Sucky fish soup at PS

I ate at the Kopitiam foodcourt recently at Plaza Singapura & it was not satifsying at all. Chose fried fish soup with milk from "Chen Rong Fish Soup" as I heard from a friend that it is good.

However it was a big let-down! The soup was laden with MSG & the fried fish pieces (though generous portions of fish) tasted too strongly of bicarbonate soda. Although bicarbonate sode is commonly used in cooking to tenderize meats but fish?! In any case, there was too much of it added inside such that I ate a few pieces and left the rest untouched. I felt like bringing back the bowl to tell them that it tasted horrible. Anyway this chain of food stalls is run by Chinese migrants and workers. Don't like and not a good first impression. Don't know why STOMP can write such a good review!
http://www.stomp.com.sg/stfoodiesclub/hawkerfare/57/index.html

In any case, I have come to the conclusion that food sold in foodcourt sucks, especially Kopitiam. Besides being expensive, hawkers in Singapore take alot of shortcuts when it comes to preparing food. I understand if some MSG is used but to substitute a good natural broth (eg boiled for long hours with fish bones, yellow beans or pig bones or ikan bilis) entirely with MSG is horrible. Perhaps my tastebuds are more particular, as I can really taste MSG in soups or foods. In addition, I must have fresh ingredients in my meals. I hate it when hawkers are lazy and used frozen meat or overnight ingredients. I can taste frozen meat or overnight ingredients, you know!

How I wish hawkers in Singapore take as much pride in serving fresh good food like Japanese do. Sigh.