Xin Yuan Ji Fish Soup (新 源 记) has built a following among Singapore diners looking for comforting seafood dishes and well-loved Chinese food. From fresh fish slices to their signature soup creations, this spot offers a simple look at how quality ingredients and careful cooking can shape a satisfying meal.
If you’re mapping out more places for fish soup in Singapore like I have, this list of spots shows how varied the dish can be across the island, giving more context to where Xin Yuan Ji fits into the scene.
Walking Into Xin Yuan Ji
I quickly understood why its a regular stop for many Bugis diners as I got to the door. The restaurant sits along Tan Quee Lan Street, bringing in a steady mix of workers, nearby residents, and visitors looking for a seafood-focused meal.
The space is simple and functional, with tables arranged for both quick bowls of fish soup and larger group orders. You’ll see individual diners coming in for their fish soup fix, while bigger tables settle in for dishes like fish head steamboat and vegetables to share.
My Table At Xin Yuan Ji
The Fried Fish Soup Bee Hoon
I started with their famous Fried Fish Soup Bee Hoon. Presentation alone, it’s easy to see why this order gets attention. The combination of crispy fried fish, warm soup, and soft bee hoon gives the dish a balance that works from the first spoonful.
The fish has thick pieces with a lightly crisp exterior that held together well in the broth. I liked that it didn’t disappear into the soup after a few minutes.
The soup has a savoury depth with a slight sweetness, carrying enough flavour to bring the bee hoon together without overpowering the fish. Some diners prefer adding milk for a creamier version, but I found the original broth already had enough richness on its own.
The Grouper Steamboat
I realised I’d made a small mistake when the grouper steamboat arrived at my table: I should’ve brought more friends. Unlike the fish soup orders that make for an easy individual meal, this charcoal grouper steamboat is meant to be shared, with everyone reaching in for a piece of fish and a serving of the soup.
The red grouper comes with a soup base that develops more flavour as the fish cooks, taking on a deeper seafood sweetness with every simmer. The pot arrives filled with thick cuts of fish, vegetables like tomatoes and cabbage, with a broth that becomes richer as the ingredients come together.
The Sliced Fish Soup
The Sliced Fish Soup was another dish I ordered to compare against the fried fish version. Without the crispy coating, it gave me a better look at the fish itself and how the soup came together.
The bowl came with sliced fish, vegetables, and a clear broth that was lighter than the fried fish soup. I liked that the fish still had a firm texture and didn’t break apart too easily in the soup. It’s an order I’d consider when I’m having a solo meal or looking for something less filling from the menu.
Coming Hungry? Here’s What I’d Know First
Every popular food spot has its little quirks, and Xin Yuan Ji is no different. Located along Tan Quee Lan Street in Bugis, it’s a place I’d plan around rather than simply walk into without thinking.
I’d keep in mind:
- Come earlier if you can
If you’re planning to visit during a busy period, it helps to arrive a little earlier in advance rather than waiting until peak hours. - Don’t expect a rushed meal to always go smoothly
When the dining area fills up, staff have plenty of tables to manage. You might need to get their attention for an extra order or request, so it helps to come prepared. - Bring company if you’re eyeing the bigger dishes
The fish soup works well for a solo meal, but dishes like the grouper steamboat make more sense when you have a few people that can join the table.
My Take On Xin Yuan Ji
Xin Yuan Ji has the feel of a seafood stall that has grown into a proper dining spot, attracting both regulars who already know their favourite orders and first-time visitors exploring the menu.
At the end of the day, Xin Yuan Ji works best when you visit with the right expectations. It’s a casual Bugis restaurant where the experience depends on what you order, who you come with, and how much time you have for the meal.
