Ser Seng Herbs (Turtle) Restaurant — Restaurant in Singapore

We were informed that this small hole-in-the-wall venue was one of the best examples of turtle soup remaining in Singapore. Popular with the pre-WWII and some of the baby boomer generation as a herbal soup, it is less available today. We can't explain if turtle soup is a specific Chinese dialectic food in Singapore but we understand the cuisine is slowly disappearing from the country's food annals.

Firstly, turtle soup is not actually made from turtles but fresh water soft shell terrapins. The best parts were the webbed claws, skin, innards and eggs. So we ordered the turtle internal parts soup. Since the yam rice and black chicken soup were also signature Ser Seng dishes, we added orders of those.

The turtle soup was a rich broth, glutinous and sticky to the lips. It also contained a slight bitter herbal wine flavor. The fragrant yam rice was an excellent complement to the thick soup.

We had a mix of claws, livers, skin, meat and small eggs in the broth. The pieces of white meat tasted like chicken breast. The claw meat was much softer and tastier. The broth removed any coppery taste from the crunchy livers and the eggs delivered a weak pop and dense creaminess. We particularly enjoyed the jelly-like texture of the skin.

The black chicken soup was equally rich in flavors but without the thick consistency. It was more like consomme packed with the essence of a whole black chicken and further enriched with a variety of Chinese herbs.

We enjoyed the contrasting broths for lunch and hope this establishment remains open for our next visit...

Had you ever tried a turtle soup? Well, this is my first and wow - it tastes like nothing I had before.

-Flavour - savory peppery soup with a of parsley perfected in decades -Texture - the meat is soft, gelatenous. The turtle egg is soft but norhing like regular egg, slight texture of a fish roe -After taste - surprisingly none. This is what Im v. reluctant at first: what if there’s a stench. Surprisingly, there is none -Price: the small bowl $25 is good for 2. It is ultra filling specially with their sticky yam rice. The small family of 3 seated next to me shared the medium-sized bowl $30 -Crowd: I came during lunch, quarter to 2 and it’s pack. Prolly bec. it’s the first day of the week that they are open (Sun/Mon close). -Recommended for adventurous foodies 👌 Bonus: this bowl of turtle soup is rich in collagen. 💁‍♀️

#sersengherbalturtlesoup #foodventure #foodie...

My favourite outlet for turtle soup. I used to patronise Geylang outlet more often in the past but have decided to change. The soup here is more clean tasting and it will not have a thirsty effect. The boss is the one mending the cooking station hence the quality won’t be compromised. Over here is air-conditioned which is very important as drinking turtle soup will make your body warm. Can see the uncle and aunty which used to be at Bedok Reservoir outlet. Some say it expensive but I feel it’s about paying for the price of quality food yea

16/11/2022 Still the best food, however kinda pinch of the wallet. Somehow double the price point of those hawker outlet

14/01/2023 Went again today and was rather shock the price increase again. However still my best turtle soup place.

30/06/2023 Still best of the best turtle soup ever. Feel so heaven...