11 best Cantonese-style soup stalls that will remind you of home

I have never been more stoked to write an article than this one. 

With the bulk of my fondest childhood memories starting with “good soup”, why hadn’t I compiled the best of what tastes like home?! To streamline our selection, I will only be focusing on Cantonese-esque soups, specifically 燉湯 (dan tong, double-boiled soups) that must be prepared over at least 4 hours. 

And as I understand that there are too many establishments that have soup on their menu, what I categorise as a soup soup specialised stall are those that have more than 5 varieties of soup. Unless they have a strong selling point, of course. 

In my hunt to find a familial comfort that cannot be easily replicated, will these “11 best Cantonese-style Soup Stalls” put my grandmothers to shame?

1. Herbal Soup

Starting with the legit of the legit, Herbal Soup in Chinatown is aptly known for traditional soups served from massive charcoal-fired claypots. From the exotic Black Bean Pig’s Tail Soup (S$5) to the high-end Ginseng Herbal Chicken Soup (S$6), their menu boasts a wide range of broths made with nourishing ingredients like lotus root and goji berries. If you prefer something lighter though, the staff-recommended Apple & Pork Ribs Soup (S$4.50) has a sweetish-rich flavour that is perfect for rainy days. 

Do not miss their 养生茶 (rejuvenating tea) too. A complimentary beverage with every order, the Ginseng and Liquorice Root Tea helps to cool down the body after a piping-hot slurp.

335 Smith Street, Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre, #02-017, Singapore 050335
Wed to Sat: 10am – 7pm
Sun: 10am – 8pm
Closed on Mon & Tue

2. Ar Er Soup

Michelin-Bib Gourmand soup? Yes. Bringing in the heat is Ar Er Soup at Bukit Merah which has been around for over a decade. For the record, this is stall founder Mr Chen’s only outlet as the others are opened by “his friend.” The quietly famed stall has 8 types of Canto-style soups that get sold out extremely fast (as indicated by the red crosses on the signboard).

Having heard that Mr Chen’s soups are reminiscent of a grandmother’s cooking, I knew that I must try the Lotus Root Peanut Pork Ribs Soup (S$5) that my popo specialises in. 

The similarities were uncanny. Full-bodied without being overly cloying, the broth consists of tender pork ribs and lotus roots that are harmonious with fragrant peanuts. To complete your meal, opt for a side of Pumpkin Rice (S$0.80). 

6 Jalan Bukit Merah, ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre, #01-141, Singapore 150006
Sun to Fri: 12pm – 3pm
Closed on Sat

3. Canton Delicacies

Helmed by an ex-chef (Chef Ericson Ng) from Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, Canton Delicacies at Geylang Bahru has 14 types of double-boiled soup that are mostly priced at S$4. According to Chef Ericson, each soup has different nutritional values that include 凉 (refreshing) and 润 (nourishing).

Aside from the regular-favourite ABC Pork Ribs Soup (S$4), my pick will definitely be the Papaya Stewed Pork Ribs Soup (S$4). Embodying true beauty in simplicity, the latter features a whole cordyceps flower. 

Alert! Alert! Be sure to check out the Salted Egg Pork Patties Steamed Rice (S$4). Topped with a juicy-thick minced pork patty and a splash of 花雕酒 (rice wine), the savoury rice dish is infused with braised sauce and served in a cavernous soup bowl. 

69 Geylang Bahru, Geylang Bahru Market & Food Centre, #01-27, Singapore 330069
+65 8459 0031
Fri to Wed: 12pm – 9pm
Closed on Thu
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4. Ah Cheng Lao Huo Tang 

You have The Office Chef’s seal of approval for Ah Cheng Lao Huo Tang at Woodlands. Previously located at the former Woodlands Centre Road Food Centre, the highly underrated hawker stall has classy-sounding soups that are boiled in silver cauldrons.

Take Buddha Jumps Over The Wall (S$8.50) for example, the luscious light-brown goodness has briny layers of dried squid, fish maw, and mock abalone as well as a generously-fleshed chicken drumstick. 

For adventurous eaters, the Ten Tonic Ginseng Chicken Soup is priced at S$7 and S$7.50 for Steamed Chicken and Black Chicken respectively. Other than the regular White Rice (S$0.50) and Pumpkin Rice (S$1), the stall interestingly has Olive Rice (S$1) that is embedded with bits of preserved olive.

12 Woodlands Street, Marsiling Mall Hawker Centre, #01-03, Singapore 738623
Thu to Sun: 11.30am – 2pm & 4pm – 8pm
Closed Mon to Wed

5. Chef Chik 

If you love stalls by ex-chefs, here is another. Chef Chik at Paya Lebar is established by Chef Chik, an executive chef from an award-winning Cantonese restaurant which coincidentally happens to be at the Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel. So, expect restaurant quality standards here.

Serving up to 8 types of double-boiled soups, Chef Chik offers household classics such as ABC Pork Ribs Soup (S$5.50) to the opulent Cordyceps White Fungus Chicken Drumstick Soup (S$9). 

Although I have my eyes on both, I am enticed by the atas one that is perfumed with a myriad of Chinese herbs. Other than heartwarming broths, feel free to take a shot at their Cantonese zi char dishes like Steamed Threadfin Belly (Seasonal Price).

