Soup Restaurant (Takeaway/Delivery)

Founded by four Singaporeans in 1991, this storied Chinese cuisine chain is offering a Stay Home Signature Set ($99) for takeaway and delivery amid Singapore’s Phase Two (Heightened Alert) dining restrictions.

The online exclusive set, which feeds 4 to 5 persons, features items from the brand’s Top 10 dishes list. It is available from May 20 to June 30. It comprises six items, including the brand’s signature herbal soup, and traditional heritage dishes perfect for social distancing compliant family dinners and mini-gatherings.

The Samsui Ginger Chicken (S) is Soup Kitchen’s top selling dish. Once a delicacy enjoyed by Samsui women in Chinatown only during the Chinese New Year, the steamed chicken boasts soft, flavourful meat that’s marinated with minimal seasoning and no MSG. We love how the special ginger sauce elevates the chook, with a mellow pepperiness and sweetness, and extra texture from generous quantities of the minced herb. A clear notch above the regular chicken dishes you’ll find at Chinese restaurants.

Given its name, Soup Kitchen’s set would not be complete without a bowl of Traditional Boiled Soup of the Day (M): pick from Lotus Root with Pork Ribs Soup, Trio Carrot with Pork Ribs Soup, or Sweet Corn with Pork Ribs Soup. We love the tender, fall-apart old cucumber pieces and the sweet, nourishing broth, which is light and not oily.

For carb lovers, there’s Yong Chow Fried Rice (M): the grains are coated with egg before being tossed with fresh prawns, vegetables, and Chinese sausage. A filling dish that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.

We recommend downing the tasty rice with the sides of Claypot Tofu (M) and French Beans with Minced Pork (S): the former comprises wobbly tofu in gravy, alongside diced sea cucumber for sweetness and chew, while the latter features crunchy French beans stir fried with dried shrimps and minced pork. Decently executed, we enjoy these popular tze-char options.

To finish, dig into five Handmade Mini Longevity Buns, which are made by the restaurant’s in-house dim sum chefs and complementary with each set. We’re impressed by the taste and texture of this unassuming dessert: fragrant, smooth lotus paste encased by outstandingly soft, fluffy buns that don’t taste dry or cakey. Delicious even when cold.

In a nutshell: great spread of popular dishes that will appeal to a wide range of ages, making this set perfect for family gatherings with elderly and children. The dishes – fried rice, soup, tofu and veggies – are generally up to scratch, with the chicken and longevity buns in particular outstanding, and worth ordering.

Portions are enough for four adults with small to medium appetites, but top up with more dishes if you have big eaters. Overall, a value-for-money and tasty way to settle family dinners.

Soup Kitchen

Order the Stay Home Signature Set online; $15 off with promo code “Soup15off”. Order other dishes at 9897 3761.

Free delivery with a minimum spend of $100.