Tan Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant since 1946 in Geylang
Located in Geylang, Tan Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant is one of the remaining turtle soup restaurants in Singapore, and the first to cook turtle soup in a claypot. The rich turtle soup is made daily with quality ingredients and fresh turtle meat. Simmered for more than 12 hours every day, it’s hearty, full of collagen, healthy and absolutely delicious. The authentic recipe dates back to 1946! The family-run restaurant also cooks nourishing herbal soups, such as cordyceps chicken soup, ginseng black chicken soup and more.
Tan Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant was founded in 1946 by Tan Ah Sai. He’s a humble cook and entrepreneur from China who migrated to Singapore. Tan Ah Sai brought the unique trade of turtle soup to Singapore and began by peddling his herbal broth along Orchard Road. His first shop was at Cuppage Centre, then he moved Lorong Tai Seng, then MacPherson and Joo Chiat. Finally, the restaurant settled at Geylang in 1992.
Though Tan Ah Sai has since passed away, his recipes and quality herbal soups live on. His son, Tan Khar Seng, took over the business and quickly roped in his son, daughter and son-in-law. They cook the soups from scratch and serve customers all day long. Now, the Tan family wake up at 3am every day to prepare the soups. Five hours are spent preparing the herbs and fresh turtle meat, and the restaurant opens for business at 11am sharp, just in time for the lunch crowd. The lunch crowd comes in fast and furious. Tables were filled with both young and old alike, with tables and chairs even strewn along the walkways!
9 Herbal Turtle Soups in Singapore That Are a Dying Tradition
Often viewed as a delicacy, turtle soup is said to help lower blood pressure, improve kidney function and boost virility. In fact, it is a dish often served to Chinese emperors to boost their libido! If you’re cringing at the thought of eating turtle meat, rest assured that endangered or wild turtles are not used at all. The meat comes from farms and they are prepared exclusively for consumption. While not commonly found, the dish has been around for several decades. Today, it is a dying tradition, with just a handful of stalls left serving the dish:
- Ser Seng Herb (Turtle) Restaurant - 39 Tai Thong Crescent, Singapore 347863
- Tan Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant - 29 Lor Bachok, Singapore 387791
- Very Lucky Turtle Soup - 166 Jln Berseh, Singapore 208877
- Kok Kee Turtle Soup - 22 Lor 7 Toa Payoh, #01-39, Singapore 310022
- Tai Seng Herbal Turtle Soup - 118 Hougang Ave 1, #01-186, Singapore 530118
- Fu Hee Herbal Turtle & Delights - 166 Jln Besar, #02-40/47, Singapore 208877
- Havelok Turtle Soup - 22A Havelock Road, #01-04, Singapore 161022
- Keng Thong Turtle Soup - 335 Smith St, #02-188, Singapore 050335
- Kin Turtle Soup - 659 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389589
TURTLE SOUP…YOUR SOURCE OF STRENGTH
What is turtle soup? This is the soup that strengthens you from the inside, to energise you for the next challenge as well as to vitalise you on the outside.
Fresh (soft-shell) turtle meat is the key ingredient in the traditional turtle soup. Turtle meat is brewed in a mixture of Chinese herbs till the essence of the herbs is immersed in the turtle meat for the ultimate taste. The choice of herbs is up to the individual.
Besides the benefits found in the turtle meat itself, the dish can be prepared in many other ways to suit the palate of the young and the old, just as in the preparation of any meat dish. It can be made in soup, fried, steamed, braised, etc. Traditionally, turtle meat is used in soup dishes to preserve the goodness of the turtle meat within the soup so that our bodies can absorb the essence easily.
Ser Seng Turtle Soup @ Geylang Lor 21 Singapore 生成山瑞補
I first indulged in traditional herbal turtle soup with my mates at MacPherson in the 1980s as our office was nearby in Paya Lebar. It became a life long love and my usual turtle soup haunt is at Berseh Food Centre. Meanwhile, while I heard a lot about the turtle soup at Ser Seng Herbal at Geylang Lor 21 & Lor Bachok intersection, it was only today (2017) that I finally got to try it. But, it was great and never too late!
