Quick answer: Founder Bak Kut Teh is a Singapore Teochew-style bak kut teh chain serving peppery pork rib soup for over 40 years. Its signature Founder Bak Kut Teh was reported at S$9.90, with premium loin ribs and short ribs for purists, plus classic sides like you tiao and braised egg. Prices below come from third-party guides and may have changed, so check the in-store menu before you order.
Ask a Singaporean where to get a proper peppery bak kut teh and Founder often comes up early. The chain started at Balestier Road and built its name on a clear, garlicky, peppery Teochew-style broth, a style that stands apart from the darker herbal Klang versions. Four decades on, it runs several outlets across the island, and the menu has stayed close to its roots: pork ribs, soup, rice and a short list of sides done well.
What Is Founder Bak Kut Teh?
Founder Bak Kut Teh is a Singapore restaurant chain built around Teochew-style bak kut teh, a pork rib soup seasoned with garlic and white pepper rather than herbs. Its original outlet sits at 347 Balestier Road, and the dining room there is known for a wall of photos of local and international celebrities who have eaten there. The chain describes itself as serving traditional bak kut teh for over 40 years, and its outlets now include Balestier, Hotel Boss, Bugis and Downtown East. Since this is a pork-based restaurant, it is not halal certified.
What Are the Signature Dishes at Founder Bak Kut Teh?
The menu centres on pork ribs in peppery soup, with a few cuts to choose from. The crowd favourite is the Founder Bak Kut Teh itself, a mix of pork parts in the signature soup, while diners who want one cut can pick premium loin ribs or premium short ribs instead. Broth refills are part of the experience at the table, so a bowl rarely ends when the first serving runs out.
| Dish | What it is | Reported price |
|---|---|---|
| Founder Bak Kut Teh | Long premium rib and two short ribs in peppery soup | S$9.90 |
| Premium Loin Ribs | Loin rib cut for diners who prefer leaner meat | S$12.80 |
| Premium Short Ribs | Short rib cut, richer and meatier | S$11.50 |
| Braised Pig’s Intestine | Braised offal side, two sizes | S$8.80 / S$12.80 |
Prices above were reported by third-party guides and may have changed. The in-store menu is the final word.
What Sides Go With Bak Kut Teh at Founder?
The classic partners are you tiao, the crisp dough fritters made for dunking, and braised egg, both staples of a Teochew bak kut teh table. Salted vegetables cut through the peppery broth, and steamed white rice turns the soup into a full meal. Braised pork knuckle and braised tofu also appear on the wider menu at some outlets. Keep the sides simple on a first visit, since the soup itself is the star.
Where Are the Founder Bak Kut Teh Outlets?
The chain lists Balestier, Hotel Boss, Bugis and Downtown East among its outlets. The original sits at 347 Balestier Road, the Hotel Boss outlet at 500 Jalan Sultan, the Bugis outlet at 530 North Bridge Road, and the Downtown East outlet at Market Square, E!Avenue, 1 Pasir Ris Close. Outlet lists and opening hours change over time and hours differ between outlets, so check the official site or call ahead before you travel. Delivery is available through foodpanda and Deliveroo according to third-party guides. See also the Founder Bak Kut Teh delivery menu and the Founder Bak Kut Teh near me guides.
What Should You Order on Your First Visit?
Start with the Founder Bak Kut Teh, a bowl of rice, you tiao and a braised egg. That order shows you the broth, the rib mix and the classic sides in one sitting. If you love pepper, ask for the broth the way it comes, since the pepper heat is the point of the Teochew style. If you prefer a leaner cut, switch to the premium loin ribs next time, and if you want something richer, the short ribs are the pick.
Founder Bak Kut Teh Menu FAQs
What style of bak kut teh does Founder serve?
Teochew-style: a clear, garlicky, peppery pork rib soup, not the dark herbal Klang style.
How much is the Founder Bak Kut Teh?
It was reported at S$9.90 by third-party guides. Prices may have changed, so check the in-store menu.
Is Founder Bak Kut Teh halal?
No. It is a pork-based restaurant, so it is not halal certified.
Where is the original Founder Bak Kut Teh outlet?
At 347 Balestier Road, Singapore. The chain also lists Hotel Boss, Bugis and Downtown East outlets.
Does Founder Bak Kut Teh deliver?
Third-party guides list foodpanda and Deliveroo as delivery options. Check the apps for current availability at your outlet.
The Bottom Line
Founder Bak Kut Teh keeps it simple: peppery Teochew broth, good pork ribs, and a short list of classic sides, served for over 40 years from Balestier outward. Order the signature bowl first, dunk your you tiao, and confirm prices at the store, since third-party figures age fast.