Leong Kee Bak Kut Teh: Locations, Menu, Reviews & History (2025)

Anyone who has wandered Geylang late at night knows the smell of herbal broth wafting from a corner shophouse — that aroma belongs to Leong Kee Bak Kut Teh, a Hokkien-style institution that has been simmering pork ribs in dark, medicinal soup since 1965. This guide pieces together its locations, menu, and reputation—so you know exactly what to expect before you queue.

Founded: 1965 · Locations: Geylang and Bugis · Cuisine: Herbal Bak Kut Teh · Signature: Pork ribs in herbal soup · Operating Hours (Geylang): Late-night supper

Six facts, one pattern: every reliable source agrees on the core address and founding year, but operating hours and pricing are inconsistently reported across platforms.

Where are the Leong Kee Bak Kut Teh locations?

Geylang outlet details

• Address: 251 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389309 – also listed as 251 Geylang Lorong 11 by Miss Tam Chiak blog.
• Operating hours: Most consistent reports: 11am–12:30am daily (Eatbook.sg). A Facebook post claims the outlet is open until 3am for late‑night supper.
• Nearest MRT: Alight at Aljunied MRT (EW9) and walk about 10 minutes.

The implication: if you’re craving a late‑night bowl, call ahead—hours appear to vary by season or staffing.

Bugis outlet details

• Address: 20 Tan Quee Lan Street, #01‑17&18, Singapore 188035 (Leong Kee Klang BKT Facebook page).
• Operating hours: Not confirmed independently; visitors on Burpple user reviews mention lunch and weekend visits.

The catch: the Bugis branch has less consistent coverage than the original Geylang outlet, so verification is thinner.

Other locations mentioned

A Lemon8 post from the brand itself lists 224 Tanjong Katong Rd, Singapore 437014. This suggests a third outlet may be operating, but no other source confirms it yet. What this means: the brand is slowly expanding beyond Geylang, but official footprint still centres on the original stall.

What is on the Leong Kee Bak Kut Teh menu?

Signature herbal soup

• Herbal bak kut teh with pork ribs – the core dish, a dark, aromatic broth of herbs and spices simmered with tender pork ribs. Described by Miss Tam Chiak blog as “intensely flavourful with a slight bitterness.”
• Dry bak kut teh – a wok‑fried version with the same herbal base, served without soup. Praised as “worth a try” by multiple reviewers on Tripadvisor.

Side dishes and add‑ons

According to the Quandoo menu listing, additional items include stewed egg, tau pok (fried tofu puffs), fresh vegetables, and fried youtiao with sotong paste.

The pattern: the menu is compact—you come for the pork ribs, either wet or dry, and pick one or two sides.

What do reviews say about Leong Kee Bak Kut Teh?

Tripadvisor ratings

• Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars with over 250 reviews (Tripadvisor).
• Positive comments highlight the “hearty herbal broth” and “friendly service.”
• Criticisms mention inconsistent hours and occasional over‑salted soup.

Facebook reviews

The Leong Kee Klang BKT Facebook page posts direction guides and updates, and many commenters describe it as a “go‑to late‑night supper spot” in Geylang.

Blogger impressions

Alex Kwa, a Singapore food blogger, writes: “Leong Kee sits on the corner shophouse of Geylang Lorong 11, a district known equally for its red light district and epic bak kut teh.” The Hokkien‑style preparation is often compared to Malaysian Klang versions. Miss Tam Chiak blog calls it “one of the classic late‑night spots in Singapore.”

Why this matters: the reviews consistently frame Leong Kee as a nostalgic, no‑frills joint that locals frequent after midnight, not just a tourist destination.

How does Leong Kee Bak Kut Teh compare to other bak kut teh?

Herbal vs pepper soup

Leong Kee’s broth is firmly in the herbal camp—dark, complex, with Chinese herbs like dang gui and star anise. This contrasts with the peppery white broth popularised by brands like Song Fa Bak Kut Teh. Eatbook.sg notes that Leong Kee’s style “leans towards the Klang interpretation,” which is heavier on soy sauce and spices.

Klang style vs Singapore style

Leong Kee labels itself “Klang” Bak Kut Teh, referencing the Malaysian town famous for the dark, herbal version. Many Singapore stalls serve the lighter, peppery kind. The difference is significant: Leong Kee’s soup is almost medicinal in flavour, whereas pepper soup is cleaner and sharper.

Price and portion comparison

Prices are not officially listed, but Quandoo menu listing shows a range around $8–$12 for a single portion of ribs. Portions are described as “generous” by Burpple user reviews reviewers.

The trade-off: if you prefer a lighter, peppery broth, Leong Kee may not satisfy—but for fans of bold herbal flavour, it’s unmatched.

What is the history of Leong Kee Bak Kut Teh?

Founded in 1965

The stall opened in the mid‑1960s in Geylang, serving Hokkien‑style bak kut teh to night‑shift workers and late‑night crowds. The official website marks 1965 as the founding year.

Evolution of the brand

For decades it operated solely from the Geylang shophouse. Sometime after 2010, a second outlet opened at Bugis, and a possible third at Tanjong Katong is now being promoted on Lemon8. The brand has also applied for multiple restaurant accounts on delivery platforms.

Expansion to multiple locations

Today Leong Kee runs at least two confirmed outlets and remains one of the few bak kut teh establishments in Singapore that operate late into the night. Facebook posts still refer to it as “your late‑night supper spot.”

The pattern: from a single Geylang stall to a small chain, Leong Kee has kept its core product unchanged while gradually extending its reach to new neighbourhoods.

How to enjoy Leong Kee Bak Kut Teh

1. Choose your outlet – Geylang for the authentic late‑night vibe; Bugis for a lunch‑time meal; check Tanjong Katong if you’re nearby.
2. Order the signature – Start with the herbal soup version. Add a side of youtiao to dip.
3. Consider the dry version – If you want a change, order the dry bak kut teh for a more intense sauce.
4. Pair with sides – Stewed egg and tau pok complement the flavours. Avoid over‑ordering; portions are filling.
5. Visit late or early – To avoid crowds, go after 9pm (Geylang) or before noon (Bugis).

For late‑night diners in Geylang, the experience is part of the neighbourhood’s character—bring cash, expect a queue, and enjoy the chaos.

Upsides & Downsides

The balance: Leong Kee’s strengths in flavour and heritage outweigh the operational uncertainties for most fans.

Timeline

• 1965: Leong Kee Bak Kut Teh founded at 251 Geylang Rd.
• Later (date unknown): Second outlet opened at 20 Tan Quee Lan Street, Bugis.
• Present: Both outlets serve late‑night supper; third outlet possibly at 224 Tanjong Katong Rd.

What this shows: the brand has only expanded in the last decade, indicating a deliberate, slow‑growth strategy.

Confirmed facts vs unanswered questions

The split: core facts are solid, but operational details remain fluid.

What customers say

“Leong Kee sits on the corner shophouse of Geylang Lorong 11, a district known equally for its red light district and epic bak kut teh.”

— Alex Kwa, Singapore food blogger

“Your late‑night supper spot for bak kut teh at Geylang.”

— Leong Kee Klang BKT Facebook page

For the late‑night Geylang crowd, the choice is clear: order the herbal soup, sit at the plastic table under the glow of the shophouse, and accept that the hours and prices are part of the adventure.

Frequently asked questions

These FAQs reflect the most common queries for visitors.

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