Hwa Mei (华美) Bak Kut Teh near CIQ (Johor Bahru)

Have heard many good reviews of Hwa Mei Bak Kut Teh and we attempted to drive to our destination during one of our trips to Johor Bahru. Although it is located near CIQ, it wasn't easy to locate the shop since it is situated outside the tourist belt. Despite following closely to our GPS, we ended making a wrong turn and it sent us straight to the custom instead! -___-  Not intending to return home yet, we managed to locate the office, filled up a form confessing that we made a wrong turn before getting the green light to make a U-turn back via the Reject Lane. Phew! That was enough to set our panic button on and we gave up our search for the best Bak Kut Teh in town.

Recently, we made another trip in and decided to try our luck. Thankfully, we found Hwa Mei which is tucked away quietly at the corner of a row of shophouses. It was a rainy morning and we were famished after spending nearly 2 hours to cross the checkpoints.  Business is good and very soon the seats were filled up by customers shortly after it opens at around 8.30am.

Opening hours and pricing is clearly indicated on the chart that is hang on one side of the walls.

Our sumptuous breakfast order

Pig's Trotter - succulent meat which is so tender and juicy! The braised sauce is sweet and perfect to go with our rice.

I must say we have tried many Bak Kut Teh in Johor Bahru, and I like the one at Hwa Mei best! The meat is firm yet chewy. Lots of meat within the bowl that is sufficient for 1 or 2 to share. The broth has a mild herbal flavour and not overly pepperish. While it is not too oily, I find the broth a little too salty for my liking.

Pig's liver and kidney - For Hubby only since the rest of us are not so adventurous.

You Tiao - I thought it would be perfect if it was a little warmer and crispier :) Nevertheless, the taste is pretty good even eating on its own. At one point, I was hoping to have a warm cup of soya drink to go with it.

Salted vegetables - one of our favourite side dish which is not overly salty.

Toufu in braised sauce - soft and tender. 

If you go to the back of the shop, where the cooking process is taking place, you will notice Hwa Mei's Bak Kut Teh and rice is cooked using charcoal. That probably explains the richness of flavour and taste. We spent RM87.9 (inclusive of drinks and 6% GST) which was pretty reasonable. We will be back again whenever we crave for Bak Kut Teh!

Hwa Mei (华美) Bak Kut Teh

Address: 146, Jalan Lumba Kuda, Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru

GPS: 1.460851, 103.767564
Closed on every Mondays