I’ve seen Tua Bak Kia Bak Kut Teh at Lorong Jugra whenever I go for my curry mee fix across the road. Since this place opens from 9am onwards, Jien and I set aside time to check them out for dinner recently.
Tua Bak Kia Bak Kut Teh is located below the flats at Lorong Jugra and despite the run-down surrounding, the restaurant is brightly lit and fairly comfortable. You can choose to have your bak kut teh in individual porcelain bowls or a claypot – I opted for the former because I feel that’s the best way to enjoy bak kut teh.
I feel the meat cuts at Tua Bak Kia Bak Kut Teh are comparable to a lot of bak kut teh shops in Klang. There’s big bone, small bone, belly, semi fat-lean, ribs, soft bone, knuckle, trotters, intestine, tail and even chicken feet.
Jien and I opted for the big bone, small bone and semi fat-lean (pun fei sau) – RM18 each. We also got a portion of dry bak kut teh (RM22), which was quite decent. They use a good amount of dried cuttlefish and chillies so the gravy has kick. Delicious with white rice, topped with fried shallots.
Let’s talk broth.
I’m pleased that Tua Bak Kia Bak Kut Teh’s texture is thick and lemak. It sits between a soup and stew, with a layer of gelatine on top. That for me, is the essence of a good bak kut teh broth. In terms of herbal notes, I would say Tua Bak Kia Bak Kut Teh isn’t as strong as the ones from Klang, but it holds its own.
It reminds me of the bak kut teh from Links; the meat cuts are good and the broth is thick, rich and moderately fragrant from the herbs. They are also pretty generous with the soup refills and I didn’t feel thirsty after the meal – which indicates little or no MSG inside the mix.
The staff understands both Chinese and English so communication was quick and easy for both Jien and I. Portions are fair and pricing is comparable to the other bak kut teh shops in Klang Valley. I dare say this is currently the best bak kut teh I’ve had around Old Klang Road, KL and PJ.
Granted it’s not as good as what you’d get in Klang, this is convenient and beats having to drive all the way to Klang for something of similar quality, just a tad less herbal.
A worthwhile option for bak kut teh fans who find travelling all the way to Klang a hassle. Of course, if you’re living in Klang – you might as well eat your Klang bak kut teh and let the rest of us enjoy this gem of a bak kut teh spot.
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Ambiance: 6/10
Price: 6.5/10
Food: 7.5/10 (non-halal)
Verdict: Thick broth and good meat cuts. Just slightly less herbal but all in all, solid bak kut teh.
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大眼仔肉骨茶 Tua Bak Kia Bak Kut Teh
BLOCK D,
3, Lorong Jugra,
Jalan Klang Lama,
58100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-7988 0251
Business hours: 9am till 3pm, 6pm till 9pm
(closed Monday)