National Dish Singapore: Herbal Chicken Soup (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Herbal Chicken Soup, a nourishing Singaporean classic that brings together carefully chosen herbs, warming spices and tender chicken in a single restorative bowl. Prized as much for its restorative qualities as for its deep, savoury flavour, it is the sort of dish that suits both convivial evenings with friends and a quiet hour spent pottering in the kitchen. Let the gentle aromas of ginger, shiitake and goji berries carry a little of Singapore straight to your own table.
About Herbal Chicken Soup
Herbal Chicken Soup is a genuine traditional dish from Singapore, uniting the flavours and the healing powers of Asian herbs. It is not only delicious but is also thought to support good health and general wellbeing. The combination of tender chicken, fresh herbs and soothing spices makes this soup a firm favourite for sociable gatherings and relaxed cooking sessions alike. Let the essence of this wonderful soup work its quiet magic.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 300 g chicken breast or thighs
- 1 litre water
- 10 g ginger, sliced
- 5 g garlic, crushed
- 20 g dried shiitake mushrooms
- 1 tsp goji berries
- 1 tsp goji berries (extra)
- Freshly picked coriander leaves, to garnish
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
To make Herbal Chicken Soup, it is worth buying all your ingredients in advance. Visit your local supermarket or an Asian grocery to pick up fresh, good-quality produce. Choose fresh chicken and top-quality herbs to bring out the very best flavour. The dried shiitake mushrooms and goji berries are often stocked in Asian stores, or you may find them in health-food shops.
Preparing the dish
Preparing the Herbal Chicken Soup is straightforward and takes only a few simple steps. Begin by cutting the chicken into pieces and setting out your herbs and spices. A useful tip is to soak the shiitake mushrooms and goji berries in warm water first, so they can release their full aroma. A little groundwork means you can cook quickly and efficiently, with everything ready to hand.
Step-by-step instructions
- Bring the water to the boil in a large pot.
- Add the chicken to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the ginger, garlic, shiitake mushrooms and goji berries.
- Let the soup simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper and stir well.
- Garnish with freshly picked coriander just before serving.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Herbal Chicken Soup is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, as it is made largely from fresh ingredients. Do take care, though, to check that any spices or stocks you use are also free from gluten and lactose. This makes it an ideal dish for anyone with intolerances or particular dietary needs. Enjoy this soothing bowl of soup without a worry about allergens.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan or vegetarian version of the Herbal Chicken Soup, you can replace the chicken with tofu or vegetables. Use a vegetable stock in place of water to build up the flavour, and add vegetables such as carrots, broccoli or mushrooms for extra nutrients and depth. These simple tweaks keep the soup every bit as tasty and wholesome for those who would rather leave out animal products, much like a comforting bowl of Yong Tau Foo.
More tips and tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to make your Herbal Chicken Soup even more delicious. Experiment with different herbs, such as lemongrass or Thai basil, to discover new flavour notes. Take care not to over-cook the soup, so that the nutrients in the herbs are preserved. Serve it with fresh chilli for an extra bit of warmth if you like things on the spicier side.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Herbal Chicken Soup is highly adaptable and easily adjusted to suit different tastes and preferences. Add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil, for instance, to bring more depth to the broth. If you prefer a milder result, simply reduce the amount of ginger and garlic. Tailor the recipe to the tastes of your family or guests so that it always goes down well.
Ingredient substitutions
If certain ingredients are hard to find, there are plenty of alternatives. In place of shiitake mushrooms you can use other mushroom varieties, such as button or oyster mushrooms. If you cannot track down goji berries, dried cranberries or raisins work well too. Be creative and use whatever you have to hand to achieve a tasty result — the same easy-going spirit that shapes a hearty Pork Rib Soup.
Drink pairing ideas
Herbal Chicken Soup pairs beautifully with a range of drinks. A light Asian beer, such as Sapporo or Tsingtao, complements its flavours very nicely. Alternatively, a freshly brewed green tea is a refreshing and healthy choice. For an alcohol-free option, serve it with lemon water or a fruity lemonade to round out the experience.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of your Herbal Chicken Soup can make all the difference. Serve it in deep, decorative bowls and garnish generously with fresh coriander leaves and a scattering of extra spices. A dash of fresh lime juice just before serving adds both colour and brightness. These small touches make the dish not only tasty but a pleasure to look at.
A bit of history
Herbal Chicken Soup has its roots in traditional Asian cooking and is especially popular in Chinese and Malay culture — the very blend of influences that defines Singaporean cuisine. It is often prepared as a home remedy to strengthen the immune system and is known for its healing properties. The soup is frequently handed down through family recipes and is a well-loved feature of festive occasions, and shares this restorative heritage with dishes such as Bak Kut Teh and Singaporean Herbal Duck. Its rich history makes it something truly special.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Herbal Chicken Soup
Herbal Chicken Soup is a wonderful dish that is as good for you as it is delicious. By bringing together tender chicken and soothing herbs, it creates a harmonious, nourishing meal. With a few simple tweaks, every version of the soup can be adapted to personal taste. Enjoy a little piece of Singapore in the comfort of your own home.
