PAO XIANG BAH KUT TEH – Jakarta

Our search to tasty herbal based Bak Kut Teh in Jakarta has finally over, introducing Pao Xiang String Tied Bah Kut Teh in Mangga Dua area, a restaurant originated from Malaysia specializes in Klang style herbal Bak Kut Teh.

Speaking of Bak Kut Teh, primarily there are 2 famous types: first is the Teochew peppery clear soup, and then second Klang-style herbal dark broth. While the first type is easy to find in Jakarta, AnakJajan had a hard time finding a good Klang-style BKT with tasteful herbal dark broth that’s why we’re extremely happy to meet the new gem called Pao Xiang String Tied Bah Kut Teh.

Located in Mangga Dua area near ITC Mangga Dua, it’s easy to spot the restaurant from the bright yellow exterior.

As the name suggests, they prepare the meat with traditional string tying method in order to lock the meat flavor, maintain its shape, also to extract excessive fats from the meat while making the meat more tender. AnakJajan also heard that they use fresh meat with all natural ingredients, no msg, no flavor enhancer, those are definitely plus points, it makes us appreciate the food even more.

Pu Ear Tea IDR 38k
Recently AnakJajan watched a tv show about Bak Kut Teh’s history, basically Bak Kut means ribs and then Teh means tea. So people used to enjoy Bak Kut soup accompanied by brewed Chinese tea as the preferred beverage as it is believed to help wash down the oil and fat from the dish, that’s how Bak Kut Teh name was created. Here in Pao Xiang BKT they provide various types of Chinese tea like Tie Guan Yin, Oolong, Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong, Jasmine, or Da Hong Pao for IDR 30k, and Pu Ear Tea for IDR 38k.

Lettuce (You Mak) IDR 38k
Major love for the lettuce dish, it was cooked with light soy based seasoning, savory with subtle hint of sweet taste and delightful crunch of fried shallots.

Small Bone Leg (Sui Kut) IDR 78k
First impression, the broth was very rich and deep in flavor, full of collagen and umami as the result of long boiling process with meat, bone, herbs and spices. The herbal aroma wasn’t as strong as we expected in a good way, it was aromatic without being to strong so it won’t overpower the taste of meat itself. The meat was also impressive with soft texture with all the flavors fully absorbed into it since it has been simmered for hours.

Beancurd Puff IDR 18k

Dry BKT IDR 168k
Their dry version of Bak Kut Teh is impressively DELICIOUS! By default they will put assorted meat part but you can request if you prefer lean meat or meat with more fat. It’s served on sizzling hotpot. The tender tasteful meat was fully covered in tasteful soy based seasoning with hint of chili aroma, love the fact that they add abundant amount of fried dried cuttlefish and salted fish to give the dish a nice aroma. MUST MUST ORDER!!

Big Bone Leg (Tua Kut) IDR 88k
The fat and meat in the big bone leg was amazingly smooth and tender. You’ll get an irressitible melt-in-the-mouth sensation from the fat. For spicy sensation, try adding chopped chili into the broth, you’ll get surprised by how tasteful it is. Oh, don’t forget to dip the mean into light soy sauce + dark soy sauce + chili mixture for extra flavor kick.

Braise Egg IDR 10k

Side Leg (Ka Chark) IDR 78k
This part has abundant amount of collagen, that explains the succulent gelatin-like texture. It was so tender and melt in the mouth easily, we loved it!

Spare Ribs (Pai Kut) IDR 78k
All BKT dish was served in mini porcelain bowl with a flame below to keep it hot. The ribs were uber tender with all the seasoning fully absorbed. It falls of the bone easily, definitely a well made one!

Pai Xiang Signature (Chew Pai Bak) IDR 98k
Chew Pai Bak has a soft tender texture, we love the fact that is has balanced amount of fat and meat, it’s a leaner option than pork belly.

Overall, AnakJajan gotta admit that Pao Xiang makes a legit good Bak Kut Teh dish. Considering the fresh ingredients, the long cooking process, and the taste, we can easily say that it’s worth the price. If you enjoy herbal based BKT, give it a try, we’re sure that you’ll enjoy it as much as we did because good food always speaks for itself.

Address:
Pao Xiang String Tied Bah Kut Teh
Jl Mangga Dua Raya, Ruko Grand Boutique Center No. A4
North Jakarta 14430
Phone: +6221-22684886 or +6283897862997
Instagram: @paoxiangjkt
Opening Hours: 10.30-15.00, 17.00-21.00