Brewing New Love for Bak Kut Teh at Singapore HeritageFest

Two enduring heritage brands to showcase harmonious pairing between dish and tea

- Chin Soo Fang

Two of Singapore's enduring heritage brands are joining forces to elevate the profile of a local classic dish — bak kut teh, "meat bone tea" or pork rib soup.

Song Fa Bak Kut Teh and tea merchant Pek Sin Choon will showcase the culinary delight's origins and the harmonious pairing between the dish and tea at Singapore HeritageFest (SHF) 2025.

Titled A Tasting Journey Through The History Of Bak Kut Teh With Song Fa And Pek Sin Choon, the interactive sessions will run on May 7, 9 and 16 at Song Fa's outlet at Velocity@Novena Square from 3pm to 5.30pm.

Participants will explore the rich history and evolving tastes of bak kut teh, and discover how both brands have adapted to Singapore's dynamic food scene.

There will be guided tea pairings with Song Fa's signature dishes and hands-on tea brewing experiences. For a special fee of $20, attendees will enjoy a full meal, tea and exclusive giveaways.

Song Fa founder Yeo Eng Song, 77, started his business in 1969 as a humble pushcart hawker along the former Johor Road. He named it Song Fa after his own name and the Chinese word for "prosperity".

The chain of 14 Song Fa outlets is now managed by his three children, including Ms Diana Yeo, 47, who is the company's brand and corporate director.

While traditional bak kut teh is lean and tough, Song Fa's pork ribs are "fall off the bone" now to cater to evolving taste and attract younger customers, said Ms Yeo.