Babi Kuah Hitam in Bangsar
Klang is famed as the city of Bak Kut Teh, but Kuala Lumpur boasts some of the best BKT spots that you can find in Malaysia too. In Bangsar, a name-grabbing hawker stall has been garnering the attention of locals – Babi Kuah Hitam, which is helmed by a friendly Indian chap from Klang.
Curious about the stall, we made a trip to meet its owner and try his take on the Malaysian-beloved bak kut teh, so you know what to expect on a visit.
Meet the founder of Babi Kuah Hitam
It’s typical for KL folks to make the trip to Klang for its bak kut teh restaurants. But having a Klang local set up a bak kut teh stall in KL’s Bangsar is a rarity.
Meet Logan Terrence Lopez, the man behind Babi Kuah Hitam who is bringing his Klang BKT expertise to Bangsar. The 38-year-old has spent over 20 years globetrotting in search of culinary experiences. With a passion for experimenting with diverse tastes, Lopez was inspired by his hometown Klang and its renowned dish, the one and only bak kut teh.
Interestingly, there are no other BKT stalls in Lucky Garden, Bangsar, making Lopez’s stall the first of its kind in the area.
Also the owner of a deli in Bangsar, Lopez thrives on the excitement of taking risks and exploring new things. This led him to create his own version of BKT. Upon receiving positive feedback from friends and family, he decided to open a stall in KL.
Things worked out in Lopez’s favour, with Kopitiam Chun Heong located right across his deli. This prime location for his BKT stall allows him to oversee both businesses smoothly, with support from his loyal team who has been with him since the deli’s opening.
When asked how an Indian chap ended up offering Chinese cuisine, Lopez tells TheSmartLocal Malaysia, “In today’s world, it’s really not an issue. Cross-cultural experiences are quite common, especially in the world of food”.
Lopez’s stall in KL has been operating for just over three months. Yet, it’s already been getting positive feedback from diners eager to try his unique take on BKT. He notes, “When you’re aiming to do something different, there are plenty of people who’ll support you”.
It’s this encouragement that made his bold move possible.
Food at Babi Kuah Hitam
Babi Kuah Hitam’s star is the classic BKT (RM15), featuring tender pork ribs and belly swimming in a flavour-packed broth, and paired with rice. The dark colour of the rich broth is a good hint at the hours of simmering that it has gone through.
While there aren’t any secret ingredients that go into his BKT, the key to achieving a good broth according to Lopez is by having it more robust so the flavours are able to stand out in a unique way. As for the spices and herbs in the broth, Lopez mentioned that he sources them from the shop right next to his stall.
Other options here include the Ribs and Belly BKT (RM18) and Soft Bone and Belly (RM18). Each is served with yau fan, or fragrant oil rice, with a bowl of rich BKT soup on the side that comes with shiitake mushrooms and taufu pok.
Image credit: Yusintha
Talking about feedback from diners, Lopez shared that it’s been positive and encouraging. He shared, “It’s great to see people from various backgrounds and races coming in to try the BKT”.
When we tasted the dish for ourselves, it became clear why the BKT is a hit amongst patrons. The texture and generous portions of meat cuts was satisfying, while the tender ribs burst with the soup’s flavour. Likewise, the belly has a delightful chewiness that pairs perfectly with warm rice and robust soup.
Embodying his passion for cooking, Lopez is always seen checking in with his customers, seeking their feedback, and ensuring they’re enjoying their meal.
Wholesome bak kut teh at Babi Kuah Hitam in Bangsar
You can find Lopez’s BKT store tucked inside Kopitiam Chun Heong.
With a name like Babi Kuah Hitam, we naturally had to ask Lopez the inspiration behind it. He shared with us that he wanted the name to convey his concept without needing an explanation. And it seems he has achieved that goal.
Food truly brings people together, especially in a multicultural country like Malaysia. By serving a beloved Chinese dish from his hometown, Lopez demonstrates that when food is made with care, it will taste exceptional.
With a warm smile and a good sense of humour, he truly lives by his belief – “At the end of the day, as long as you enjoy what you do”.
Address: Kopitiam Chun Heong, 12, Persiaran Ara Kiri, Bangsar, 59100, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 8am-2pm (Closed on Mondays)
For more unique spots to check out and the inspiring stories behind them, read Petaling Street Asam Laksa and vegetarian cafe with RM2 mixed rice.
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Some quotes have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Photography by Yusintha.