Ser Seng Herbal was full house as usual this afternoon with customers spilling onto the fully occupied walkway outside. Looking at the boss Ah Seng, I can't believe that he is 10 years my senior Must be the herbal turtle soup which Ah Seng still drinks every day. Ah Seng's father started selling herbal turtle soup over seventy years ago with the large pot of soup and charcoal stove slung on a bamboo pole across his shoulders. Ah Seng, then 12 years old, joined his father when they set up a turtle soup push cart stall at the Orchard Road carpark of Singapore food lore (where 313@Somerset stands today). They then moved to Bukit Timah 7-Mile, followed by Tai Thong Crescent before settling here at Lor Bachok, off Geylang Lor 21.
The Tan family now runs 3 herbal turtle soup shops in Singapore - here at Lor Bachok / Geylang Lor 21, Tai Thong Crescent (by Ah Seng's brother) and in Bedok (by Ah Seng's sister). Ah Seng's son, Allan is running the shop in Geylang with his dad and also brother-in-law. So, we are going to enjoy traditional turtle soup for another generation.
Tan Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant
Tan Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant specialises in herbal turtle soup, located at Geylang Lor 21. Besides turtle soup, there are also impressive herbal chicken soup. It is visited by many famous Hong Kong and Mainland China Stars such as Sammo Hung, Patrick Tse, Zhao Wei. Tan Ser Seng Herbs Restaurant, currently into the 3rd generation of his family to run the business of turtle soup. It’s good to see that the Gen Y holds onto traditional food for the future generation. Thumbs up Allan:) Quality and consistency assurance of the broth as the family wakes up as early as 3am to prepare and cook themselves. There are over 20 herbs used in the broth, no wonder it is very flavourful and tasty.
Being a turtle virgin, I was having mixed feeling of this tasting. Firstly, probably culture, that we shouldn’t eat turtle. Next, the taste of turtle soup might not be suitable for me. Anyway I’ve decided to make a visit as they also offer herbal chicken soup. They are not turtle soup based, the herbs used in chicken soup is also entirely different from the turtle soup.
Brought along my foodie brother for the turtle soup tasting. He is enjoying himself with the turtle soup. So I’ve decided to YOLO for once for the collagen. Turtle jelly was smooth, bouncy with gelatinous mouthfeel. Surprisely, it doesn’t have any weird smell or taste. Most probably due to the rice wine. Rice wine is added to the turtle soup to increase the aroma of the soup.
Where to Eat Turtle Soup in Singapore?
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:
- 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.
Fu He Turtle Soup @ Berseh Food Centre
My son wanted to take turtle soup, and that after gobbling up my experimental salted egg curry leaves prawn spaghetti.
This was our favourite turtle soup place, but we had not taken this for a while now. anyhow we went to brightshill to pay respects to ancestors, then proceeded to berseh food centre. it was about 1.45pm on a sunday on 10.8.2014. we ordered a S$40 pot. it seemed a lot more expensive than the last time which must be several years ago. we used to take like S$25 or a big portion (supposed whole turtle) at S$30. but now they said we don’t get the cartilage if we ordered S$35, so S$40 it was.
It was really good though! The soup was heavenly, very sweet & flavourful. and it came with a lot of meat. i liked both the meat pieces like the leg with skin & meat & muscles, and also the plentiful pieces of soft cartilage. real yummy and of course they refilled quite a big portion of the piping hot soup. The herbal soup came with lots of cordyceps & i think “huai san”? i remembered in the very early days, i always thought cordyceps (冬虫夏草) were worms that lived through winter & died in summer & became a plant. much later i learned that actually it was a parasitic plant that consumed the worm as it grew.
Turtle Soup in Singapore: A Delicacy That Defines the Culinary Heritage
Singaporean cuisine is renowned for its diverse range of flavours and unique dishes. One particularly distinctive delicacy that holds a significant place in Singapore’s culinary heritage is turtle soup. This traditional dish at Ser Seng Herbs (Turtle) Restaurant has a rich history and cultural significance in Tai Thong Crescent, making it a must-try for both locals and tourists.
History and Tradition of Turtle Soup in Singapore - Turtle soup has been part of Singapore’s culinary landscape for centuries. Its origins can be traced from traditional Chinese medicinal practices, where turtle meat was believed to have nourishing and health-boosting properties. Over time, the dish evolved from a therapeutic remedy to a sought-after delicacy at Ser Seng Herbs (Turtle) Restaurant, cherished for its unique flavours and cultural symbolism.
