Recently, Bak Kut Teh was designated as one of Malaysia's heritage dishes by the Malaysian Heritage Commissioner, much to the delight of locals. However, this recognition didn't sit well with everyone. Meanwhile, in Singapore, a savvy food vendor seized the opportunity to cater to a wider audience by customizing the dish.

Given that some of our Muslim friends refrain from consuming pork, a Malay vendor ingeniously tweaked the recipe, substituting pork with beef. This modification was highlighted in a TikTok post by @mccysg and subsequently shared by a Malaysian politician on Facebook.

Kamal, the proprietor of a hawker stall named Anak Bapak in Singapore, has been serving customers for a quarter of a century, boasting a loyal following. His signature dish, Beef Bah Kut Teh, priced at SGD7 (RM24.7) per bowl, features beef ribs, brisket, and a medley of fresh Chinese herbs, simmered in a flavorful broth for hours.

For Kamal, it's not solely about profit but rather the gratification of pleasing his patrons. At Anak Bapak, Kamal specializes in a range of Halal Chinese dishes, attracting diners from diverse backgrounds. Despite the Halal certification, his culinary offerings appeal to customers of all ethnicities.

Over the course of 25 years at Anak Bapak, Kamal has developed meaningful connections with his clientele, many of whom remain loyal supporters. Ultimately, Kamal believes that the joy of seeing people enjoy his food transcends any considerations of race or monetary gain.

Watch here:

@mccysg

Halal bak kut teh!? This father-son duo has been whipping up halal Chinese cuisine for over 20 years 🤩 Read more on hawkers who are redefining good food regardless of race in the link 🍜

♬ original sound - MCCY