Love it or hate it?
Let’s just say that bittergourd can be a bit polarising, especially for those unaccustomed to its distinct, mellow-bitter taste.
When at Hong Lim Food Centre, you may notice that this Fish Soup stall at Level 2 often sees long queues, particularly during office lunch hours.
But wait, it is Fan Ji BITTERGOURD Fish Soup. So do get ready for that.
The stall offers Fish Soup, Fish Porridge, Thick Bee Hoon and Mee Sua here, starting from an affordable $6.
The first thing that catches your eye is the generous portion of bittergourd in the soup.
There is so much that the green colour blankets the top of the soup (and the bowl is pale green), and every scoop you will find slices of thin bittergourd.
While some might shy away from its bitterness, Fan Ji manages to incorporate it in a way that adds balance rather than overpowering the dish.
Plus point: the bittergourd is so thinly sliced, contributing a subtle bitterness that complements the natural sweetness of the broth, derived from long hours of boiling fish bones.
With this careful preparation, you will probably find the soup both light and nourishing without being bland or boring.
Despite the perceived bitterness, it is surprisingly well-balanced, never tipping too far into being too bitter or too sweet.
However, I do need to say that the soup is on the lighter side compared to other, richer fish soups available at different hawker stalls.
What also stands out is the fish itself.
Thick and succulent, the slices are fresh, with a smooth texture and clean taste.
This freshness and unique selling-point makes it a dish that many regulars claim they return to for its quality and consistency.
Even though I am not the greatest fan of bittergourd, I found myself appreciating it. A comforting choice, especially on a rainy day.
Fan Ji Bittergourd Fish Soup
Hong Lim Market & Food Centre #02-70, 531A Upper Cross St, Singapore 051531
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 2pm (Sun – Fri), Closed Sat
Other Related Entries
Jun Yuan House Of Fish (Old Airport Road Food Centre)
Kwang Kee Teochew Fish Porridge (Newton Food Centre)
Ron Sheng Fish Head Bee Hoon (Yuhua Village Food Centre)
Tai Seng Fish Soup 泰成魚湯 (Taman Jurong Food Centre)
Beach Road Fish Head Bee Hoon (Whampoa Food Centre)
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