Where to Eat Turtle Soup in Singapore? Best Advisor by Local Guide
Turtle soup is a traditional dish in Singapore made from the meat of green sea turtles. The turtle meat is slow-cooked with various herbs and spices, including ginger, garlic, and curry leaves, to create a rich, flavorful broth. Some restaurants also add ingredients such as Chinese mushrooms and vermicelli noodles to the soup. The soup is usually served hot and garnished with cilantro or spring onions. It is considered as a delicacy in Singapore and is traditionally served during special occasions or as a luxury item in seafood restaurants.
There is a widespread belief in China that eating turtle soup would let one live a long and prosperous life. The Chinese word for turtle, “guī,” is a homophone for “guǐ,” which means “return to antiquity” or “return to old ways.” It’s possible that the soup’s symbolic significance stems partly from this connection to antiquity and custom. Because of their lengthy lifespans and robust reputation, turtles are also seen as symbols of longevity and health in Chinese culture. Due to its association with good fortune and wealth, turtle soup is often served during celebrations like weddings and banquets.
One of the reasons why turtle soup is so revered in China is that it was formerly reserved for the emperor and other high-ranking officials. Therefore, it is typically seen as a mark of social rank.
However, with the rising call for sustainability, turtle soup is no longer a cuisine that everyone can enjoy. Hence, you might be thinking, “where to buy turtle soup”? Not to worry! Here we will discuss where to eat turtle soup in Singapore.
Well-known Turtle Soup Places
It is subjective to say which place serves the “best” turtle soup in Singapore as it depends on personal taste and preferences. However, some of the most highly recommended places to try turtle soup in Singapore include Jumbo Seafood Restaurant and TungLok Signatures, which are known for their traditional Singaporean seafood dishes and use live green turtles in their turtle soup. Long Beach Seafood Restaurant is also a popular spot for turtle soup.
Another option is the Tiong Bahru market, where you can find a variety of traditional Chinese food stalls selling turtle soup. This is a great place to try turtle soup in a more casual setting, and the prices are often more affordable than those at a restaurant.
According to TripAdvisor, the best place where to buy turtle soup is Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant. Located at 39 Tai Thong Crescent Sennett Estate, this restaurant has a positive reputation nationwide for providing excellent turtle soup. If you take a peek at their menu, they have a variety of turtle dishes which you can choose from, including the different parts of turtle organs as well as which kind of soup. The restaurant’s turtle soup is made with real turtle meat and is cooked with a blend of herbs and spices to create a rich and flavorful broth. In addition, the restaurant is known for its traditional Chinese dishes, with a focus on herbal and medicinal ingredients.
For those who are looking for a more upscale dining experience, there are several high-end restaurants in Singapore that serve turtle soup as part of their luxury menu. Some of the most popular options include Rang Mahal, which is located in the Pan Pacific Singapore hotel, and the Jade Palace Seafood Restaurant, which is located in the Marina Square shopping centre. These restaurants are known for their elegant settings and high-quality ingredients, and they often have a wide selection of other Chinese dishes as well.
It’s always advisable to check for customer reviews or ask locals for their recommendations as well.