14 Haig Road, Haig Road Market & Food Centre, #01-36, Singapore 430014
+65 9011 8979
Wed to Sat: 10.30am – 3.30pm
Closed on Sun to Tue

6. Leong Wei Roasted Delights

If you know Leong Wei Roasted Delights at Holland Village for their crazily affordable S$2 Roast Pork Rice you would probably be familiar with their S$3 Steamed Soup too. With 7 types of broths that get sold out before noon, they have the easy-to-drink Radish Pork Ribs Soup (S$3) down to the traditionally Cantonese Salted Vegetable with Duck Wing Soup (S$3).

Not going to lie, the thought of caramelised char siew with a bowl of comforting broth is making me drool. 

Still interested in what other cheap eats they have to offer? Look no further, the hawker stall has Roast Duck Rice and Lor Duck Rice that is priced from S$3. I got my eye on their Peanut Pork Ribs Soup (S$3) though.

44 Holland Drive, Holland Drive Market & Food Centre, #02-36, Singapore 270044
Sat to Wed: 11am to 7pm
Closed on Thu & Fri

7. Earth Jar Treasure

We are easing towards the herbally side of soups now. Warning ah, you will either hate it or love it. Earth Jar Treasure at Marymount is a good place to start. Not only are their soups boiled in earthen jars, but each serving contains a sachet of herbs to further enhance the flavour.

Despite the old-school interior, they have a youthful charm to them as evidenced by their dish names; cue Stimulate Appetite Pork Soup (S$7.50) and Cultivate Blood Black Chicken Soup (S$8). 

Apparently, their Yam Rice (S$0.70) is a must-try. Speckled with bits of mushroom and dried shrimp, the rice has a sweet aroma that either balances out or enhances your soup of choice. 

22 Sin Ming Rd, #01-244, Singapore 571022
+65 9383 1864
Daily: 10am to 8.30pm
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8. Heng Heng Herbal Soup

Self-explanatory, the ever-expanding Heng Heng Herbal Soup has multiple outlets dotted around Singapore. Their menu typically features up to 8 different types of soup with no added MSG.

Simmered at low heat, the Watercress Pork Ribs Soup (S$5.50) is in The Office Chef’s words: “probably one of the most flavourful versions that I’ve had in my life.” Accompanying the perfectly cooked watercress are fall-off-the-bone pork ribs with a generous meat-to-fat ratio. 

All in ALL IN, their Ten Tonic Chicken Soup (S$6.50) does not disappoint as well. Featuring nature’s best – think dang shen, goji berries and red dates, the herbal soup also has a huge chicken drumstick for you to chew on. Cannot drink enough? Ask for a free refill.

For a list of locations, click here.
+65 9130 1414
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Order Delivery: foodpanda Deliveroo 

9. Yan Ji Steamed Pot Rice

This was a true hidden gem. Tucked away in the same hawker centre as Herbal Soup, Yan Ji Steamed Pot Rice at Chinatown has an enticing menu that combines the best of double-boiled soup with steamed pot rice.

Before I dive into the latter, the Winter Melon Ribs Soup + Rice (S$3.80) and Cucumber Pork Ribs Soup + Rice (S$3.80) are homely delights that you could drink with a straw.

Now, their Steamed Pot Rice includes Sausage with Mushroom Chicken Steamed Pot Rice (S$3.80) which already sounds like a dream.

Aside from both main offerings, Yan Ji Steamed Pot Rice also has sides that pair well with what you are having. Cue the braised Pig’s Trotter (S$6) that I have grown to love and the palatable Herbal Chicken Drumstick (S$6) that I want to try. 

335 Smith Street, Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre, #02-025, Singapore 050335
+65 9664 3584
Daily: 10am to 9pm
Order Delivery: Deliveroo 

10. Zhen De Hao

Being at the same location as Michelin-Bib Ar Er at Bukit Merah, the second-generation stall owner treats Mr Chen as “a good friend.” This 20-year stall has 7 double-boiled soups that are bound to satiate your appetite. I mean, fancy a 防癌 (prevent sickness) Acrocybe Pork Ribs Soup (S$5)?

Never mind if you prefer sticking to comfort, the Corn & Carrot Pork Ribs Soup (S$4.50) is a no-brainer. Similar to the previous entry, this humble spot also has a knack for steamed items. 

I am gawking at my regular cai fan picks: Steamed Egg with Minced Meat (S$2.50), Steamed Pork Pate with Lotus Root (S$4) and more.

6 Jalan Bukit Merah, ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre, #01-110, Singapore 150006
Opening Hours: TBD

11. Tan Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant

Let’s end off with something bougie. Established in 1946 by Tan Ah Sai, Tan Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant at Aljunied is known for its Claypot Turtle Soup (S$28/ S$50/ S$78) and Double-Boiled Turtle Soup (S$16/ S$21). As reflected in the steep price tag, one thing for sure is that the restaurant only uses the freshest ingredients and the highest-quality herbs.

For the record, the turtle meat comes from a local company that prepares freshwater softshell turtles safe for consumption. 

Using the same authentic recipe for close to 80 years, the collagen-laden turtle soups are simmered for more than 12 hours and are said to lower blood pressure and improve kidney function!

29 Lor Bachok, Singapore 387791
+65 6748 3953
Daily: 11am – 8.30pm
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Order Delivery: foodpanda Deliveroo 

Do these stalls make you feel at home?

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