Xiao Yu Hao brings its iconic sauerkraut fish bowls to the heart of CBD

There’s something new in town for the lovers of tangy, spicy soups — and it has landed right in the CBD.

Founded in 2019, Xiao Yu Hao has grown to over 800 outlets across China within five years, thanks to its fast-casual take on suan cai yu — a beloved Sichuan dish of pickled mustard greens and sliced fish simmered in broth.

It has made its way to Singapore with its first outlet at Collyer Quay, serving hearty and affordable bowls made for one. It’s a shift from the way suan cai yu is usually served — in large bowls meant for sharing.

The five signature broths 

Xiao Yu Hao’s appeal lies in its soup bases — there are five specialties, each with its own distinct flavour and personality. 

Every bowl is topped with a generous assembly of toppings, from tofu puffs and sweet potato vermicelli, to wood-ear and enoki mushrooms.

You’ll also get to choose your protein: Silky black fish, tender white fish, marbled beef, or a fish-and-beef combo.

We started with the flagship bowl: The sauerkraut black fish five grain rice noodles in golden broth (S$12.80). The classic golden sauerkraut broth is made from pickled mustard greens that’s been aged for nearly a year in traditional clay jars.  

It is mellow, but complex, with a deep and fermented tang — soothing, earthy, and works harmoniously with the slippery, tender slices of black fish.

If you like your spice with a zing, try the black fish in Miao style red sour broth (S$14.20) delivers. 

Fermented without preservatives, the broth is punchy and sharp — a tangy base that lifts the heat. In every mouthful, there’s a bright, refreshing, and addictive spice.

The black fish holds its own here — tender, clean-tasting, and a great companion to the broth’s acidity.

If you prefer something that reminds you of mala, go for the white fish in Sichuan spicy broth (S$11.20). It is infused with fragrant Sichuan peppercorns grown at high altitudes, and the broth builds a gentle, buzzing heat that numbs more than it burns. 

What is refreshing is this: It’s not swimming in chilli oil. Instead, it’s layered, fragrant, and offset with sweet tomato, crisp radish and cabbage.

The white fish here holds up well. It remains delicate and tender, while still soaking up the spice.

Here’s a standout: The marbled beef five grain rice noodles in vit C tomato broth (S$13.80).

The tomato broth is light, yet hearty, and tangy with natural sweetness. The tomatoes used are said to be grown at high altitudes, too, which lends the soup an umami depth.

The broth’s natural sweetness and acidity make it a great match for the tender slices of marbled beef. The entire bowl is rich in body, and one of my personal favourites.

If you’re looking for something more citrusy, the black fish in spicy lemon broth (S$13.80) is worth a try.

It is one of the brand’s original creations, where the spicy lemon broth is zippy and aromatic — with a citrusy sharpness that cuts through the savoury base.

I really enjoyed this one, though it’s not for everyone. The pronounced citrus tang can be polarising. It’s ideal for those who are more open to an invigorating punch and something a little different, without the heaviness of oil or a numbing hit.

Noodles to your broth

Included in some of the bowls is the signature five grain rice noodles — dense, slightly springy, and a good vehicle for bolder broths.

We also had the tofu skin and glass noodles in other bowls. The former is silky and beany, excellent at soaking up flavours, while the latter added a nice, chewy contrast — great companions to the spicy soups.

Crunchy bites and savoury sides

Small bites are available too, such as the crispy taro roll (S$5.80), with a sweet crunch that rounded off the meal perfectly. It surprised us with how good it was — especially since Xiao Yu Hao’s focus has clearly been on its bowls of broth and noodles.

Other add-ons include cheese tofu (S$2.50) and lobster balls (S$2.50). Or, make it a meal with rice and a bottled drink for an extra S$3.80.

If you’re in the CBD and craving something hearty, punchy, and a little different from your usual lunch fare, Xiao Yu Hao might just be your next go-to — whether you lean towards something tangy, numbing, or mellow.

This was a hosted tasting.

For the latest food news, read our stories on the Chagee’s new flavour, in collaboration with Alice in Wonderland and the modern Chinese teahouse with soothing tea brews.

Xiao Yu Hao is on the Grabfood Delivery service and offers free delivery (up to S$3 off) with GrabUnlimited. 

Enjoy up to 50% off when you dine with GrabFood Dine Out.

You can also book a ride to Collyer Quay to try these suan cai yu bowls.