Song Fa’s journey from local favourite to international brand.

Eager crowds gathered outside Song Fa’s New Bridge Road outlet are a daily affair - a testament to its reputation for excellence and the irresistible appeal of its signature dishes. Few endorsements speak louder than diners drawn to its authentic flavours and time-honoured culinary tradition.

Song Fa’s first store at a coffee shop in Victoria Street

From its origins as a pushcart stall in 1969, Song Fa has grown into an internationally recognised heritage brand. It began with Mr Yeo Eng Song passionately serving Teochew-style Bak Kut Teh (Pork Rib Soup) along Johor Road. Today, Song Fa embodies Singaporean entrepreneurship and culinary excellence. The turning point came in 2007 when Mr Yeo’s eldest son, Yeo Hart Pong, reimagined the business as a casual dining concept, establishing the first full-fledged outlet on New Bridge Road. This move required operational enhancements, service excellence, and brand refinement—while safeguarding Song Fa’s authentic flavours.

With support from his siblings - Mr Yeo Zhi Yong, who leads research and development, including retail spice products, and Diana Yeo, who manages corporate and marketing functions—the family successfully guided Song Fa’s expansion. Now, the brand has a presence in cities such as Jakarta, Bangkok, Shanghai, and Taipei, championing Singapore’s culinary heritage regionally.

UPHOLDING HERITAGE AMIDST EXPANSION

Transitioning from a street stall to a restaurant business posed challenges, particularly in preserving Teochew-style recipes. As Song Fa expanded, it adopted thoughtful innovations in branding, outlet design, and menu development while staying true to its culinary roots.

Ensuring consistency in taste and service across multiple locations required rigorous Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and extensive staff training. These measures have enabled Song Fa to uphold its heritage and maintain high standards.

The COVID-19 pandemic tested Song Fa’s adaptability. Facing operational constraints and shifting consumer behaviour, it embraced digital platforms and takeaway services, sustaining its deep connection to Singapore’s cultural identity.

Song Fa’s second-generation: Mr Yeo Hart Pong (left) and Mr Yeo Zhi Yong (right)

A SYMBOL OF SINGAPOREAN SUCCESS

Song Fa’s transformation into a globally acclaimed gastronomic brand was reaffirmed when it earned the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand. Under the stewardship of its second-generation leader, the brand remains faithful to its founding principles while expanding into new markets.

First awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2016, Song Fa continues to receive high ratings on platforms such as Meituan-Dianping, Ctrip, and TripAdvisor.

Song Fa’s transformation into a globally acclaimed gastronomic brand was reaffirmed when it earned the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand.

ADHERENCE TO AUTHENTICITY AND QUALITY

Song Fa’s success stems from its commitment to traditional cooking methods and its faithful adherence to the authentic recipe first developed by its founder. The signature clear, peppery broth infused with robust notes of white pepper and garlic remains the hallmark of its Bak Kut Teh. By following time-honoured techniques such as slow simmering and careful ingredient selection, Song Fa preserves its culinary heritage.

The brand prioritises skills development through apprenticeship programmes, skills assessments, and refresher courses for kitchen staff, ensuring consistency in culinary execution and sustaining its founder’s legacy.

CELEBRATING TEOCHEW CUISINE AND INNOVATIVE DINING CONCEPTS

Beyond its famous pork ribs soup, Song Fa’s Teochew-style specialities, including braised pig’s trotters, braised pork belly, and Ngoh Hiang wrapped in beancurd skin, enrich the dining experience.

Adapting to consumer preferences, Song Fa pioneered new dining concepts including Song Fa Kway Chap, featuring braised delicacies, and Song Fa Signatures, which offers curated Teochew-inspired favourites in a refined setting.

PRESERVING SINGAPORE’S CULINARY HERITAGE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Song Fa preserves Singapore’s culinary heritage through initiatives like the Song Fa Kids’ Club, introducing children to Bak Kut Teh’s history through interactive experiences.

Since the 1970s, Song Fa has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with Pek Sin Choon, serving their signature 'Unknown Fragrance' tea in-house. This collaboration has since blossomed into the creation of bespoke tea blends exclusively for Song Fa. A notable example is the King's Garden Tea, a refreshing fusion of chrysanthemum, oolong, and green tea. This vibrant blend can be enjoyed both hot and cold, catering to the tastes of younger customers by offering a versatile tea experience that seamlessly fits into modern lifestyles.

Today, the duo also partners with the Singapore Heritage Board to offer tea appreciation workshops on kung fu tea brewing. Efforts that reflect Song Fa’s commitment to preserving culinary traditions and making heritage accessible to younger generations.

Old Johor Road in the 1960s

AN ODE TO TRADITION THROUGH DESIGN

Song Fa’s outlets celebrate its heritage through thoughtfully curated interior designs and iconic artefacts. Illustrated wall murals, inspired by archival photographs, pay homage to its beginnings on Johor Road, while traditional hand-carved signage and a recreated pushcart serve as enduring symbols of the entrepreneurial spirit that shaped the brand’s evolution. Architectural elements evoking the charm of the 1960s seamlessly integrate historical authenticity with modern sophistication, ensuring that Singapore’s cultural legacy is preserved within a contemporary dining experience.

A SYMBOL OF SINGAPOREAN EXCELLENCE

As Singapore commemorates its 60th year of nationhood, reflecting on its remarkable trajectory of economic and cultural success, Song Fa stands as an exemplar of how businesses can uphold tradition while embracing progress.

Far more than just a dining destination, Song Fa embodies the essence of family gatherings and the warmth of shared experiences, echoing the special significance Bak Kut Teh holds within Singaporean culture. By fostering meaningful interactions and promoting an appreciation for culinary traditions, Song Fa ensures this cherished aspect of heritage remains vibrant for generations to come.