MasterChef Singapore Finalist Sharon Gonzago Opens Fish Soup Kiosk in Raffles Place
March 29, 2023
Who doesn’t love a hearty bowl of fish soup? It’s comforting for the tummy and soul, especially on a rainy day. For those working in the CBD, you have to check out this grab-and-go kiosk in Hong Leong Building that serves Singapore’s beloved fish soup.
Opened by MasterChef Singapore Finalist Sharon Gonzago and her friends, SoupCup’s tasty collagen fish soup does not contain any MSG and preservatives, so you can savour a nourishing bowl with peace of mind.
Go for either their signature soup cups or build your own soup cup with your choice of fish. While many other fish soup stalls choose only one type of fish to serve, diners here can take their pick from Batang, Red Snapper and Black Grouper—so you’re sure to be spoilt for choice. You can turn it up further with multiple add-ons such as Japanese scallops, Korean clams, squid, prawns, napa cabbage, and fried beancurd rolls.
Signature Seafood Soup
The star at SoupCup is undoubtedly the Signature Seafood Soup Bowl (from $13) which features firm slices of fresh grouper, clams, prawns and squid, alongside tofu, cabbage, and a house-made minced pork patty. SoupCup uses only fresh seafood, and we love that the bowl is chock full of ingredients.
The collagen base broth is painstakingly boiled for at least 8 hours. It’s so hearty and delicately flavoured, without being overly salty. There is no milk and MSG added — the broth’s colour and richness is derived from boiled chicken, pork and tee poh (dried sole fish) which lends a gentle sweetness to the soup. I’d say the broth is slightly richer than the usual sliced fish soup.
Don’t forget to dip the seafood liberally in the piquant calamansi-laced chilli sauce, also available separately for sale from SoupCup. It is a delicious accompaniment that adds depth, and has an acidic tang that cuts through the richness of the bowl.
The portion is more than generous for small eaters. But peckish diners should definitely give the Signature Soup Set a go. It comes with the Signature Soup, your choice of carbs, a drink and some sides. The side of rice was wrapped like a little hamburger, sprinkled with Furikake for extra flavour.
Sharon always wanted to serve quality yet affordable food, hence everything in SoupCup is cooked using the freshest ingredients. All fishes are delivered fresh every morning and sliced within the kiosk.
We love their fish soup with the new DanDan Noodles. The thick and fresh slices of fish tasted even sweeter when paired with the broth. And there wasn’t even a hint of fishiness! Since each bowl is made to order, expect to wait for a while. Some other variations on offer include Seafood Scallop Soup and Fish Prawn Soup.
For ladies who want a smaller portion, go for the Piccolo size where a petite portion of the classic fish soup is served in a coffee cup. It’s easy to drink and perfect for a light lunch!
Signature Seafood Pao Fan
Those who enjoy more intense flavours will savour the Signature Seafood Pao Fan ($13.50). Each bowl carries a distinctive addition of prawn oil for added umami, and is elevated by toasted rice grains. This tasty broth is big on flavours, yet won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed.
Plus points to de-shelled prawns in the soup because we’re too lazy to peel them when eating out. Sharon also marinates her own minced meat which adds even more depth to the soup.
The Pao Fan menu also includes Seafood Scallop Paofan, Fish Prawn Paofan, Clam Prawn Paofan and Clam Paofan.
On rainy days, you might be craving for a piping hot bowl of porridge. SoupCup will be serving Fish Porridges with Prawns and YouTiao. Diners will also have the option to skip the prawns entirely. The porridge was very well seasoned and rich in ingredients. Each mouthful was creamy and comforting, and has a consistent texture. The house-made fried shallot lent an extra fragrance to the otherwise already flavourful porridge. Keep a lookout on the launch of the porridge soon!
Missing the delightful taste of SoupCup? You can also grab a couple of fish soup broth packets and homemade chilli sauce from their store for your next meal or steamboat at home.
Looking for a quick, fuss-free fish soup in the CBD that’s both filling and comforting? SoupCup will not disappoint. But be prepared to wait if you come down during lunch time because the snaking queues are not going away anytime soon.
SoupCup (Raffles Outlet)
Address: 16 Raffles Quay, Hong Leong Building #B1-26, Singapore 048581
Opening Hours: Monday & Friday: 9am to 3:30pm; Tuesdays to Thursdays: 9am to 7pm
SoupCup (White Sands Outlet)
Address: 1 Pasir Ris Central St 3, B1-K15, Singapore 518457
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:30am to 8:30pm; Saturday & Sunday: 11:30am to 7:30pm