Han Kee Fish Soup: Amoy Street Food Centre’s Fiercest Fish Soup and Worth the Wait

If you’ve ever roamed around Amoy Street Food Centre around lunchtime, you’ve probably noticed a ridiculously long line at a tiny hawker stall – Han Kee Fish Soup. But here’s the million-dollar question: Is it worth standing in a queue so long, you might as well bring a folding chair? Well, we joined the hungry throng to find out. Spoiler alert: The fish soup is a star, but the experience? Oh boy, that’s a whole story in itself!

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Auntie’s Boot Camp: Ordering at Han Kee

Imagine this: It’s 11 AM on a Friday. You think you’re early, but nah, Han Kee Fish Soup already has a queue that’s about as long as the MRT line during rush hour. We’re staring at the 40 to 50 people ahead of us when suddenly, we spot her – the infamous Auntie.

Auntie doesn’t just take your order. Auntie demands it. She’s a whirlwind of efficiency, but with a side of terror. You have to know your order. You must have cash ready. And most importantly, do not – we repeat – do not mess up your order! We made the rookie mistake of hesitating on whether we wanted rice, and her frown could have wilted a houseplant. Auntie didn’t jot down our order, yet she miraculously remembered it and the 30 to 40 others. Honestly, we were kind of impressed.

The wait? Only about 35 minutes, which felt faster than expected considering the line, the stress, and the emotional scars left from the Auntie showdown. Turns out, we weren’t alone in this experience. Some of the regulars we chatted with said she’s always been this way. It’s part of the charm… or the trauma, depending on your perspective!

The Soup that Saves the Day

Now, after surviving the Auntie Boot Camp, let’s get to the fish soup itself. Is it worth the chaos?

Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Heck yes. At $6 for a small bowl, $8 for medium, or $10 for a large, you’re getting more fish than you’d expect. The soup is loaded with thick-cut slices of batang (Spanish Mackerel), which, by the way, are so fresh that the fish tastes like it might have just swum in from Tekka Market. Each slice is plump, tender, and firm enough that it doesn’t disintegrate into the broth like a sad fishy mess. No fishy smell, no funky taste – just fresh, delicious fish.

The broth is a different story from your usual fish soups. No rich, creamy milkiness here. It’s clear, clean, and lightly flavoured, letting the fish shine. There’s a hint of fried garlic in the broth, adding a bit of depth, but don’t expect your tastebuds to be doing somersaults from an overload of seasoning. If you’re a fan of subtlety, this one’s for you.

And let’s not forget the chili. The small saucer of cut chili adds just the right amount of heat to your meal – a necessary addition if you need to bring some zing to that gentle broth.

The Finer Points of Han Kee Etiquette

Here’s a fun fact: Han Kee doesn’t do extra bowls or cutlery. You get your fish soup, a single set of utensils, and a small plate of chili. That’s it. Want an extra bowl to share? Sorry, Auntie says no. You can also add rice for an extra $0.50 or $0.70 – just make sure you know whether you want it before Auntie gets to you, or you’ll definitely feel the wrath!

Oh, and don’t cross the red line in front of the stall. Seriously. It’s a bright red reminder to queue in an orderly fashion, or else.

Is It Worth the Wait?

Let’s get down to brass tacks: was the wait, the mental strain, and the looming fear of Auntie worth it? Absolutely. The fish soup is generous, fresh, and simple, and at $6 for a filling meal, you can’t go wrong. It’s the perfect dish when you want something light yet satisfying. The broth won’t knock you over with its flavour, but it’s comfort food at its best – understated and delicious.

Would we queue up again? Yeah, probably. Just next time, we’ll make sure to know our order, have our cash in hand, and maybe bring a stress ball to get through the Auntie interrogation.

Final Thoughts

Han Kee Fish Soup at Amoy Street Food Centre isn’t just a meal – it’s an experience. Between the famously fierce Auntie and the fresh, thick cuts of fish, you’re getting your money’s worth. Just remember to queue patiently, order confidently, and savour that fishy goodness when it’s finally in front of you. And hey, if you survive Auntie, you can survive anything.

Han Kee Fish Soup Opening Hours and Location

Address: 7 Maxwell Rd, #02-129, Singapore 069111, Amoy Street Food Centre