Berseh Food Centre is one of those super old-school food centres which nobody really talks about or specifically visits. They are, however, full of gems such as Mei Xiang Black & White Fish Soup, one of the most popular stalls at this hawker centre.
The food centre itself has been around since 1975, but Mei Xiang Black & White Fish Soup is slightly younger, though still at least two decades in. They only operate for two-and-a-half hours each weekday, or when they are sold out, and they only have one item on the menu.
Image credit: Dan Ho
Black & White Fish Soup Set is the one and only item on the menu there, priced at a wallet-friendly $6.50 including a bowl of rice. The only options you have are to request extra rice, vegetables, egg or soup, with each top-up costing an additional $0.50. You’ll also have to pay for additional saucers of chilli ($0.30).
Despite there only being one item with almost no options to choose from, this stall still sees long queues each day, even before they’re open for business. On exceptionally busy days, they’re said to be done for the day by 1pm!
Image credit: Janice Goh
What makes their fish soup different from other fish soup stalls is their slightly yellow, creamy-looking broth, unlike the clear or milky white versions you’ll find elsewhere. Some reviewers have noted a light touch of turmeric flavour in the soup, which might account for the colour, but it’s unanimously lauded for its robust, full-bodied flavour from hours of simmering fish bones.
Image credit: @jimmyfooddiary
The black and white in this stall’s name is derived from the fried and poached fish slices in this bowl, where black refers to the fried, slightly saltier fish chunks. Other than the two kinds of fish, each bowl is also laden with wombok, AKA Napa cabbage, cooked till soft. There are also large pieces of fried omelette, rather than fried egg floss.
Fans of Mei Xiang Black & White Fish Soup also love the zesty, bright red chilli dip, which pairs well with the fish slices. Some recommend having it with the rice too!
In case you missed it, we ranked 10 best fish soup stalls in Singapore! Otherwise, Westies should check out Tai Seng Fish Soup, which you’ll find not in Tai Seng but in Taman Jurong. P.S.: they’re a Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee.
Address: 166 Jalan Besar, #02-44, Berseh Food Centre, Singapore 208877
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am to 2pm
Mei Xiang Black & White Fish Soup is not a halal-certified eatery
Photos taken by Michelle P and edited by Kaedynce Chew.
Feature image adapted from @jimmyfooddiary
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