Song Fa

  Many countries are progressing and developing at rapid pace, losing touch of their cultures in the process. Singapore is no exception. From being a fishing village to transforming into a Lion City in only fifty years, Singapore’s development is undeniably rapid. Moreover, with recent surges of tourism, Singapore has been ‘white-washing’, widely altering architecture and attractions to fit the Western taste. Song Fa, however, is a refreshing addition to the streets of Singapore. The restaurant is almost as old as Singapore, and the business started out as a cart selling Bak Kut Teh soup along the historical streets of Johor. 

  Despite being in business for half a century, the restaurant has never failed to recreate its dishes’ homey, authentic taste, unique to olden Singapore. For starters, upon entering the establishment, it feels as if you have stepped into another time period. The decor stays true to its inspiration– a cozy olden-day abode, completed with wallpaper displaying Singapore River, antique China teapots, lanterns strung from the ceiling and polished wooden furniture.

  Of course, nothing goes better with a warm ambience than mouth-watering food. Song Fa serves strictly traditional Chinese delicacies, their signature being Bak Kut Teh. Some other dishes include flavourful salted vegetables, juicy pork belly cubes and crispy dough fritters for dessert.

  Song Fa retains its same old spirit of cooking– using fresh ingredients and old-generation recipes. The food there is relatively affordable too. $10 is sufficient to buy a filling meal, while $6.50 can get you a bowl of their signature peppery soup, which is refillable. Song Fa is a simple yet charming restaurant, and its cooking stays true to its cultural roots. The flavors offered bring forth a sense of nostalgia, and never fails to wrap you in a warm embrace, all the while packing an ethnic punch. The restaurant truly proves that a good eatery need not necessarily be extravagant or ridiculously expensive.

References:

https://guide.michelin.com/sg/en/article/features/behind-the-bib-song-fa-bak-kut-teh

Valerie Tan 

3 Faith