Soon Soon Heng Bak Kut Teh — Restaurant in Johor

Located conveniently across from the side entrance of KSL mall, Soon Soon Heng BKT was the mid-day lunch snack that we needed. Yes, snack. Because it’s practically a whole day of eating whenever we’re in JB.

The first thing that hits you walking out of KSL, is the heat and that stark humidity. So we were a little hesitant about adding piping hot BKT to the mix but I am sooo glad we soldiered on, took on the heat and was rewarded with good, delicious, comfort food!

The way it works is that you go up to the front, where they cook and inform them of how many pax you’re ordering for and what additional ingredients you’d like to add in. We opted for kidneys and beancurd skin with a side of salted vegetables. We’ve had recommendations to order the sesame chicken as well but considering this was supposed to be a snack, we resisted and decided to save it for our next trip.

The soup was tasty, it wasn’t overly herbal and the you tiao’s were great for soaking up the yummy soup. As it was served in a claypot, the first thing we did was to fish out the kidney so that it wouldn’t be overcooked. We enjoyed it very much while having to bear with the intense heat outside and finished every last drop!

The service of the boys at the front taking the order and prepping was great, they were friendly, helpful and prompt with the service. There was this older lady on the other hand that could do with a crash course in customer service. We were done with our meal and thought we were doing what was expected of us and go up to the cashier to make payment. Nope, apparently we were supposed to wait at the table so that she could “count the plates?”, honestly, we didn’t get that because how would that make for an accurate count? We only ordered 1 rice and we had 3 empty bowls so that we could enjoy the soup. Anyway, she snapped at us rudely, clearly irritated even after we apologised, explaining that it was our first time here. So unfortunately, they lost some brownie points in service because of her.

The restaurant itself was clean but the heat from the outside permeating in made it quite uncomfortable which made this an “eat up and go” spot. They could do with having better ventilation and more fans.

All in all, good food, reasonably priced, friendly service (in general, won’t let a bad egg spoil the experience entirely) and definitely worth checking out if you’re...

We have been patronizing this bkt shop for many years. Before COVID time, the food is really delicious especially the bkt herbal soup. Ever since after COVID, my friends and I feel that the standard has dropped tremendously. They do not serve clay pot sesame chicken anymore. Yesterday we went to this bkt shop for a quick dinner before we head back to Singapore. Total 3 adults and 1 kid. 1 adult and 1 kid don't really eat pork at all. So we went to the stall and placed an order with this tall skinny uncle wearing spectacle (I think he is the boss). We told him one order of bkt herbal soup for just 2 pax only, additional order of 1 enoki mushrooms also for just 2 pax only. On top of that, we also ordered one plate of Salted Vegetables and one plate of You Tiao for just 2 pax as well plus 4 drinks. After we have finished the food, we called him to bill us. He told us total is $110. We were so shocked to hear that the food for 2 pax is $110. When we asked him why it is so expensive? He said the portion he served us is for 4 pax because he saw there are total 4 of us. We told him but we specifically told you we only want orders for just 2 pax!!! And also the bkt herbal claypot size he served is obviously only for 2 pax because if it is 4 pax, the claypot should be medium size (not the smaller pot size). He kept repeatedly telling us the bkt herbal soup he served is for 4 pax. We told him we have been eating here so many times and the bkt herbal claypot size is not so small for 4 pax. In the end, we didn't want to continue reasoning with him but deep inside our heart we know this tall skinny uncle is very dishonest and unethical for running a business this way. For sure we will be his lost customers forever. If he really did serve the food portion for 4 pax, we are totally fine to pay the bill willingly. The issues here are......

1. he went against our orders just for 2 pax only.
2. the food portion he served us is way less than 4 pax.

Note: If anyone who wants to eat at this bkt shop, please ask for the pricing for how many pax before they served you food. If not you get CHOPPED CARROT when being billed after finishing your food. And also, there are many more delicious bkt shop around ksl mall, not just...

Updated: (10 Mar 2025) Went back to SSHBKT again and this time round I was in for a shock when the bill came. The same dishes ordered for 2 pax and the price went up by quite a substantial amount after CNY.

Usually for 2, my bill was around RM$90+ but this time it was in the range of RM$120+. Food is good but with this jump in price, I may consider other alternatives in future.

😢😢 Rather upsetting.

This isn't just a BKT spot; it's a destination. My family and I find ourselves drawn back to Soon Soon Heng BKT like moths to a flame, at least once a month, eager to savor the symphony of familiar flavors that graces their menu.

The pork ribs, oh, those succulent ribs! The firm yet springy meat that can be peeled off the bone with the slightest touch, revealing their tender meat imbued with a harmonious blend of spices. (these pieces are not thick chunky ribs but petite bite size ones) The non-gamey and well balanced pork belly (fat and lean) jumps to life in your mouth!

And the tau kee, those silken tofu sheets, absorb the savory soup like sponges, each bite a revelation. But it's the cai bueh that truly steal the show – this humble dish, a canvas of simplicity, is elevated to an art form here. I have personally eaten an entire bowl of rice with just the green cai bueh glistening with its delicate sheen of fried pork lard and oil cooked to perfection.

Each mouthful of rice and cai bueh dances a symphony of textures and aromas that will leave you craving for more.

We are not peppar or herbal BKT fans, so this hits the spot for our palate.

SSHBKT isn't just about the food, It's about the experience – the simple hospitality, the cozy ambiance, the sense of community that permeates the air. It's a place where families gather, friends reconnect, and memories are made over plates brimming with deliciousness. If you're seeking a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and a food spot that reflects the soul of Malaysia, look no further. You won't be disappointed.

And not to mention I am sensitive to MSG with usual hive attacks and giddiness and I am glad to know that I didn't have any of the attacks after the experience...