Popular home-grown Bak Kut Teh brand, NG AH SIO Bak Kut Teh, recently opened its doors at Clarke Quay Central, inviting patrons to indulge in the rich heritage of this iconic Singaporean dish. This is its second standalone restaurant in Singapore, aside from the main restaurant at Rangoon Road.
The brand was first started in 1955 by Mr. Ng Siak Hai (nickname Ng Ah Sio)’s father at the foot of Government Hill, the present-day Clarke Quay, along River Valley. The stall was so popular it became known as “Foot of Government Hill Bak Kut Teh”. Mr. Ng took over the business after his father’s retirement. Due to urban redevelopment, he relocated it to New World Amusement Park whereby he renamed the restaurant to NG AH SIO Pork Ribs Soup Eating House in 1977 to stand out from copycat competitions. In 1988, Mr. Ng moved his eatery to Rangoon Road. Since then, over a million bowls of this well-loved dish have been served and continue to flourish to this day.
In 2010, NG AH SIO Bak Kut Teh was acquired by JUMBO Group as Mr. Ng, who is a founding shareholder of JUMBO group of restaurants was retiring. With the group’s backing, this ensures that this heritage brand will live on for generations.
We were invited for a dinner tasting and these were the items we savoured at the new standalone restaurant:
Stepping into the newly unveiled outlet, diners are greeted not only by the tantalising aroma of simmering broth but also by a visual journey through the brand’s history. Adorning the walls are displays chronicling NG AH SIO’s evolution from its humble beginnings in the 1950s to its status as a beloved culinary institution today.
Additionally, the outlet also features a Wall of Fame, adorned with portraits of notable personalities such as Singaporean songstress Stephanie Sun, Taiwanese entertainer Jacky Wu, and former Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Donald Tsang, all enjoying a meal a NG AH SIO. The latter made news headlines in 2006 when he was turned away for visiting the restaurant after closing hours.
What is the longstanding appeal of NG AH SIO?
At the heart of NG AH SIO’s offering lies its traditional recipe, meticulously preserved over generations. Diners can relish in the tender, succulent pork ribs, served in aromatic soup brewed to perfection. From spare ribs to loin ribs, each dish is a celebration of Teochew culinary heritage, drawing locals and tourists alike to savour its flavours.
Despite it being part of a F&B conglomerate now, NG AH SIO has stayed true to its traditional recipe to ensure that diners continue to enjoy the same aromatic bowl of bak kut teh served up by Mr. Ng himself back in the early days. It is heartwarming to see that the brand has now gone a full circle, opening an outlet in Clarke Quay where Mr. Ng’s father started the business.
To commemorate its Clarke Quay Central debut, NG AH SIO Bak Kut Teh introduced two menu additions: the Pork Soft Bone Soup ($9.80) and the Pork Spare Rib and Soft Bone Soup ($10.80).
In March, to celebrate the new opening, enjoy the exclusive Lunch Value Set (starting from $17.80). The following sets are available on weekdays (excluding PH) from 11.30am until 2.30pm:
Each set comes with Teochew Style Braised Pig’s Trotter Rice and an option for either Luo Han Guo Herbal Tea or Barley (Hot/Cold). Exclusively available at Clarke Quay Central outlet for dine-in only.
JUMBO Rewards Members get to enjoy 30% OFF Braised Small Intestine (usual price $6.80) in March. Enjoy the offer in both Rangoon Road and Clarke Quay Central outlets.
CLARKE QUAY CENTRAL
6 Eu Tong Sen St
#01-07
Singapore 059817
Tel: +65 6027 2751
OPERATING HOURS
Daily
9:00am – 9:00pm
(Last Order 8:30pm)
RANGOON ROAD
208 Rangoon Road,
Hong Building
Singapore 218453
Tel: +65 6291 4537
OPERATING HOURS
Daily
9:00am – 9:00pm
(Last Order 8:30pm)
Fans can now easily recreate the quintessential Singaporean dish accompanied by the freshly brewed Xiao Ye Gan in the comfort of their home. Love Afare’s NG AH SIO Bak Kut Teh Spice ($9.90 for a box of three sachets) and its complementary Xiao Ye Gan tea leaves ($13.80 for a box of 10 tea bags) retail packs are available for purchase in-store and online at the Love Afare’s eShop.
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