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Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh is a popular Singaporean chain that has opened their first Shanghai outpost in the newly minted One ITC mall in Xujiahui.
In Singapore, Ng Ah Sio is a cultural heritage of sorts. Following its humble origins in the 1950s as a street cart hawker, it then rose to popularity in the ‘80s, and has since established itself as a beloved brand for its Teochew-style peppery pork soup. It was acquired by JUMBO Group in 2010 and has multiple locations in Singapore and Taiwan. The first Shanghai location opened December 2019.
How’s the BKT at Ng Ah Sio?
There are two kinds of BKT: Teochew (Singaporean) and Hokkien (Malaysian), the latter being a darker, slightly sweet, and more herbal soup base. I have to say I’m biased towards my native palate, but Ng Ah Sio does a mighty fine job of (nearly) converting me.
The broth is fragrant, peppery, and garlicky. Traditionally, they serve spare ribs, knuckle, lean belly, and an assortment of offal with the broth.
Additionally they also have Teochew-style braised specialties, which include slow-braised trotters, tofu, and large intestine. Nearly the whole pig gets used—blanched liver (¥38), sliced pork (¥38), stomach (¥42)—be it in the peppery soup or as a noodle dish (¥48). One essential side dish is the youtiao (fried crullers, ¥12), to soak up the broth.
Next door to Ng Ah Sio is Xinyao Hainanese Chicken Rice, also belonging to the JUMBO Group. The obvious—they sell chicken rice.
In Summary
Ng Ah Sio has a cozy little spot in the bottom of the mall—not exactly a destination if you don’t live in the area. However, if you’re in the vicinity of Xujiahui (or craving badly), a visit is warranted.
Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh
Address: One ITC, B2-228, 1901 Huashan Lu, near Guangyuan Lu 华山路1901号B2-228, 近广元路
Tel: 64339709
Hours: 11am-10pm
Xinyao Hainanese Chicken Rice
Address: One ITC, B2-229, 1901 Huashan Lu, near Guangyuan Lu 华山路1901号B2-229, 近广元路
Tel: 54107127
Hours: 11am-10pm