Cultural Significance of Turtle Soup in Singaporean Culinary Heritage - In Singaporean culture, turtle soup from Ser Seng Herbs (Turtle) Restaurant holds a special place as a symbol of prosperity and vitality. It is often served during important occasions such as weddings and family gatherings, signifying good fortune and well-being. The dish’s cultural significance is deeply rooted in the belief that consuming turtle soup brings strength and longevity.
Singapore’s Best Turtle Soup: The Taste of History
The best turtle soup in Singapore has deep roots and a long history of being a delicacy in many cultures. In Europe, turtle soup was considered a luxury food item and was popular among the upper class in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the United States, it was a popular dish among the wealthy in the colonial and early republican periods. Additionally, in other cultures, turtle soup is also regarded as a delicacy as well as a symbol of wealth. It is often served to important guests as a sign of respect and hospitality. Here, we are going to touch on how turtle soup has garnered its significance in Singapore and in Chinese culture.
Turtle Soup Origins in Chinese Culture - The exact origins of turtle soup in Chinese culture have yet to be well-documented, but it is believed to have been introduced during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). During this period, Chinese cuisine began to incorporate a wider variety of ingredients, including wild game and seafood. In Chinese culture, turtle soup is considered to have medicinal properties and is consumed as a tonic to promote longevity and good health. It is believed that the soup can help to strengthen the immune system, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being. The soup is also believed to have warming properties and is often consumed during the colder months to help keep the body warm. Turtle soup is also considered an aphrodisiac and is believed to improve sexual vitality and fertility. Turtle Soup as Chinese Traditional Medicine - Turtle meat has its uses in Chinese traditional medicine as well. The soup is believed to strengthen the immune system, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being. In traditional Chinese medicine, turtles are considered to have “yang” energy and are thought to help balance the body’s “yin” and “yang” energies. Additionally, when it comes to Chinese mythology, the turtle is often associated with the image of the “black turtle” or “black warrior”, which is considered as a powerful symbol of both heaven and Earth. The turtle’s shell is said to represent the heavens, while the turtle’s underbelly represents the Earth. The Chinese believed that the turtle’s shell was a symbol of the universe and that the turtle was a protector of the Earth and its inhabitants. Moreover, turtles were also believed to have lived for a very long time, which made them a symbol of longevity, wisdom and stability. They also were considered to have healing powers and were believed to have the ability to chase away evil spirits and bring in good luck.
Turtle soup is considered a traditional delicacy in Singapore, and it has a long history of being a popular dish among the Chinese community in the country. The soup is typically made with the meat of the green turtle, and it is believed to have medicinal properties and to be a tonic for good health. The main reason for this is that turtles were traditionally considered a valuable food source and were often difficult to catch and prepare. This, combined with the perceived medicinal properties of turtle meat, made turtle soup a luxury item that was often reserved for the upper class and the wealthy. Although Singapore is a small country, the Chinese community there has thrived for many years, and its culture remains enriched with its long-withstanding traditions. On that note, the love for turtle soup, in spite of its perceived negative connotations, still stands. Hence, if you’re looking for the best turtle soup in Singapore, there are a plethora of restaurants you can find in this small country.
Turtle soup
The principal characteristic of turtle meat is that the broth it is cooked in becomes extremely gelatinous once cooled. Turtle meat has no characteristic taste on its own, so the flavor of turtle soup depends entirely on seasoning. Mock turtle soup is made from other gelatine-producing meat such as calf's head and calf's feet.
Turtle soup gained popularity in England in the 1750s but declined rapidly about 150 years later from overfishing.[3] According to food historian Janet Clarkson, the dish, which she describes as one of several "noteworthy soups", became a symbol for civic dinners. In the United States, the common snapping turtle has long been the principal species used for turtle soup.[9] In this case the soup is also referred to as bookbinder soup, snapper turtle soup,[10] or simply snapper soup (not to be confused with red snapper soup, which is made from the fish red snapper). It is a heavy, brown soup with an appearance similar to thick meat gravy.
