Yap Seng Bak Kut Teh: Authentic Klang bak kut teh from RM17 with thick & velvety soup

If you seek recommendations for tasty bak kut teh in JB, you’ll often hear locals suggest Yap Seng Bak Kut Teh. With a Klang heritage of over 20 years, this establishment is committed to serving authentic and traditional flavours to the community.

“We’ve been operating this business in Klang since the previous era,” mentioned one of the two owners, Lu. It has now been handed down to the third generation. According to the partners, bak kut teh in Klang was traditionally served in a bowl. However, to cater to modern preferences, the eatery also offers the option of claypot bak kut teh.

Having grown up in Klang, both owners are deeply familiar with the local bak kut teh scene. Upon encountering JB bak kut teh for the first time, they noticed a taste profile distinctly different from their hometown’s.

This experience inspired Hans, the other partner, to introduce the authentic Klang flavour to JB. This vision has driven their success, leading to the recent opening of their second outlet in Austin Crest, marking another milestone in their expansion journey.

What I tried at Yap Seng Bak Kut Teh

The partners were exceptionally friendly, guiding me through the selection of dishes. One dish that stood out was the Claypot Soup Bak Kut Teh (RM19.50 for single serving), which immediately caught my attention with its appearance. The soup had a rich brown colour and was accompanied by several pieces of tau pok and beancurd skin.

Considering my preference for a mix of fat and lean meat, the owner recommended the casserole bone, specifically the pig’s foot. This, I discovered, is a popular option among Klang locals when enjoying bak kut teh.

The meat was cooked to perfection — tender and bursting with flavour. It effortlessly fell off the bone as I scooped it from the pot. The interplay of fat lent a distinctive richness to each bite, elevating it beyond the potential blandness of lean meat alone. The tau pok and beancurd skin also skilfully absorbed the soup, intensifying the flavours with every mouthful.

The highlight undoubtedly lies in the delicious broth. Unlike the usual offerings found in JB, the broth here boasted a denser and silkier texture. The first sip intrigued me; aside from its robust taste, it had a viscous consistency reminiscent of collagen. It seemed as though the essence of the pork had been drawn into the soup throughout the cooking process, lending a depth of flavour to the dish.

Another remarkable dish I tried was the Dry Bak Kut Teh (RM20.50 for single serving). It featured the same pork cut as the soup version, offering a perfect balance of fat and lean meat. Each piece of meat was coated in a rich, dark brown sauce, complemented by the vibrant green of the ladyfingers.

I’ve actually sampled Dry Bak Kut Teh from various eateries before, but most of them seemed to resemble another dish— pork belly with salted fish. Notably, the one at Yap Seng Bak Kut Teh was quite distinctive.

It offered a harmonious blend of saltiness and sweetness upon the initial taste, followed by a nuanced herbal aroma in the aftertaste. The lingering fragrance in my mouth left a lasting impression. Additionally, the meat was impeccably cooked, retaining its juiciness without being overly dry.

For a refreshing addition to the meal, I also included a plate of Ladyfingers (RM12). The dish was prepared with simplicity in mind: blanched ladyfingers adorned with soy sauce and fried shallots. The striking green colour immediately caught my attention, and I experienced a lovely crunch, accompanied by subtle saltiness and the aroma of fried shallots. Altogether, it made for a lively addition to the meal.

I also tried the Braised Egg (RM2 each), which arrived in a velvety sauce with a subtle herbal flavour that wasn’t overwhelming. It’s a perfect accompaniment if you’re concerned about your meal being too bland with just the bak kut teh.

Final thoughts

Overall, my dining experience at Yap Seng Bak Kut Teh was enjoyable. Not only did I savour a delicious and satisfying meal, but I also gained insight into the authentic flavours of Klang bak kut teh. It offered a unique experience unlike any I had encountered before. The thick broth and tender meat were particularly memorable and set it apart from other establishments.

While taste preferences vary, Yap Seng Bak Kut Teh would undoubtedly be my top pick if I ever yearn for bak kut teh again. Authentic Klang-style bak kut teh is a rarity in JB and I eagerly await my next visit with friends and family.

Expected damage: RM17 – RM25 per pax

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