JAKARTA – Amidst the bustle and flow of the Eunos Crescent Market and Food Centre in Singapore, a stall named “Anak Bapak” has been writing its own story for over two decades. It has done so not by chasing trends, but by steadfastly serving something unique: a halal version of bak kut teh made with beef.

Adapting an Iconic Dish

Bak kut teh, which literally means “meat bone tea” in Hokkien, is often exclusively associated with pork. However, this stall, managed by a father-and-son duo, Mr. Kamal and Shah, challenges that assumption. They replace pork ribs with beef ribs and brisket, served in a broth simmered for hours with characteristic Chinese herbs.

Their creation, served hot in a claypot with rice and homemade sambal, retains the depth of flavor and comfort that bak kut teh lovers seek, while opening the door to Muslim customers who previously could not enjoy it. Over its 25-year journey, a bowl of this beef bak kut teh, sold for around S$7, has become their signature dish.

A Name Reflecting the Heart of the Business

The name “Anak Bapak,” meaning “child” and “father” in Malay, is not just a label. It is a true reflection of the relationship and partnership at the heart of this family business. Regular customers are familiar with the sight of the two working side by side in their small space, a routine formed over many years.

For Mr. Kamal, who has been in the culinary world since his teens and was once a head chef in a hotel, this stall is more than just a business. “The most satisfying part is seeing people enjoy the food, regardless of their background,” he said. Many customers have been loyal visitors to his stall for years, some even for decades.

A Lasting Presence Amidst Change

Although its beef bak kut teh is the most famous, Anak Bapak’s menu is much broader. They offer more than 20 Chinese-style, Muslim-friendly dishes, such as char kway teow, prawn mee, and claypot rice. This variety has helped them remain relevant amidst changing food trends.

Their presence in the Eunos food centre has been a quiet constant. Without relying on flashy marketing or concept changes, the stall continues to operate with dedication. Recent social media attention may have introduced them to a younger audience, but the essence remains the same: the broth that keeps simmering, the claypots served hot, and a commitment to bringing people together through food.

Anak Bapak proves that tradition, when adapted with careful consideration and respect, can create an inclusive space. Behind their bowl of beef bak kut teh lies a simple story of culinary innovation, family bonds, and the power of food to build community.

Visit Information:

– Stall Name: Anak Bapak Halal Muslim Restaurant
– Location: 4A Eunos Crescent, #01-16, Singapore 402004
– Certification: Halal
– Operating Hours: Monday 9:30 AM–7:00 PM, Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 AM–7:00 PM

Original Article:

Wake Up Singapore. (2026, January 14). Beef, Broth, and Belonging: How One Hawker Redefined Bak Kut Teh with a Halal Beef Version.  Retrieved from https://wakeup.sg/anak-bapak-beef-bak-kut-teh/