TLDR: Tan Ser Seng Herbal Soup is an 80-year-old Teochew herbal soup house from Geylang that has opened its first mall outlet at Great World, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, #B1-106/107. Known for their slow-simmered double-boiled soups with more than 20 Chinese herbs, its standouts include the Cordyceps Flower Sakura Chicken Soup ($15) and Jade Tofu ($10.90). Soups range from $9.90 to $78, and sides start from $6.
Tan Ser Seng has been serving herbal turtle soup since 1946, when founder Tan Ah Sai sold it bowl by bowl to workers during post-war Singapore. For eight decades, the family stuck to a single shop at Lorong Bachok in Geylang.
However, for third-generation owners Allan and Vivian Tan, the brand’s 80th year was the moment to finally grow. Its first-ever second outlet has now opened at Great World, bringing the family’s double-boiled soups closer to town.
What Is Tan Ser Seng?
Tan Ser Seng Herbal Soup is a Teochew herbal soup restaurant known for its double-boiled chicken and turtle soups, which are slow-simmered for over 12 hours with more than 20 types of Chinese herbs. The Great World outlet is its second location, after the original shop at 29 Lorong Bachok in Geylang.
The business was founded in 1946 by Tan Ah Sai, who arrived in Singapore from Chao’an at age 11. His son Tan Khar Seng took over in 1973 and introduced individual claypot turtle soup in 1986, which the family identifies as Singapore’s first.
Today, it is run by the third generation, and its name combines the family surname 陳 with 生成, meaning to prosper and grow.
Preparation starts as early as 3am daily, with herbs such as angelica root, codonopsis, astragalus, red dates and goji berries. Each soup is then double-boiled for at least two hours, and their Ginseng Black Chicken Soup even comes with a whole ginseng root!
Where Is Tan Ser Seng?
Tan Ser Seng is at 1 Kim Seng Promenade, #B1-106/107 Great World, Singapore 237994. Great World MRT (TE15) is the easiest way in: Exit 6 leads into the mall at Basement 2, and the restaurant is one floor up.
It is open daily from 11am to 10pm, with last order at 9.30pm, and closes only for Chinese New Year. There are no table reservations, so seating is first come, first served!
Tan Ser Seng Herbal Soup Great World Menu
Tan Ser Seng’s menu is built around double-boiled herbal soups, from chicken soups at $15 to the signature Claypot Turtle Soup, which comes in three sizes from $28.
These are paired with home style sides such as steamed seabass and tofu, plus Yam Rice with Mushroom & Dried Shrimp ($2.50) to go with the soups.
| Dish | What Is It | Price |
| Claypot Turtle Soup | Herbal turtle soup served in an individual claypot, the house signature since 1986 | From $28 |
| Premier Fish Maw and Abalone Soup | Double-boiled herbal soup with fish maw and abalone | $30 |
| Sugarcane, Water Chestnut and Imperatae Root Soup | A lighter, refreshing soup | $9.90 |
| Steamed Seabass with Teochew Olive Vegetable | Fresh seabass with olive vegetable, crisp pork lard, ginger, spring onion and red chilli | $16.90 |
| Yam Rice with Mushroom & Dried Shrimp | Fragrant rice cooked with yam, shiitake mushrooms and dried shrimp | $2.50 |
Check out Tan Ser Seng’s full menu here.
What We Ate
Cordyceps Flower Sakura Chicken Soup ($15)
Our favourite on the menu! Made with free-range Sakura Chicken and cordyceps flower, the broth was deep, concentrated and leaning slightly sweet, tasting much like a collagen soup.
The chicken was generous in serving and tender without losing its own flavour.
If you try one soup, make it this one.
Ginseng Black Chicken Soup ($15)
A close second, and the one to go for if you want something more refreshing.
The soup is double-boiled with black silkie chicken and a whole ginseng root. The broth was also rich, with the right amount of ginseng that left us feeling reinvigorated and ready to eat more!
The chicken was equally tender, perfect with their side of yam rice and chilli.
Double Boiled Turtle Soup ($16)
This is Tan Ser Seng Herbal Soup’s signature item, made with freshwater softshell turtle and Chinese herbs.
The freshwater softshell turtle was tender and tasted much like pulled pork. Compared to the chicken soups, the broth was lighter and more peppery, with stronger herbal notes and ginger that gave it a sharper but still easily enjoyable taste.
Jade Tofu ($10.90)
Another standout, and the surprise of the meal!
The house-made tofu came fried, with a slight crunch from the skin and spinach that added a lot to the dish.
Dipped into the sweet and spicy sauce, it complemented the tofu nicely and was an umami bomb. Aside from the soups, this is the side to order!
Steamed Seabass with Yellow Chilli Sauce ($16.90)
The boneless seabass was steamed over enoki mushrooms, and the yellow chilli sauce gave it the slightest kick of spice that complemented the fish well.
Persimmon Sweet & Sour Pork ($14.90)
A twist on the classic, created in tribute to the founder, whose name contains the Chinese character for persimmon. The crisp-fried pork was nice and on the sweeter side, with a light yuzu glaze that sets it apart from the usual.
Is Tan Ser Seng Worth A Visit?
Yes, it’s definitely worth it. The Cordyceps Flower Sakura Chicken Soup and Jade Tofu were the clear standouts, with the Ginseng Black Chicken Soup not far behind.
The space is nice and spacious, making it great for a family celebration or simply a normal weeknight meal. With chicken soups at $15 and sides starting from $6, prices are approachable and we truly feel there is something here for everyone, whether you’re a herbal soup regular or trying it for the first time.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 1 Kim Seng Promenade, #B1-106/107 Great World, Singapore 237994 |
| Opening hours | Daily, 11am to 10pm (last order 9.30pm). Closed on Chinese New Year |
| Dine-in/takeaway | Dine-in. Pick-up orders via WhatsApp at 8737 2929; delivery via Tan Ser Seng’s Oddle store |
| Price range | Soups from $9.90 to $78, sides from $6, yam rice $2.50 |
| Nearest MRT | Great World MRT (TE15), Exit 6 |
| Reservations/contact | No reservations (walk-in only). WhatsApp: 8997 0368 |
| Halal status | Not halal-certified |
Frequently Asked Questions About Tan Ser Seng
What is Tan Ser Seng?
Tan Ser Seng Herbal Soup is a Teochew herbal soup restaurant founded in 1946, known for its double-boiled chicken and turtle soups made with more than 20 Chinese herbs.
Where is Tan Ser Seng’s new outlet?
It is at 1 Kim Seng Promenade, #B1-106/107 Great World, one floor up from Exit 6 of Great World MRT. The original shop is at 29 Lorong Bachok in Geylang.
What are Tan Ser Seng’s opening hours?
The Great World outlet is open daily from 11am to 10pm, with last order at 9.30pm.
How much does a meal at Tan Ser Seng cost?
Chicken soups cost $15, the Double Boiled Turtle Soup is $16, and sides start from $6.
Does Tan Ser Seng offer takeaway?
Yes. Pick-up orders can be placed via WhatsApp at 8737 2929, and delivery is available through its Oddle store.
What should I order at Tan Ser Seng?
Go for the Cordyceps Flower Sakura Chicken Soup ($15) and pair it with the Jade Tofu ($10.90). If you prefer something more refreshing, the Ginseng Black Chicken Soup ($15) is a close second.
*This article is based on a media-tasting event, but all opinions expressed about the food are entirely our own.
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