Mutton. Stemming from certain chemical compounds unique to the protein, mutton’s gaminess is polarising, to say the least – you either love it, hate it, or eventually learn how to appreciate it. And for those who have fallen under its spell, Chinese-style mutton soup and Indian Muslim-style sup kambing are celebrations of the goat as its meat is boiled for hours to create a rich broth that comforts the stomach and soul. Looking for a taste yourself? Here are the 10 best spots for mutton soup and sup kambing in Singapore.
The way to a woman’s heart is her stomach as founder Max Ng found out by dedicating his mutton soup to his now-wife Ivy. Founded in 2000, the Hainanese-style mutton soup here has also garnered them a Michelin Plate. For those afraid of mutton’s gamey smell, the protein is first marinated with fermented red yeast and seared to remove the odour before being stewed in a broth with over 20 herbs.
Ivy’s Hainanese Herbal Mutton Soup is at 121 Pasir Panjang Road, #01-14 Pasir Panjang Food Centre, Singapore 118543.
For Indian Muslim-style mutton soup, there is probably none as famous in Singapore as Haji M. Abdul Rajak. He founded his namesake hawker stall in 1975 in the same location but started selling it in 1955 from a pushcart. Here, the broth is rich and intense — perfect for dipping with the bread it’s served with. You can choose which part of the goat you’re most game to eat, ranging from regular meat to brains.
Haji M. Abdul Rajak Stall is at #01-03 Upper Boon Keng Market & Food Centre, 17 Upper Boon Keng Road, Singapore 380017.
After over 30 years, Madam Koh got recognised for her take on mutton soup with a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2022. Previously at the former Supreme Court, Chai Chuan Tou’s take veers lightly towards Teochew-style cooking, which makes the broth peppery and mildly herbal contrasted against the tender meat. Moreover, you can pick which part of the goat you want with various combination options.
Chai Chuan Tou Mutton Soup is at #01-51 Bukit Merah View Market & Hawker Centre, 115 Bukit Merah View, Singapore 151115.
Nasi lemak might be the biggest draw at the Adam Road Food Centre but you’ll kick yourself if you missed out on Bahrakath’s mutton soup. Like the previous Indian Muslim-style sup kambing, the flavourful soup with tender meat is accompanied by a side of bread. But if you need something more substantial, Bahrakath serves a pretty mean biryani.
Bahrakath Mutton Soup King is at #01-10 Adam Road Food Centre, 2 Adam Road, Singapore 289876.
If all the other mutton soups on this list sound too gamey or strong-tasting for you, then head over to Lao Wu. The mutton soup here is gentle and light-tasting while still flavourful with hints of herbal notes and sweetness from goji berries, making it easier to consume regardless of weather and appetite. Come early as there are long queues here. Get the chilli to dip the meat in as well.
532 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, Singapore 560532
Iqbal Soup Kambing is another reason to head to the ever-popular Geylang Serai Market for food. The stall of over 40 years is easily recognised by the long lines and giant stainless steel pot at the storefront, where the heady mutton soup bubbles away. For the brave, get the Sup Campur which has a mix of meat and innards.
Iqbal Soup Kambing is at #02-128 Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre, 1 Geylang Serai, Singapore 402001.
A short walk from Beauty World MRT, Hong Wen Mutton Soup has served the dish for over 50 years. Now headed by the founder’s sons, the family business continues to serve up Teochew-style mutton soup that combines gaminess and herbal aromas. Choose between four offerings – Mutton Soup, Mutton Tendon Soup, Mutton Stomach Soup and Mixed Mutton Soup.
Hong Wen Mutton Soup is at #02-160 Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre, 51 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588215.
There are two star dishes you have to try at A. Rashid Khan. The first is mee siam and the other is, of course, mutton soup. While the stall makes it Indian Muslim-style, the broth here tastes comparatively lighter than its peers, making it easier to slurp down for the newbies. PS: Ayer Rajah Food Centre is also known for Indian rojak.
A. Rashid Khan is at #01-58 Ayer Rajah Food Centre, 503 West Coast Dr, Singapore 120503.
Located conveniently beside Bedok MRT, New World serves up Teochew-style mutton soup and was even given the Michelin Plate title once. New World’s take is a lighter, soupier version with hits of herbal notes permeating the dish. The chilli dipping sauce, on the other hand, is a spicy and sour iteration to cut through the richness of the meat.
New World Mutton Soup is at #01-23 Bedok Interchange Hawker Centre, 208B New Upper Changi Road, Singapore 462208.
Fans of Haji Kadir would know the brand as a popular mamak stall serving up a plethora of Indian Muslim dishing that runs the gamut. The sup kambing is also a mainstay dish here as the soulful broth will warm your stomach, especially during a cold, rainy day.
Haji Kadir Food Chains is at 820 Tampines Street 81, Singapore 520820 and 294 Lavender St., Singapore 338807.
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