This old Bak Cheng bak kut teh was declared the King of Bak Kut Teh in Malaysia by (leading Malaysian Chinese language newspaper) Guangming Daily in 2006. The panel of judges was led by celebrity food critic Chua Lam 蔡澜.
This achievement by a modest shop tucked in a corner of Johor Bahru is no mean feat considering the innumerable bak kut teh shops throughout Malaysia.
Last year, Bak Cheng was renamed Crystal Bak Kut Teh when Bak Cheng the owner handed over the reins to his daughter Crystal and grandson.
Looking at the regular customers at the restaurant, the old man's skills must have been passed on well to the daughter who has been helping her father at the shop for more than 20 years.
Looking at the regular customers at the restaurant, the old man's skills must have been passed on well to the daughter who has been helping her father at the shop for more than 20 years.
The unpretentious restaurant is simply laid out, clean and cosy. The walls are adorned with the awards and accolades Bak Cheng and Crystal received from the media.
Crystal is known for its soup with a slight herbal flavour. The soup is light and it is not oily, nor peppery or salty. This set of bak kut teh and rice costs RM8.
The meat has just the right tender texture, firmness and is naturally sweet. The boiled fragrant long grain rice goes very well with the soup and meat. Eat these together with chopped garlic, chili and dark soy sauce for added spiciness. It is just a perfect match.
The meat and bones are stewed in large pots of herbal soup over slow charcoal fire.
Definitely one of my clear favourites.
The meat and bones are stewed in large pots of herbal soup over slow charcoal fire.
Definitely one of my clear favourites.
Restaurant name: Restoran Crystal Bakuuteh Restaurant
Map: http://g.co/maps/5pmkp
GPS: 1.467855,103.769614
Hours: 8:00am to 3:30pm (closed on Weds)
Non Halal
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| Crystal bak kut teh is in the same building as Lion Hotel |
Date visited: 27 Feb 2012
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