Tan Ser Seng Herbal Soup: Geylang's Nutritious Turtle Soup Legacy

Step into Tan Ser Seng Herbal Soup, nestled in the heart of Geylang, and you'll find yourself transported back in time to 1946. This beloved establishment, founded by Tan Ah Sai, who brought with him a treasured turtle soup recipe from China, is now in the capable hands of the third-generation Tans. It's one of the last bastions of authentic turtle soup in Singapore, a legacy that spans generations and ensures that every spoonful is as genuine as it was on day one.

The place exudes a timeless charm, always bustling with activity, especially during lunch and dinner hours when queues begin to form. With its old wooden tables and chairs and colourful pictures of their delectable offerings adorning the walls, it feels like a warm and welcoming old family home—a testament to the decades of tradition that permeate this establishment.

Signature Dishes

Claypot Turtle Soup

Their Claypot Turtle Soup, served in a claypot and made from specially bred freshwater softshell turtles, is a true delicacy. Double-boiled to perfection, it's infused with ingredients like dang gui, goji berries, dan sheng, and red dates, known for their health benefits such as improved blood circulation and kidney detoxification.

It was our first time trying turtle meat, and it resembled pork meat in both texture and taste. Depending on the piece, it could be either springy and firm, or soft and tender. Tan Ser Seng is generous with meat portions, and the soup develops a flavourful fat layer as it simmers.

Ginseng Black Chicken Soup

A go-to for those less adventurous or just craving a homely taste. This was by far the best chicken soup we’ve had in our entire lives. Surprisingly, it wasn't overwhelmingly herbal, despite the presence of potent ingredients like ginseng. Instead, it had a mild tonic-like tangy aftertaste that complemented the tender and perfectly cooked chicken. With huai shan, red dates, goji berries, dang gui, whole ginseng, yuzu, and dan sheng, it was a blend of ingredients known for their health benefits. The ginseng and yuzu gave it a strong herbal taste with a little zing, while the other ingredients offered a mix of sweetness and depth to the soup.

Oddle Recommends

But Tan Ser Seng Herbal Soup offers more than just their famed soups. Dive deeper into the menu, and you'll discover gems like the Old Preserved Radish Omelette—a simple yet flavourful "zichar" treat where the radish takes center stage. And for the perfect pairing with any soup, don't miss the soft and fluffy Yam Rice.

Estimated Cost

$$

Store Address

29 Lor Bachok, Singapore, Singapore, 387791

Operating Hours

Mon - Sun: 11am - 830pm