Inaugural Bah Kut Teh Festival captivates taste buds in Klang

Bah Kut Teh enthusiasts and food connoisseurs gathered in Klang on Sunday for a delectable journey through the flavorsome world of Bah Kut Teh at the inaugural festival hosted by the Klang Bah Kut Teh Association. Held at the esteemed Klang Hokkien Association, the event showcased the diverse range of this beloved dish, drawing crowds from near and far.

The festival featured 18 stalls offering a variety of Bah Kut Teh renditions, including vegetarian, chicken, seafood, and the traditional pork, each boasting a unique blend of herbs and spices. From the classic bowl and claypot servings to innovative twists featuring chicken and lamb, attendees were treated to an array of tantalizing flavors, including the beloved accompaniment, You Char Kway.

Open to the public from 8 AM to 2 PM, the festival attracted eager crowds eager to indulge in the cherished dish, all at an affordable price of RM 13 per bowl.

Annual tradition boosting local economy

Dr. Quah Perng Fei, the ADUN for Bandar Klang Baru, expressed optimism about the festival’s potential to invigorate the local economy and foster community engagement. “This is the first time in the area we are doing Bah Kut Teh festival for 2024. In total, there are 18 Bah Kut Teh stalls that joined us today. Of course, the idea of this is to revitalize the whole Klang economy. In the future, we are going to do it again, a yearly event,” Dr. Quah remarked.

The gastronomic celebration also holds a significant milestone for Bah Kut Teh’s cultural heritage. Bak kut teh was among the 10 dishes declared as national heritage dishes by Heritage Commissioner Mohamad Muda Bahadin on February 24. This official recognition by the government underscores its rich cultural significance and marks a momentous occasion for Malaysian culinary history.

Originating from the Hokkien settlement of Port Klang in the early 1800s, Bah Kut Teh has long been celebrated as a nutritious tonic by laborers and coolies. While its exact origins remain debated due to conflicting claims from Singapore, Bah Kut Teh is widely acknowledged to have originated from China’s Fujian province, with its introduction to Singapore and Malaysia credited to Hokkien immigrants in the 19th century.

As the festival drew to a close, attendees departed with satisfied palates and a deeper appreciation for the rich culinary heritage encapsulated within each steaming bowl of Bah Kut Teh, solidifying its place as a cherished national dish and an integral part of Malaysia’s cultural tapestry.

For a visual glimpse into the savory delights of Bah Kut Teh and the vibrant atmosphere of the festival, click here