Korean chicken soup seems to be the latest food trend taking over Singapore, with specialty spots like MODU and BOMUL Samgyetang popping up.
Most of these restaurant versions come with a higher price tag, so I was quite glad to find a budget-friendly alternative that sits comfortably below the $10 mark.
OMMA Chicken Soup has opened at 216 Bedok Hawker Centre, though there is another newer stall at Alexandra Village Food Centre (which is the one I visited).
The stall proudly states that its recipes are crafted by two chefs from a one-star Michelin Korean restaurant (not difficult to guess which one).
Accordingly, they slow-simmer their broth for eight hours without using any MSG, pork, or lard, which may also explain why the queue started to build up quite early during the lunch hour.
I arrived just before the peak period, but even then, there was a noticeable wait because they take their time to heat up each individual stone bowl.
The menu is neatly categorised into signatures, noodles, and porridge options.
Signature options include the Ginseng Omma ($7.80), Collagen Omma ($6.80), and Spicy Collagen Omma ($6.80).
I ordered the Ginseng Omma, which was the first item on the menu and clearly a popular choice.
The broth arrived bubbling in a black stone bowl, carrying a subtle herbal aroma that was not too medicinal.
While the soup was not as thick or ‘gao-gao’ rich as some of the more expensive versions elsewhere, it was clean and had a natural sweetness.
The chicken leg was surprisingly tender and pulled away from the bone with very little effort.
I particularly appreciated that the meat tasted fresh and lacked that damp, frozen aftertaste that often ruins poultry dishes.
If you prefer noodles or a lighter base, you can opt for the Ginseng Mee Sua ($5.50), Collagen Mee Sua ($4.90), or the Spicy Collagen Mee Sua ($4.90).
They also serve porridge versions such as the Ginseng Porridge ($5.50), Collagen Porridge ($4.90), and Spicy Collagen Porridge ($4.90).
While it might not replace a high-end restaurant experience, it is a very decent version for the price you pay.
If you are in a rush, this might not be the best choice for a quick bite, and I would certainly suggest going during off-peak hours to avoid the office crowd.
OMMA Chicken Soup
Alexandra Village Food Centre #01-23, 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Singapore 150120
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 2:30pm, 4:30pm – 8pm or till sold out (Mon – Sat), Closed Sat
OMMA Chicken Soup
216 Bedok Hawker Centre #01-58, 216 Bedok North Street 1, Singapore 460216
Opening Hours: 8.30am – 1:30pm (Tue – Thurs), 8.30am – 1:30pm, 5pm – 7:30pm (Fri – Sun) or till sold out, Closed Mon
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