Singapore had tulang merah way before bone broths became a wellness fad. Heralding from the Indian Muslim community, the vibrant red dish is made of mutton or beef bones that have been cooked for hours before a blend of spices and herbs are added, usually with red food colouring for the signature striking hue, to complete the dish. French loaves are served alongside to mop up the savoury, meaty sauce while a straw helps you suck out the prized bone marrow. Best eaten with a black shirt, here are 10 places to find tulang merah in Singapore.
We couldn’t start the list of places to get sup tulang merah without including its creation source — Haji Kadir. Now helmed by second-generation owner Mohamed Iqbal, the fiery red dish is said to be first made by his father Abdul Kadir (Source: NLB) after seeing how leftover bones were thrown away after making soup for Mee Kuah. After some trial and error, the famous and eye-catching tulang merah was born.
Haji Kadir Food Chains has multiple locations in Singapore
For those who want to support small home-based businesses, check out Tufulangfang to satisfy your tulang merah cravings. The Muslim-owned business was founded around 2019 by Rahmat and Rohaidah. And while we are used to the crimson red sauce, Tufulangfang omits the use of red food colouring (and MSG) to keep the colour au naturel.
Order via Tufulangfang’s Instagram
Rabia Muslim Food has been quietly serving up classic Indian Muslim food since the 1970s. Led by second-generation owner Nazrin, tulang merah is a must-try dish here. And if you’re looking for more food, try the mutton soup and various stir-fried noodle dishes.
Rabia Muslim Food is at 79A Circuit Rd, #01-96 Circuit Road Hawker Centre, Singapore 370079.
Self-professed to be the “King of Soup Tulang”, MA Deen Biasa has placed upon themselves a hefty name to live up to. But of course, the established restaurant is able to live up to its name as fans return for their tulang merah as well as various mamak food stall favourites.
MA Deen Biasa is at 95/97 Jalan Sultan, Singapore 198998.
Deen Tulang Specialist was founded by Alaudeen and his brother in the 1950s before moving to Golden Mile Food Centre in 1975. The hawker stall is now helmed by second-generation owners Taujudeen and Buruganudeen, who continue to create tulang merah alongside other beloved dishes such as mutton chop and mee goreng.
Deen Tulang Specialist is at 505 Beach Rd, #B1-17, Golden Mile Food Centre, Singapore 199583.
In the same Golden Mile Food Centre is another hawker stall, Deen Tiga Rasa, known for peddling soup tulang merah. While the origin of the dish isn’t clear, Deen Tiga Rasa has also laid claim to having created sup tulang merah over 60 years ago. But whether it started from Haji Kadir or Deen Tiga Rasa, we’re glad to have another stall to savour the vermillion dish.
Deen Tiga Rasa is ta 505 Beach Rd, #B1-16 Golden Mile Food Centre, Singapore 199583.
In case you haven’t noticed, Golden Mile Food Centre is the place to head to have your fill of tulang merah. Another hawker to toss their hat into the ring is Faheem Plaza. Other favourites here are the Mee Kuah and Mutton Chop.
Faheem Plaza is at 505 Beach Rd, #B1-18 Golden Mile Food Centre, Singapore 199583.
Situated near Sultan Mosque, Tash Tish Tosh was founded by chef Nazihah in 2013 with the aim of serving wholesome Malay-inspired American cuisine. Tulang merah is likewise given special treatment here. Either get it as the stew, Red Bone Toolang, with parmesan bread or Battleship – a pizza that comes topped with the bones.
Tash Tish Tosh is at 50 Kandahar St, Singapore 198900 and 1000 East Coast Park, #01-02 Marine Cove, Singapore 449876.
Al Mahboob Rojak was previously featured in our round-up of places to get Indian rojak in Singapore. But besides its famous namesake dish, the diner is also a place to get tulang merah as well as a variety of Indian Muslim dishes.
Al Mahboob Rojak is at 300 Tampines Ave 5, #01-02 NTUC Income@Tampines Junction, Singapore 529653.
The Landmark Restaurant is easy to find as it is located within Village Hotel Bugis. The restaurant is known for its halal buffet serving up international cuisine. If you’re here for the sole purpose of trying tulang merah, then come here for dinner on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays as these three days are the only time the dish is offered.
The Landmark Restaurant is at 390 Victoria St, #05-01, Village Hotel Bugis, Singapore 188061.