Bak Kut Teh as comfort food — exactly what I needed

Some dishes exist to comfort and Bak Kut Teh is absolutely in that category. The complex and fiery quality works on something almost primal — you feel the warmth of it immediately. pandan leaves does work that no substitute can replicate.

Singapore's hawker culture was inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020. There's something about the a kopitiam coffee shop context that reinforces the comfort effect. fresh coconut water alongside is the traditional way and it makes complete sense. I come back to this dish when I need something dependable and restorative.