The Bukit Merah View Hawker Centre houses a variety of beloved food stalls, but among them, Yuan Yang Spinach Soup stands out for delivering bowls of nourishing warmth. While its Geylang Bahru branch has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand, the Bukit Merah outlet has built its own loyal following. Here, spinach soup is not just a dish but a well-balanced meal crafted with thoughtful ingredients and careful preparation.
The Star Dish – Spinach Yong Tau Foo Soup
A visit to this stall is incomplete without ordering the Spinach Yong Tau Foo Soup. It arrives as a generous bowl filled with tender spinach and macaroni, accompanied by a colourful variety of yong tau foo pieces. Among these are tau pok, which soaks up the rich broth, and tau kee, offering a satisfying crunch. The fishball is not ordinary; it carries a subtle kick from chopped chili and a fresh note from spring onion, giving each bite more depth. Two dipping sauces sit alongside the bowl. One is sweet, while the other is spicy, allowing diners to adjust flavours to their liking.
Customising Your Bowl
While the full menu at the Bukit Merah outlet is less documented than its flagship location, regulars know the structure of the brand’s offerings. Customers can mix and match their ingredients to build their preferred bowl. Options often include seafood additions or a combination of century egg and salted egg for a stronger, more savoury profile. The carbohydrate base is also flexible. Choices typically feature macaroni for a comforting texture, thin bee hoon for a lighter option, or rice for those seeking a classic pairing.
A Thoughtful Broth
At the core of every bowl is the broth. Yuan Yang’s founder, Jina Saguna, invests more than two hours daily into its preparation. The process blends soybeans, anchovies, and corn with a set of undisclosed ingredients to create a base that is both light and full of flavour. The result is a nutrient-rich soup that supports the stall’s reputation for serving wholesome fare. The broth does more than hold the dish together. It ties every ingredient into a cohesive flavour experience, letting the natural sweetness of spinach meet the savoury richness of the other components.
Why This Location Works
Bukit Merah View Hawker Centre offers a bustling, communal dining environment. The spinach soup fits perfectly into this setting, providing something hearty without being overly heavy. Diners range from office workers seeking a balanced lunch to older residents enjoying a familiar taste. The queue is a testament to the stall’s steady appeal.
What to Expect in a Visit
Ordering is straightforward. Choose your soup style, pick a carbohydrate, and decide whether to add extras. Service is quick, yet the food retains the care of a slow-prepared meal. The presentation is simple but inviting. Steam rises from the bowl, carrying the aroma of fresh greens and savoury broth. A spoonful reveals the broth’s golden hue, punctuated by leafy spinach and bright ingredients.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
- Spinach: Freshly cooked until tender, keeping both colour and nutrients intact.
- Yong Tau Foo: A balanced mix of textures, from the soft sponge of tau pok to the crisp tau kee.
- Fishball: Firm, slightly spicy, with aromatic spring onion.
- Macaroni or Bee Hoon: Each providing a different mouthfeel, both absorbing the soup’s flavour well.
- Egg Variations: Century egg for depth and salted egg for a creamy, briny lift.
Serving Style and Sauces
The two dipping sauces add a customisable element. The sweet sauce works well with the savoury broth, while the spicy option pairs with seafood or fishball bites. Some diners mix the sauces to create a balanced dip that adds both heat and sweetness.
Consistency Across the Brand
Although this is just one outlet in the Yuan Yang Spinach Soup chain, the quality matches expectations set by the brand’s more publicised locations. The same careful approach to broth-making, the focus on ingredient freshness, and the straightforward menu allow the Bukit Merah View stall to stand confidently on its own.
Why People Return
- Reliable Quality: The broth is consistently rich and balanced.
- Customisation: Options allow each diner to shape their own meal.
- Value for Money: Generous portions without inflated prices.
- Nutritional Balance: Greens, protein, and carbohydrates in a single bowl.
Tips for Your Visit
- Arrive slightly before peak hours to avoid long queues.
- Try adding both century egg and salted egg for a more complex flavour.
- If you like heat, request extra spicy sauce on the side.
- Pair your soup with a light drink such as barley water to complement the savoury flavours.
Final Thoughts
Spinach Soup at Bukit Merah View offers more than comfort; it delivers a carefully prepared meal that appeals to a wide audience. With its rich broth, fresh greens, and thoughtful toppings, it stands as a dependable choice for those who value flavour and nutrition in equal measure. This outlet may operate under the shadow of its Michelin-recognised sister branch, but it confidently proves that quality spinach soup can be found right in the heart of Bukit Merah.
