Here’s the thing with Singaporeans. We’re not content to have our dishes as-is. Oh, no, no. We’ve got to have the sauces to go with it – chilli sauce, soya sauce, vinegar with ginger – you name it. And while Feng Xiang is proud to deliver a herbal bak kut teh Singaporeans can love on its own, our dishes can also be elevated via the art of dipping.
One can theorise it’s the joy of customising the dish to one’s taste buds. Whether you crave a fiery kick, a touch of savoury umami, or a refreshing tang, there’s a perfect dipping sauce waiting to be discovered. Let’s take a look at the varieties out there – some available at our outlets, and some you can make on your own when you decide to da bao our dishes home.
The Essential Trio
Every well-stocked bak kut teh restaurant will offer a basic trio of dipping options:
- Chili Sauce: This vibrant red condiment is a staple for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Made with a blend of chilies, garlic, and vinegar, it adds a spicy kick and a touch of sourness that cuts through the richness of the broth.
- Dark Soy Sauce: This thicker, richer soy sauce provides a deep umami flavour and a touch of salinity. It balances the herbal notes of the broth and complements the pork’s natural sweetness.
- Light Soy Sauce: A lighter version of the dark soy sauce. This adds a subtle salty note without overpowering the delicate flavours of the broth. It’s a great option for those who prefer a milder taste.
These three basic sauces are a fantastic starting point for your dipping adventure. But the world of bak kut teh condiments goes far beyond.
Exploring Flavour Profiles
- Garlic Dip: For garlic lovers, a simple mixture of finely chopped garlic, light soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil is a delightful addition. The pungent garlic aroma and subtle spice add another dimension to the broth.
- Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a refreshing tang that cuts through the richness of both the herbal broth and the fatty pork. This is perfect for those who prefer a lighter, more balanced flavour profile.
- Chili Padi with Black Vinegar: This fiery condiment packs a punch! Made with chopped bird’s eye chilies (cili padi) steeped in black vinegar, it’s ideal for those who crave a truly intense heat experience.
- Sambal Oelek: This Indonesian chilli paste adds a complex depth of flavour with its combination of chilies, shrimp paste, and other aromatics. It’s a great option for those who enjoy a more robust and slightly sweet heat.
Beyond our Herbal Bak Kut Teh
The dipping fun doesn’t stop at bak kut teh itself. These sauces can also be used to add extra flavour to other dishes commonly enjoyed alongside bak kut teh:
- Youtiao: Dip the crispy Youtiao into the chilli sauce for a delightful combination of contrasting textures and flavours.The heat cuts through the oiliness of the dough, creating a truly addictive experience.
- Braised Pork Trotter: While braised pork trotter, a dish often offered alongside bak kut teh, boasts its own unique flavour profile, a dab of dark soy sauce or a touch of chilli sauce can elevate its richness and add another layer of complexity.
- Dry Bak Kut Teh: This Malaysian-style dish features pork ribs simmered in a rich sauce. Here, the dipping options can enhance the sweetness and savoury notes of the sauce. Dark soy sauce, a touch of chilli sauce for a hint of heat, and a sprinkle of chopped spring onions for freshness are all fantastic accompaniments.
Find the taste you love at Feng Xiang
At Feng Xiang, we don’t just serve food, we innovate it. And we invite you to experiment with our dishes! And while you’re at it, try our fried porridge – it offers an amazing flavour explosion and is the perfect example of how we can redefine what porridge can be. Drop by and take your taste buds on a delicious adventure!
See you at our outlets:
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Fernvale Hawker Centre & CC (nearest MRT station: Sengkang)
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Food Republic @ BreadTalk iHQ (nearest MRT station: Tai Seng)
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Food Republic @ VivoCity (nearest MRT station: HarbourFront)
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Food Republic @ Parkway Parade (nearest MRT station: Dakota)
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Kopitiam @ AMK Hub (nearest MRT station: Ang Mo Kio)
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Kopitiam @ Northpoint City (nearest MRT station: Yishun)
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Lau Pa Sat (nearest MRT station: Downtown)