Having been to Tiong Bahru Food Centre a number of times, this new stall has certainly caught my attention. (Also read: 10 Must-Try Sliced FISH SOUP 鱼片汤 In Singapore)
With a poetic name of Qing Feng Yuan 慶楓源, expect comforting bowls of Teochew style Fish Soup.
The two hawkers have accumulated quite some culinary experience; one the ex-head chef of Naked Finn and the other from Perch at Jewel Changi Airport.
The stall has already caused a line during peak hour lunch, with a combination of curious Tiong Bahru residents and Naked Finn fans.
After tasting the soups, it is expected to reach much longer.
Do be prepared to wait though, as the hawkers are still getting a hang of things with operations of the stall. There are currently no pre-orders or deliveries.
On its menu are Batang Fish Head Soup ($4.50), Batang Fish Soup ($5), Seafood Soup ($6), Deep Fried Pomfret with HK Soy Sauce ($6) and Homemade Ngoh Hiang ($3).
Also available is a special item of New Zealand Blue Cod Soup ($12).
Customers can customise with add-on prawns ($2 for 2 pcs), bitter gourd ($0.50), tang ou ($1), assorted vegetables ($0.50), with accompaniment of rice, porridge or bee hoon ($0.50)
Unlike some other fish soup with options of fried fish, or inclusion of evaporated milk – rest assured you would need none of them.
The Batang Fish Soup ($5) was almost Teochew-style qing (light) in terms of taste, yet pleasantly flavourful without being overly salty.
Cooked using fish, pork and chicken bones, there was a certain cloudiness in the soup with flavours both mellow-tasty and comforting.
The mackerel slices could have a better bite if sliced thicker, but I am not complaining for this price. A dip into the Teochew fermented bean paste would further elevate the taste.
Surprisingly, the Seafood Soup ($6) turned out to be the tastier of the two, perhaps because the sweetness of the big juicy sea prawns, lala clams and bits of fried batang fish head gave that extra boost.
I was more indifferent towards the Homemade Ngoh Hiang ($3, min order 2 pieces for takeaway).
While it was certainly meatier and part crunchy with water chestnut pieces, I thought it could be more succulent, less starchy, or both. Still homely tasting, and a not-bad addition.
Qing Feng Yuan 慶楓源
Tiong Bahru Food Centre #02-49, 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
Tel: +65 82928186
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 6:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
10 Must-Try Sliced FISH SOUP 鱼片汤 In Singapore
First Street Teochew Fish Soup (Upper Serangoon)
Beach Road Fish Head Bee Hoon (Whampoa Food Centre)
Han Kee (Amoy Street Food Centre)
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