Bak Kut Teh!

Tucked in the hearts of Yeonnam-dong is this place called May Heong Bak Kut Teh. Basically it's a Malaysian dish, though we also have it in Singapore. There are many different variations and some might say the ones that originated from Malaysia are better, and some say the ones in Singapore are better. My verdict is that they each have their different unique tastes and also the people who like them. Heard about this place from some Singaporeans living in Korea and decided to pop by to get a little taste of home! (And also because it's so near)

Headed down with J on a weekend afternoon for lunch and proceeded in. The interior was really nice and cozy. However, I feel it was a little too stowed away in the buildings and it wouldn't have as many customers in the long run unless it's popular and gets famous through word of mouth.. which is what I'm doing now :D. Sat down and looked through the menu, and decided to order 2 different kind of soups, a vegetable dish and also you tiao! (which is fried dough).

For those who don't know what this entire thing is, bak kut teh is translated from hokkien to be Pork Rib (Herbal) Tea (Soup). It's a dish made with pork ribs and boiled for hours in a slow cooker with herbs and spices to give a very unique flavor. It's almost as though you're drinking tea. Anyway, it's usually eaten with Asian style vegetables in oyster sauce and also twisted dough that is deep fried called you tiao. 

The food came, we got excited and finished everything really quickly. The soup was tasty and it wasn't bland. The fried dough was a little different than usual, but maybe it's a Malaysian thing. The soup is refillable if you just ask. The pork belly dish was really really good, just like how pork belly is supposed to serve. The meat is soft and succulent and the fats just melt in your mouth. Yum!

The prices may be a little steep for students but it's otherwise worth a try if you've never had Malaysian cuisine before. I really enjoyed the soup and would definitely go back for more next time! If you're interested in heading down, here's the address:

May Hyeong Bak Kut Teh

(메이형바쿠테)

서울특별시 마포구 동교로 266-12 1층

Seoul, Mapo-gu, Donggyo-ro 266-12 1st Floor