Johor Bahru Eat: Kulai Shi Wah Bak Kut Teh (古来世华肉骨茶) @ Permas Jaya

30 March 2025

Restoran Shi Wah / Kulai Shi Wah Bak Kut Teh (古来世华肉骨茶), as its name indicates, has its origin and main outlet (Restoran Sze Hwa) in Kulai District to the north of Johor Bahru. The restaurant specialises in traditional-style bak kut teh (pork ribs soup) and is popular among locals. Its Permas Jaya branch is located near the northern entrance of AEON Mall Permas Jaya.

For frequent visitors to traditional-style bak kut teh restaurants in Johor Bahru, there is hardly any need for a menu — just tell the staff what you like or ask for recommendations. All orders will be served in separate bowls.

We ordered 3 servings of bak kut teh with pork ribs only (although options with pig offal are also available), a serving of pig trotter with dark vinegar and another without vinegar. We also added fried dough, sweet pickled mustard, tofu skin and a pot of Chinese tea to complete the meal.

The bak kut teh has light herbal aroma and rich flavour with quite a number of short pork ribs. The soup has nice taste and not too strong-tasting that will induce thirst. The pig trotter is bouncy and really tender and, similarly, not salty. The vinegar pig trotter has light vinegary flavour without making the dish overly acidic. All the dishes are nice.