Herbal Jelly as known as Gui Ling Gao (which mean tortoise jelly) is a dessert which have medicinal benefits made from the plastron (bottom shell) of the tortoise mixed with a number of herbs. Originally the plastron of the golden coin tortoise is used, however as it is extremely expensive it has been replaced by some other species. Over time as the dessert becomes commercially available in supermarket, the plastron of the tortoise is also not used instead some common herbs are used to make the dessert and do not have the many benefits of the original herbal jelly. Some of the benefits of the original herbal jelly includes relieve/cure from the following if taken regularly over a period of time: acne, constipation, digestive disorder, itchy dry skin, excessive drinking and smoking.
I have been trying to find the more authentic herbal jelly in Singapore but to no avail. Recently I come across this shop in Balestier (Original Herbal Shop), whose Gui Ling Gao has a very strong herbal taste and they do promote some of the benefits that we get from the original herbal jelly, not sure if they do use the tortoise plastron though.
Be warned that it has a very strong herbal taste and it will linger in your mouth even hours after you have taken it so if you do not like herb taste do not try. Since I tried this Gui Ling Gao I have been going back regularly as it suits my taste and for the medicinal benefits.
They not only server Gui Ling Gao but also other traditional dessert and drinks like 24 herbs herbal tea, chrysanthemum tea, snow frog stew with red dates and gingko, longan and white fungus, beancurd and barley with gingko nuts, peanut paste and sesame paste.
A highly recommended place if you are looking for some traditional dessert. The parking by the roadside is also free on Sunday.
414 Balestier Road
Singapore 329806
Opening Hours: 11am to 12am (Daily)
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