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Chai Chuan Tou Yang Rou Tang is a Chinese-style mutton soup stall at 115 Bukit Merah View Food Centre, with eager customers already forming a queue before it even opens for the day. Erm, well, not quite for the whole day. It operates for just 2.5 hours (11am – 1.30pm), 5 days a week. With a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 with a total of 369 reviews (at time of writing), it’s Singapore’s highest-rated mutton soup stall on Google Reviews.
A little voice in my head went, “It must be pretty darn good, eh?” This stall has also been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for 9 consecutive years — that alone speaks volumes.
Naturally, my expectations were much higher than usual. As I stood in the queue, a rhythmic chopping sound echoed through the air, accompanied by a lady calling out and taking customers’ orders. As the fast-moving line gradually inched closer, the sounds that had been teasing my ears finally came into full view. From a conversation I couldn’t help but overhear, I gathered that the 2 ladies take turns swapping roles.
What to order at Chai Chuan Tou Yang Rou Tang
Most of the menu items come in 5 sizes, ranging from S$6 to S$10, so there’s something suitable for every appetite. Just like the local saying goes, “Monkey see, monkey do.” I followed the lead of those queuing ahead of me and ordered the S$8 portion of the 羊杂 (mixed mutton) with a small bowl of Rice (S$0.40).
For the price, I must say, the portion is pretty generous. There were pieces of mutton, 5 lamb balls, and lamb’s stomach bathed in a light brown soup, garnished with chopped Chinese celery.
The moment the soup hit my tongue, I was greeted by an unusual tingling sensation, accompanied by an almost siap siap mouthfeel. Its robust herbal profile brought to mind a hearty bowl of bak kut teh. It was definitely an acquired taste, and those who dislike herbal flavours may not appreciate it much. As someone who doesn’t mind herbal soups, I still felt that the flavour could be toned down a little to suit a wider audience.
The mutton here has got to be the Wagyu of its kind because, OMG, the meat was so tender that it barely required chewing, There was also no trace of unpleasant gaminess.
The lamb balls were firm yet smooth, and the overall texture reminded me of bouncy fishballs. It also packed a great flavour which wasn’t overly floury.
The stomach pieces were impeccably prepared, with a pleasantly clean flavour and none of that funky offal taste. I even found a couple of pieces of honeycomb tripe.
I then moved on to the S$8 bowl of 羊排骨汤 (mutton ribs soup) with rice as well. For S$8, you’ll get about 7 to 8 substantial pieces of ribs. Much like the mutton from the previous dish, the rib meat was beautifully soft, with a pleasing balance of fat and lean meat.
For chilli lovers, I must say that this one is gentle enough for those who can’t handle too much heat, with a tangy profile reminiscent of the chilli commonly served alongside orh luak.
Who Chai Chuan Tou Yang Rou Tang is best for
It’s perfect for herbal soup lovers who love something comforting for lunch. For those who avoid mutton like the plague because of its potential gaminess, Chai Chuan Tou Yang Rou Tang is a great place to start for its delicious, tender mutton; minus the strong taste.
How to get there?
115 Bukit Merah View Food Centre isn’t exactly near any MRT station. My recommendation would be to alight at Tiong Bahru MRT Station (EW17), get to the Opp Tiong Bahru Stn/Plaza bus stop, and board bus services that take you to Blk 116.
Do we recommend Chai Chuan Tou Yang Rou Tang?
If you love robust herbal flavours, then Chai Chuan Tou Yang Rou Tang will be up your alley. Mutton lovers who enjoy innards will appreciate the quality and softness of the lamb here. Oh, and I mustn’t forget the warm, friendly and efficient service here. It’s certainly the cherry on top!
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