There is something quietly comforting about a good bowl of soup, especially when it feels like it might actually be doing something good for your body. The Soup Expert (尚一汤), a long-standing soup brand from Shanghai, has just opened its first overseas outlet at Suntec City to deliver soups and tonics that nourish more than just your stomach.
The prices start at a surprisingly modest S$9.90, making the experience all the more accessible.
Double-boiled soups at The Soup Expert
The Soup Expert founder Cheng Pengfei shared a saying: 宁可食无肉，不可食无汤 — “better to have a meal without meat than without soup.” It is a familiar phrase in Shanghai and much of southern China, where soup is not just a side dish but an essential in every meal.
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Reflecting that tradition, the menu offers eight double-boiled broths designed to nourish and comfort. Each soup is crafted with specific benefits in mind — like the Sea Coconut Black Chicken Soup (S$12.90), meant to soothe the lungs and calm the spirit, or the Black Garlic Beef Bone Soup (S$12.90), said to support strength and vitality.
The standout is their signature Abalone Ginseng Soup (S$14.90): packed with premium ingredients like a whole abalone, chicken chunks, fish maw, and chicken feet.
The broth is clear, gently sweet, and delicately herbal, without the bitterness you might expect from ginseng. It is refined, comforting, and perfectly captures what this place does best. As the soups are brewed individually, top-ups are not available, encouraging diners to savor every last drop.
Whetting the Appetite before the Mains
The cold dishes at The Soup Expert provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, slow-boiled soups.
The Crispy Juicy Boneless Fish (S$11.90) stands out with tender ocean fish coated in a thin, crispy batter and glazed in a sweet and sour sauce that’s well-balanced without being cloying. It is light, kid-friendly, and easy to enjoy.
For something with more punch, the Chilled Seafood Medley (S$16.90) combines prawns, flower clams, squid, and cucumber all tossed in a savoury, spicy seafood sauce.
This dish is lively, refreshing, and perfect for whetting the appetite before the other dishes.
Mains at The Soup Expert: From Prawns to Bullfrog
The Cooker-baked Dang Gui Chicken (S$36.90/whole, S$18.90/half) features free-range chicken (山林散养走地鸡) , celebrated for its robust flavor and satisfying texture. Marinated for four hours to fully absorb the herbal notes, the chicken is slow-baked until tender and juicy.
Presented in a rice cooker, the dish carries a gentle, comforting herbal aroma without any bitterness. As the chicken juices meld with the angelica root in the cooking process, it creates a rich, savory sauce at the bottom. It is a perfect example of how thoughtful cooking can transform humble ingredients into something truly special.
The Five Harmony Prawn Cake (S$18.90/3 slices) gets its name from the four whole prawns combined with prawn paste.
Firm and springy in texture, it is reminiscent of a Thai Tod Mun Goong and is served with a spicy dipping sauce. Though lightly seasoned, the natural sweetness of the prawns comes through clearly. It is a touch oily, but still a satisfying option for those who enjoy seafood-forward bites.
The Dry Pot Bullfrog with Shrimp (S$25.90) is a lively, Sichuan-style dish that swaps out the usual chicken for tender bullfrog, giving it a twist on the classic 辣子鸡.
Prawns and chewy tteokbokki add variety and texture, while lotus root and celtuce bring a clean, crisp contrast that helps balance the heat. The spices are present but not overwhelming, allowing the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine through.
For their vegetables selection, the Claypot Shrimp Paste Lettuce (S$12.90) is a simple, punchy dish where the bold flavour of the shrimp paste takes centre stage. It is on the saltier side and delivers a strong hit of umami, which might be intense on its own but pairs perfectly with a bowl of rice.
Lobster Fried Rice – The Decadent Treat
Speaking of rice, the Lobster Fried Rice (S$48.90) features a whole spiny lobster, fried together with mushrooms, spring onions, and chopped onions. The real surprise comes from the crunchy bits of toasted rice mixed throughout, adding a delightful texture and a slightly nutty, caramelized flavor that elevates the dish.
The natural sweetness of the lobster blends beautifully with the savory aromatics, ensuring each spoonful is packed with flavor.
Worth Going to The Soup Expert?
The soups at The Soup Expert are undoubtedly the star of the show and what the brand is truly famous for. They deliver clean, comforting flavors that nourish the body without overwhelming the palate.
While the other dishes are tasty and well-executed, it is the carefully crafted double-boiled soups that steal the spotlight and are a must-try for anyone visiting. It is the kind of place you would want to go back to after a long day, or when you are not sure what your body wants.
Enjoy the following opening promotions:
● Oct 16–19: 32% off total bill
● Oct 20–24: 14% off total bill
The Soup Expert 尚一汤
Where: 3 Temasek Boulevard Suntec City Tower 3, #03-315, Singapore 038983
Open daily, 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 9pm
