Bak Kut Teh’s Facebook
Must-try bak kut teh in Kuala Lumpur
Malaysians take pride in our culinary heritage – bak kut teh is one of many dishes that serve as a shining example of the rich and diverse flavours of our nation’s cuisine.
So KIV this guide if you’re planning to savour tender meat cuts swimming in a hearty, warm and aromatic broth.
For more food guides, visit these 9 best restaurants in Pudu or these 9 best cafes and restaurants in Bangsar.
Cover image adapted from: @sinsbenelainez via Instagram, @anthonycheahh via Instagram, @foodi3buddi3s via Instagram, @eat.cook.live via Instagram, @jimmge_foodie_travel via Instagram, @puwiteatseverywhere via Instagram,