Big Fish, Small Price
If you’re in the Bugis area and craving hearty Teochew fish soup, this spot is perfect for you! The soup is not only delicious but also comes in generous portions, with each bowl priced at just $5.50. It’s no surprise they expanded this year, taking over the neighboring shop space! Now, they offer a spacious dining area with plenty of natural light, making it even more comfortable to enjoy your fish soup.
Two key elements make this fish soup special. First, they carefully select extra-large Spanish Mackerel (Batang), air-flown from Ujung Pandang, renowned for its high-quality fish. The thick slices of mackerel are cooked without prior brining or marinating, resulting in a tender yet meaty bite. It is quite different from the usual sliced of fish found at the fish soup stall which are either brined or have corn flour added to produce a smooth texture. The owners insist that they want to do it the way Mum used to cook it at home.
Secondly, the soup itself is simple and comforting, much like something grandma would make at home. It’s prepared with a stock made from pork and chicken bones, enhanced by fried sole fish for an extra umami kick. The result is a hearty, wholesome, and undeniably healthy bowl of soup! 4.5/5
Fish Roe and Other Add-ons
They also offer Red Grouper as well as other add-ons such as fish maw and fish roe which are not easily found at your typical fish soup stall. I felt that the fish maw needed to be cooked a little longer to soften it, but the fish roe is very fresh! Between the Batang and Red Grouper, I’d opt for the Batang because this is one of the few places that use such a big fish.
Housemade Chicken Curry
If you’re after something rich to go with your rice, their homemade chicken curry is a great choice. They make their rempah made from scratch, so it has that homely flavor. Although fish soup and chicken curry might seem like an unlikely match, I found the combination pleasantly satisfying! 4.25/5
From Western Diner to Fish soup
You might find their restaurant name, “Diner’s Shack,” a bit unusual—it doesn’t exactly sound like a place for fish soup and chicken curry! Originally, when they opened in 2022, the owners intended it to be a spot for pasta and Western dishes. However, after a tough first two months with minimal business, Willis and his wife, Jaslyn, decided to try something different and introduced fish soup to the menu out of desperation. Although trained in Western cuisine, Willis fell back on his Teochew roots and made food he was familiar with. It took some time, but the strategy worked, and now the restaurant is known primarily for its fish soup and chicken curry, though they are stuck with the original name!
Conclusion
Nestled in an unassuming corner on the second floor of Fortune Centre, this is the kind of place you would typically walk past without a second glance—unless someone told you about the good food inside! Well, now someone just did!
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