Exploring Singapore's Most Disappointing Fish Soup: Holland Village XO Fish Head Bee Hoon

A Challenging Exploration

When it comes to Singaporean cuisine, many think of delicious fish soup, but today I’m here to share a rather surprising experience: the fish soup that has earned a reputation as the worst in Singapore. This dubious honor goes to Holland Village XO Fish Head Bee Hoon, located in Dover near Star Vista. Notably, this establishment has left numerous diners frustrated with both its service and food quality.

Important Information About the Restaurant

Holland Village XO Fish Head Bee Hoon currently holds a rating of 3.1 stars on Google, based on 1,823 reviews. While this number isn't terrible, it is the lowest rating among restaurants with over 100 reviews. Many comments highlight poor service and a decline in food quality over time.

Service Experience

Upon arriving at the restaurant, I was curious about what kind of service I would receive. Despite the negative feedback, the server — who seemed to be the owner — greeted me promptly. Although her demeanor was a bit brusque, she was not rude as some reviews suggested. This small detail added a slight positive touch to my experience.

Tasting the Fish Soup

I ordered the XO Fish Meat Bee Hoon for 9 SGD. When the dish arrived, I quickly noticed that the broth had an unappealing color. In the bowl, I found a few pieces of fish, some wilted bok choy, and a few sad slices of ginger. This was not the best first impression, but I decided not to judge solely based on appearance.

Soup Evaluation

The broth had a strong XO flavor but left a bitter aftertaste. It was overly salty and had a distinct milkiness. Unfortunately, the flavor lacked refinement, dominated instead by the saltiness and bitterness of the milky soup. Upon tasting the fish, I found it quite dry and not fresh. Although I’ve had worse dishes, I still felt disappointed.

Comparison with Other Places

In Singapore, there are plenty of places renowned for their excellent fish soup, such as T.G. Fish Porridge at Haig Road Market. The soup there is celebrated as one of the best, with fresh and robust flavors. In comparison to the offering at Holland Village, it’s clear there’s no contest.

Conclusion and Advice

Based on my experience, I wouldn’t say Holland Village XO Fish Head Bee Hoon deserves a one-star rating, but the poor food quality makes the 9 SGD price tag feel unjustified. If you’re looking to explore Singaporean cuisine, I recommend seeking out other establishments with better quality rather than opting for this fish soup.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

If you’re planning a trip to Singapore and want to try fish soup, consider other recommendations instead of Holland Village. Don’t forget that Singapore requires a visa for Vietnamese citizens, and you can fly directly from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City with round-trip fares ranging from 2 to 5 million VND. Autumn and winter are the best times to visit Singapore, with pleasantly mild weather.

This article was referenced and edited from: Seth Lui Food