How to Make Tang Hoon Soup with Fish Balls (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Tang Hoon Soup with Fish Balls is a beloved Singaporean classic, often found steaming in bustling hawker centres and kopitiams across the island. 'Tang hoon', or glass noodles, are prized for their silky texture, pairing beautifully with bouncy fish balls in a clear, savory broth. This dish reflects Singapore’s vibrant hawker culture and fusion influences, blending Chinese culinary roots with local tastes to create a wholesome, heartwarming bowl. The soup’s light yet flavorful profile makes it a top choice for locals seeking comfort food that's also gentle on the tummy. Traditionally enjoyed for lunch or as a quick meal in between work, Tang Hoon Soup with Fish Balls is both nourishing and satisfying. Its popularity endures due to its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and ability to adapt to various dietary needs. Whether you’re grabbing a bowl at your neighborhood kopitiam or making it at home, this dish is a true taste of Singapore’s multicultural food heritage—healthy, delicious, and easy to love.
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Soak tang hoon in warm water for 10 minutes
Soak tang hoon in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Step 2 · Heat a pot over medium heat
Heat a pot over medium heat. Add a splash of water and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 3 · Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a gentle boil
Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a gentle boil.
Step 4 · Add napa cabbage and carrots to the pot
Add napa cabbage and carrots to the pot. Simmer for 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
Step 5 · Add vegetarian fish balls and continue simmering for another 4 minu...
Add vegetarian fish balls and continue simmering for another 4 minutes until heated through.
Step 6 · Stir in soaked tang hoon
Stir in soaked tang hoon, soy sauce, and white pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until noodles are tender.
Step 7 · Taste and adjust seasoning
Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle soup and noodles into bowls. Drizzle with a few drops of sesame oil and garnish with chopped spring onion if desired.
Why this recipe is healthy
This recipe is a healthy choice because it's low in saturated fat, uses minimal oil, and incorporates plenty of vegetables. The clear broth is light yet nourishing, and vegetarian fish balls offer protein without animal fats. By using reduced sodium soy sauce and stock, you can control your salt intake. Tang Hoon Soup with Fish Balls is filling yet gentle on the stomach, ideal for calorie-conscious eaters or anyone seeking a nutritious Singaporean meal.
A note on tradition
Tang Hoon Soup with Fish Balls is a staple in Singapore’s hawker and kopitiam scene, especially in heartland neighborhoods. It reflects the Chinese Teochew influence on Singaporean cuisine, with glass noodles and fish balls being everyday comfort food. Typically enjoyed for lunch or as a light dinner, it’s a popular choice among office workers and families alike. The dish’s simplicity and adaptability have made it a timeless favorite in Singapore’s diverse food culture.