Food News

Singaporeans Prefer Peppery Bak Kut Teh, According To This Survey

Singaporeans prefer peppery bak kut teh

Few things hit the spot like a piping hot bowl of bak kut teh (BKT) on a rainy day or late at night when the supper cravings hit. The question of allegiance remains, though: are you on team peppery, or team herbal BKT?

The debate is a longstanding one. Peppery BKT is typically thought of as the Teochew version, and is the more common variant in Singapore. Typically, peppery BKT stars a lighter, clearer soup that’s made from simmering pork bones, white pepper, soya sauce, and garlic for hours.

Herbal BKT, on the other hand, hails from the Hokkien and Cantonese communities, and features a more robust, slightly medicinal broth that’s enhanced with rock sugar and traditional herbs. This version is more popular in Malaysia, but is also available in Singapore. Singaporeans’ love for BKT runs deep, but when asked to pick a side, it turns out there’s a clear winner for the preferred BKT flavour: the peppery version.

We recently ran a poll across Eatbook.sg‘s articles, asking Singaporeans what their preferred BKT flavour was. The poll was hosted on our sister website, Answers.sg. Nearly 300 Singaporeans responded, and the results showed that 42% were on team herbal, while 58% were on team peppery.

The margins are narrow enough, so if you want to show some love for your fave type of BKT, you can cast your vote via our poll.

If this has given you a bit of a craving, do check out our guide to the best bak kut teh in Singapore.

About Answers.sg
Answers.sg is a platform that seeks to crowd-source opinions from Singaporeans about various hot-button topics, to create informative content. We run anonymous, hyperlocal polls on a wide range of subjects, from Singaporeans’ average salary brackets to their foodie habits. All data is garnered in accordance with our privacy policy.

Have an idea for a poll? Want to get in touch? Email us at hello@answers.sg.

Beatrice

Beatrice is currently the Group Editor (Branded Content) at The Smart Local Media Group. Prior to this role, she’s spent a decade on staff at lifestyle titles in Singapore, including Lifestyle Asia, AugustMan, and Men’s Folio. Food, drink, and beauty have always been her main beats, but no, she doesn’t get paid to eat good food and wear makeup (unfortunately).

New Fried Chicken Bar Opens Till 2AM With Duck Fat Mala Chicken And More

Kiap Kiap is a new fried chicken bar in Bugis that opens till 2am, selling…

12th October 2026

LUCKIN COFFEE x Garfield: Creamy Cinnamon Pumpkin Latte, Pumpkin Daifuku And More

Luckin Coffee has teamed up with Garfield to bring limited time drinks and merchandise, featuring…

12th October 2026

Grand Hyatt Singapore’s Bakery Has New Peach Lychee Oolong Cake, $12 Coffee & Pastry Set And More

Visit The Shop at Grand Hyatt Singapore for their $12 nett Daily Brew & Bakes…

12th October 2026

One-Michelin-Starred NAE:UM Opens New Italian-Korean Restaurant At Telok Ayer

Osteria Da Su is a new Italian Korean restaurant by one-Michelin-starred Nae:um at Telok Ayer,…

12th October 2026

Takashimaya Food Hall Guide: 20 Best Places For $8 Udon, XL Chicken Cutlet And More

Takashimaya Food Hall is a great pitstop for anyone near Orchard Road or Somerset for…

12th October 2026

10 Best Froyo Spots In Singapore, Including DIY Options

With the recent froyo craze hitting us all, here is our guide to the top…

9th October 2026