balance-understanding-herbs-in-bak-kut-teh

It’s about the balance: Understanding the herbs in Bak Kut Teh

Tommy

Dark. Fragrant. Comforting. Nourishing. We’re talking about the ubiquitous herbal bak kut teh, a delicious bowl of pork rib goodness simmered in a pot of tonic-packed broth. A comfort food that’s brought over from Malaysia, the Klang-style herbal bak kut teh is distinctively different from the Teochew-style peppery bak kut teh that’s more commonly found in Singapore. 

It’s no secret that the goodness of the dish is all in the herb-laden soup broth. Crafted using a fine selection of premium medicinal Chinese herbs, cooked to extract out the essence of the individual ingredients, all prepared to perfectly balance the flavours, making it a bowl of tonic that’s appetising and delicious all at the same time. 

And it’s a tough balancing act. Taste-wise, it cannot be too sweet or bitter, so the selection of the herbs is important here, as is the amount used. Traditional Chinese herbs also tend to have ‘heaty’ or ‘cooling’ properties, and therefore, the choice of herbs used should be neatly balanced out, so the soup is suitable for persons of all body conditions.

In this article, let the tastemasters of Feng Xiang bring your attention to the mix of herbs that are used in our herbal bak kut teh Singapore, helping you discover the overall goodness and benefits the humble comfort food brings to your body and soul.

 

Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui)

 

Angelica sinensis, also known as dang gui, dong quai or female ginseng, is a popular herb used in traditional Chinese medicine for various health purposes. It has been used for centuries and is known for its potential health benefits. It is believed to help improve blood circulation, reduce blood clots, and lower blood pressure. All these in turn help reduce the risk of heart disease. Angelica sinensis is also believed to have immune-modulating effects, which can help support a healthy immune system. The herb has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in the body, and also provides a boost to liver health, protecting the organ from damage through its hepatoprotective effects.

 

Astralugus Root (Huang Qi)

Another popular herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, Astralugus Root, or huang qi, has many purported health benefits, including immune-boosting, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects. Astralugus is believed to prolong life, and used to treat a wide variety of ailments, such as fatigue, allergies and the common cold. It is also used against heart disease, diabetes and other conditions. Studies have also shown that astralugus may support kidney health by improving blood flow and other laboratory markets of kidney function, such as measures of protein in the urine.

 

Licorice Root (Gan Cao)

Licorice root is considered one of the world’s oldest herbal remedies as traced in bencao gangmu, the oldest reference book of Chinese medicinal plants and herbs. It comes from the root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra). It is native to Western Asia and Southern Europe. Other than being used to treat various ailments, it is also used to flavour candies and drinks. Medicinal use of licorice dates back to ancient Egypt, where the root was made into a sweet drink for pharaohs. In traditional Chinese, Middle Eastern and Greek medicines, it is known to be used to soothe an upset stomach, reduce inflammation, and treat upper respiratory problems. Today, many people utilise licorice root for a range of ailments, including heartburn, acid reflux, hot flashes, coughs, and bacterial and viral infections. Due to its content of numerous plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, licorice root may have anticancer properties.

 

Ligusticum Wallichii (Chuan Xiong)

 

Ligusticum wallichii, better known as chuan xiong, is another popular herb in Chinese medicine. It is known by many names, but often referred to by Chinese medicine practitioners as “Sichuan lovage root”. While the root and rhizomes have therapeutic properties, ligusticum is also used to flavour food and add fragrance to cosmetics because of its warm and spicy qualities. The herb’s medicinal benefits include treating allergic and dry coughs, as well as easing muscle aches and joint stiffness. It can also help in reducing asthma symptoms, as well as skin inflammation during seasons of temperate weather.

 

Codonopsis Pilosula (Dang Shen)

 

More commonly known as codonopsis or its Chinese name dang shen, it is a species of perennial flowering plants belonging to the Bellflower family. It’s a gentle tonic used to increase energy levels, and also helps the body adapt to stress. Having similar characteristics to ginseng, but with a milder taste and shorter-lasting effect, it is sometimes referred to as poor man’s ginseng. It can be used as a tonic for the lungs, relieving chronic coughs, shortness of breath and chronic excessive phlegm of the lungs and sinuses. In cases of dryness of the lungs, codonopsis has a moistening effect on the tissue. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine to help treat diabetes and reduce complications that arise from diabetes. 

 

Star Anise (Ba Jiao)

 

A popular herb that’s also used as a spice in culinary art, star anise, or ba jiao, can be used whole or as a powder. It’s often used in classical Asian cuisines, especially as a flavour enhancer in broths, soups and curries. In traditional Chinese and folk medicine practices, star anise is steeped in water to make a tea used to treat respiratory infections, nausea, constipation and other digestive issues. Its powerful bioactive compounds may also help treat several fungal, bacterial and viral infections.

 

Wolfberries/ Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi)

 

Wolfberry, also called goji berry, is a bright orange-red berry that comes from a shrub that’s native to China. Across Asia, it has been eaten for generations in the hope of living longer. Over time, people have used wolfberries to try to treat common health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, fever, and age-related eye problems. The berry is sometimes branded as a superfood, and can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried (like raisins). They are rich in nutrients. Some known possible benefits include boosting one’s well-being and calmness, aiding sleep and rest, promoting weight loss, and generally improving the body’s immune system. It’s also rich in Vitamins A and C, and is a source of fibre and iron. 

 

Enjoy the goodness of the herbs in herbal bak kut teh at Feng Xiang

A good bowl of herbal bak kut teh Singapore carries with it the many benefits of all the herbs and spices used to prepare the flavourful and well-balanced broth. Have a taste and enjoy the goodness of the comfort food dish at Feng Xiang!

Find authentic food offerings from Malaysia, including a selection of delicious Klang fried porridge that’s perfect to go with the herbal bak kut teh. Toppings include lean slices of pork, FX Signature Fried Pork Cutlet or even whole abalone.

For a more hearty, meaty meal, do order a serving of braised pork trotter or vinegar pork trotter, both lovingly prepared and cooked over long hours with chef’s secret recipe passed down through generations. 

Make a trip to Feng Xiang today for all the ultimate comfort food offerings. Find us at:

Share
Copyright © Feng Xiang. All Rights Reserved. Design by I Concept
Privacy Policy
Terms & Condition