Malaysian Netizen Criticises Taiwanese Bak Kut Teh Chips Over Merlion & ‘Cultural Inaccuracies’
A Taiwanese snack brand has sparked debate online after a Malaysian netizen called out what they described as “cultural inaccuracies” on the packaging of bak kut teh-flavoured potato chips.
The criticism centred on a packet of chips produced by Taiwanese brand Hwa Yuan Foods, which recently went viral on Threads. The packaging featured several illustrations linked to bak kut teh culture, including a Merlion statue, a man dressed in traditional Malay attire, and a bowl of soup garnished with coriander.
The original poster (OP), a Malaysian netizen, argued that the design showed a misunderstanding of the dish and its cultural background. The comments quickly gained traction online, triggering discussions among both Malaysian and Singaporean users about food identity, heritage, and cultural sensitivity.
Merlion Imagery & Malay Attire Spark Debate
One of the biggest complaints raised was the inclusion of the Merlion statue on the packaging. The OP argued that the imagery could upset Malaysians because bak kut teh is commonly associated with Malaysia’s food culture.
The post also criticised the illustration of a man wearing traditional Malay clothing next to the pork-based dish. According to the OP, this demonstrated a lack of understanding because Muslims generally do not consume pork products.
Another point of contention involved the bowl of bak kut teh shown on the packet, which appeared to include coriander garnish. The OP compared the addition to “putting taro in hotpot”, implying it was culturally inappropriate for the dish.
The criticism eventually reached the social media team linked to the chips brand, with an account appearing to represent the company responding publicly on Threads.
Taiwanese Brand Says Packaging Production Has Been Halted
In response to the backlash, the brand’s representative thanked the OP for the feedback and revealed that production involving the criticised packaging had already been stopped.
According to the statement, the company had “scrapped the remaining packaging materials” and promised to improve cultural research and sensitivity in future product designs.
The response drew mixed reactions online. While some users praised the company for responding quickly and respectfully, others felt the backlash had become excessive.
Several Singaporean and Malaysian netizens also stepped in to defend Singapore-style bak kut teh after the OP referred to it as merely “pepper soup”.
One commenter argued that dismissing Singapore’s version of the dish was itself disrespectful to another culture’s culinary traditions.
Singapore & Malaysia Have Different Bak Kut Teh Styles
The debate also reignited a long-running discussion over the differences between Malaysian and Singaporean bak kut teh.
Malaysia’s version is generally darker and herbal, often brewed using medicinal herbs and dried spices. In Singapore, particularly among the Teochew community, bak kut teh is usually lighter in colour and heavily flavoured with garlic and white pepper.
Many netizens pointed out that both styles are authentic interpretations shaped by different Chinese dialect groups and migration histories.
According to reports, the dish was introduced to both Singapore and Malaysia by Chinese immigrants from Fujian province during the 19th century. Over time, regional preferences influenced how the soup evolved in each country.
The online discussion has since become another example of how food can easily spark passionate debates across Southeast Asia, especially when national identity and cultural pride become involved.