Founders Bak Kut Teh: Menu, Opening Hours, Delivery & Reviews

Few things in Singapore are as satisfying as a bowl of peppery pork rib soup after midnight. For decades, Founder Bak Kut Teh on Balestier Road has been the go-to spot for that fix, serving a clear, Teochew-style broth that keeps the focus squarely on the pork.

Location: 347 Balestier Road, Singapore 329777 ·
Opening Hours: Sun–Sat 12:00 PM–2:30 PM & 6:00 PM–2:30 AM (Tue closed) ·
Phone: +65 6352 6192 ·
Signature Item: Founder Bak Kut Teh Spices (pack of 6, $20.00) ·
Other Outlets: Jakarta (Puri Indah Mall & Living World Alam Sutera) ·
Online: FounderBKT.com.sg + Instagram @founder.jkt

The key details at a glance – six facts that define this Balestier institution.

What Makes Founder Bak Kut Teh Different from Other Bak Kut Teh in Singapore?

Teochew vs. Hokkien style

The most immediate difference is the broth. Founder serves a peppery, clear soup made with Sarawak white pepper – the classic Teochew approach – not the dark, herbal version favoured by Hokkien stalls. According to the official menu (brand website), the kitchen uses “only the freshest meaty pork ribs simmered in a specially formulated broth.” The result is a clean, punchy flavour that lets the pork speak for itself.

The story behind the name ‘Founder’

The name refers to the original founder, who started the business on Balestier Road. While the exact founding date isn’t publicly documented, SquareMeal (Singapore restaurant guide) notes that Founder has been serving its aromatic rou gu cha for over 40 years. The brand is now run by the second generation, often referred to as “the son” in informal reviews – though no specific public name is given on official channels.

Customer reviews and reputation

With a TripAdvisor rating of 3.9 out of 5 from 181 reviews, Founder sits well inside Singapore’s top 1,000 restaurants. Regulars praise the welcoming atmosphere and the consistency of the broth. Eatbook.sg (local food guide) includes Founder in its Singapore bak kut teh roundup, calling it one of the city’s recognised establishments.

Where Is Founder Bak Kut Teh Located?

Main outlet address and contact

The flagship outlet is at 347 Balestier Road, Singapore 329777 – a stretch well‑known for late‑night eating. The phone number is +65 6352 6192 and the official website is FounderBKT.com.sg (brand official site). Both TripAdvisor and Trip.com Moments (travel platform) list this same address.

Jakarta locations

Founder has expanded to Jakarta with two outlets: Puri Indah Mall Level 2 and Living World Alam Sutera. The brand’s Instagram bio states: “All the way from Balestier road, Singapore. Now Serving at Puri Indah Mall lt. 2 and Living World Alam Sutera” (Instagram @founder.jkt (brand social media)).

Other Singapore branches (if any)

Currently, Founder appears to operate only the Balestier outlet in Singapore. No additional local branches are listed on the official site or on major review platforms.

What Are the Opening Hours of Founder Bak Kut Teh?

Regular hours

According to TripAdvisor (user‑review aggregator), Founder operates on a split schedule: 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM for lunch and 6:00 PM to 2:30 AM for dinner and supper, from Sunday through Saturday. Note that the restaurant is closed on Tuesdays. Other sources, such as Trip.com Moments (travel platform), list a continuous 11:45 AM to 11:59 PM schedule – suggesting hours may vary, so checking the official site before visiting is wise.

Holiday variations

No official holiday schedule is published. It’s best to call ahead or check the brand’s social media for public‑hour adjustments.

Late-night dining

The evening service until 2:30 AM makes Founder a popular supper spot for night‑shift workers and post‑night‑out hungry eaters. This late‑night availability is a key draw compared to many other bak kut teh stalls that close by 10 PM.

What Is on the Founder Bak Kut Teh Menu?

Signature dishes

The star is the Classic Bak Kut Teh – pork ribs in a peppery, clear broth. The official menu (brand website) emphasises the quality of the meat and the “specially formulated broth.” Side dishes include rice, you tiao (fried dough fritters), and braised items such as pig trotter and pork belly – though exact offerings vary.

Price range

SquareMeal (Singapore restaurant guide) lists an average price range of $30 to $49 per person, which is higher than the $8–$15 figure often quoted. The discrepancy likely reflects a full meal with multiple sides and drinks. A single bowl of soup with rice typically costs around $10–$15.

Takeaway and retail items

Founder sells a retail spice pack: Founder Bak Kut Teh Spices (pack of 6) for $20.00, available via the official website. This allows customers to recreate the broth at home.

Seven items that make up the core offering, with editorial takeaway:

The implication: visitors on a tighter budget can get a satisfying bowl for under $15, but a full feast with sides pushes the bill into the $30–$50 range. The retail spice pack is a smart way to extend the brand beyond the outlet.

Does Founder Bak Kut Teh Offer Delivery?

Delivery platforms

Founder is available on major third‑party delivery apps, including GrabFood and Foodpanda. Orders can be placed through those platforms for delivery within their service areas.

Direct order

The official website (FounderBKT.com.sg (brand official site)) may offer direct ordering for the retail spice pack, but hot food delivery appears to be handled exclusively by third‑party partners.

Delivery area

Coverage is limited to Singapore for food delivery. The spice pack can be shipped within Singapore; international shipping availability is not mentioned.

Who Is the Son of Founder Bak Kut Teh?

Family business history

The “son” narrative appears in many informal reviews and social media mentions. The brand was started by an original founder (name not publicly documented) and is now run by his son – the second generation. However, no specific name is confirmed on the official website or by any authoritative source.

Current ownership

The official website lists a contact email (info@founderbkt.com.sg) but does not name the owner. The Instagram bio simply says “All the way from Balestier rd, Singapore” without identifying individuals.

Succession plan

From the available information, it’s clear that the business remains family‑operated. Whether a third generation will take over is speculative; no public statements have been made.

Upsides and Downsides

Confirmed Facts

What’s Unclear

“If you want to enjoy Singapore’s classic Bak Kut Teh in a welcoming atmosphere, Founder Bak Kut Teh is the perfect spot.”

— TripAdvisor reviewer (user‑review platform)

“All the way from Balestier rd, Singapore. Now Serving at Puri Indah Mall lt. 2 and Living World Alam Sutera.”

— Instagram bio @founder.jkt (brand social media)

“The quality comes from using only the freshest meaty pork ribs simmered in a specially formulated broth.”

— Founder Bak Kut Teh official menu (brand website)

Founder Bak Kut Teh has built a loyal following on the strength of its peppery Teochew broth and generous late‑night hours. The brand is now quietly planting flags in Jakarta, but the Balestier original remains the heart. For Singapore diners who prioritise a clean, pork‑forward bowl at unconventional hours, the choice is clear: make your way to 347 Balestier Road, check the latest hours online, and enjoy a bowl that has defined a neighbourhood for decades. For Jakarta residents, two mall outlets offer the same recipe with air‑conditioned comfort.

For those who enjoy Founder’s Teochew-style broth, Old Street Bak Kut Teh offers a different take with its larger chain presence across multiple countries.

Frequently asked questions