1-4-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Taiwanese influencer Hugo Liu recently sparked a debate when he compared the famous pork rib dish, bak kut teh, from Malaysia and Singapore. Liu, who is based in Singapore, made a trip to Kuala Lumpur and shared his thoughts on the two versions of the dish in an Instagram post.
According to Liu, Malaysian bak kut teh stands out as the superior choice. He highlighted the stark contrast between the two variations, emphasizing that while Singaporean bak kut teh features a strong peppery white soup, the Malaysian version shares similarities with Taiwan’s medicinal braised pork ribs. Liu noted that Malaysian bak kut teh incorporates a wide range of herbal ingredients into the stew, resulting in a smooth and sweet soup.
View this post on Instagram
As someone who doesn’t enjoy spicy food, Liu expressed his preference for the Malaysian rendition, claiming it surpasses the Singaporean alternative. To further support his claim, Liu mentioned Yik See Ho Bak Kut Teh, a modest-looking restaurant in Kuala Lumpur that serves exceptionally fresh pork and even offers a dry version of the dish with stir-fried ingredients. In fact, Liu went as far as stating that Malaysian cuisine, in general, outshines Singaporean food, a sentiment he believes is shared by many.
Liu’s comparison drew significant attention, including a response from Taiwanese actress Kate Pang, who is based in Singapore. She acknowledged the differences between the two versions of bak kut teh but highlighted that both are delicious in their own right.
Liu’s Instagram post quickly garnered interest and sparked further discussion when it was shared on the ILifePost Facebook page. Netizens chimed in with their opinions, contributing to the ongoing debate surrounding the two beloved dishes.
While the battle between Malaysian and Singaporean bak kut teh continues, it’s evident that personal preferences play a significant role in choosing a favorite. Ultimately, both versions offer unique flavors and experiences, leaving food enthusiasts to decide which variation suits their palate best.
