Why Taiwan is Singapore’s Flavor Hub
Just a hop, skip and a jump away – a little less than five hours in the clouds – and you’re standing in the land of sizzling street food, neon-lit night markets, and the world’s most iconic bubble tea. Fellow Singaporeans, there’s something irresistible about waking up to the aroma of savory lacquer‑braised pork rice (lu rou fan), or stepping out of a stall to grab a plate of crisp, golden fried chicken. The comfort of beef noodles that steam up the belly, and the daring bite of oyster mee sua make every trip a culinary adventure.
Eat Your Heart Out
- Lu Rou Fan – when the rice is fluffy and the pork is a silky, sweet‑savory melt‑away.
- Fried Chicken – crispy on the outside, juicy inside, seasoned to perfection.
- Delicious Beef Noodles – thick, hearty broth with noodles that just don’t quit.
- Bold Oyster Mee Sua – a seafood twist that’s all about flavor and texture.
Bubble Tea: The Liquid Sweetness
No list of Taiwanese foods is complete without the classic bubble tea. The chewy pearls, the thick milk, the colorful slush – it’s like having a tiny, sweet adventure in each sip.
When Borders Close, the Food Still Moves
Even if you’re stuck in Singapore for a little while longer, the taste of Taiwan is never far away. From the tiny stalls in Chinatown to the pop‑up pop‑in restaurants in Bugis and Geylang, Taiwanese cuisine keeps the longing alive. So grab your phone, sigh in relief, and treat yourself – because the love for Taiwan’s food can cross oceans without you having to leave your apartment.
1. Eat 3 Bowls
Eat 3 Bowls: From Hawker Stalls to Kitchen Fame
What started as a tiny hawker stall in Seah Im Food Centre is now a sensation across Singapore. The brain behind this culinary journey? A Singaporean guy, hand-in-hand with his Taiwanese wife. Together, they’ve turned a humble eat‑stop into a foodie hotspot.
The Signature Set That’s Gaining the Crowd
3‑Bowl Set is the star attraction. It’s basically the name of the place: one portion each of
- Lu Rou Fan (braised pork rice)
- Intestine Mee Sua (spicy pork‑intestine noodles)
- Chicken Rice (the classic Singaporean combo)
The portions are bite‑sized so you can comfortably sample all three without breaking the bank. Of course, if you’re a crowd‑pleaser, they’ve got full‑size versions ready too.
More than Three, Because Who Can Resist?
- Beef Noodles – slow‑cooked and silky.
- Taiwanese Sausages – smoky, sweet, and way delicious.
- Sautéed Beef Cubes with garlic – no‑fuss, no‑flavor.
All in all, the menu is a blend of local and Taiwanese comfort foods that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Where to Find Them
Drop by their branches:
- 462 Crawford Ln, #01‑61, Singapore 190462
- 103 Pasir Panjang Rd, Singapore 118531
Come for the 3‑bowl combo and stay for the rest – you’ll leave with a full belly and a satisfied grin. Happy eating, folks!
2. Monga Fried Chicken
Night‑Market Gold: Monga’s Honey‑Marinated Chicken
When you wander through a Taiwanese night market, one thing is inevitable – fried chicken the size of your head. Monga’s twist? A splash of honey instead of sugar, giving the meat a deeper, sweeter bite and a mouth‑watering tenderness that practically melts in your mouth.
Grab It While It’s Hot
- The King – Classic salt and pepper that’ll have you raising your shadow.
- Hot Chick – A fiery blend of chili paprika that’ll tickle your taste buds and put a wink to your spice tolerance.
- The Taiker – Japanese sauce meets a dash of seaweed powder for the adventurous gourmand.
Head to SingPost Centre’s taste‑dining spot for a sit‑down feast. Pair your fried chicken with any of the three flavours, then cool it all off with a chilled drink—because nothing says “I’m living the night‑market dream” like a cold beverage to balance the heat.
New on the Menu: Mee Sua So Good
Cheap? No. Charmer? Absolutely. Monga is adding mee sua featuring fish maw and prawns – the kind of dish that will have you debating whether dinner or dessert is better.
Driving Directions
- 10 Eunos Road 8, #01‑131 SingPost Centre, Singapore, 408600
- 2 Orchard Turn, #B4‑62 ION Orchard Mall, 238801
- 50 Jurong Gateway Road, B1‑k10 JEM, Singapore, 608549
Remember: the night market’s best flavours are most potent before the lights dim. Monga’s honey‑marinated chicken (and the new mee sua) are calling. You won’t want to miss it.
3. Isshin Machi
Hidden Gem on East Coast Road: Isshin Machi
Despite its Japanese-sounding name, Isshin Machi is all about hearty Taiwanese comfort food tucked into a tiny, cozy spot on East Coast Road.
What’s on the Menu?
- Hakka‑style Braised Meat Rice – finger‑licking quality that makes you forget the first bite.
- Taiwanese Braised Beef Noodles – the kind that warms you up from the inside out.
- Hakka‑style Golden Fried Chicken – crunchy, juicy, and pronounced.
- Deep‑fried Marinated Pork Chops – perfectly caramelized and bursting with flavor.
- Din Tai Fung‑inspired fried rice – mix it with your favorite toppings for a DIY feast.
In total, this little haven offers over 80 unique dishes, so you can keep coming back for something new (or keep coming back to the same favorite).
Location
224 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428921
4. Monki Cafe
Monki Cafe: The Sunny Spot You Need in Singapore
Travelers seeking Instagram‑worthy cafés will find Monki Cafe a must‑visit. Its cheerful, bright‑yellow walls and playful monkey figurines set the vibe for a totally delightful dining adventure.
What’s on the Menu?
- Big Intestine Mee Sua – A hearty noodle dish that’ll keep you smiling.
- Sesame Chicken Mee Sua – Creamy, nutty flavors with tender chicken.
- Braised Duck Wings – Succulent, fall‑off‑the‑bone goodness.
- Century Egg Tofu – An unexpected twist that’s definitely a crowd‑pleaser.
Cool Down With Desserts
The cafe also rolls out a flurry of icy snowflake desserts. Splash into a creamy explosion to keep your temperature just right, especially on warmer days.
Location
43 Holland Dr, #01-41, Singapore 270043
Whether you’re shooting a food shot or grabbing a quick bite, Monki’s playful interior and tasty specials make it the perfect stop. Don’t miss out!
5. 8 Degrees Taiwanese Bistro
Jay Chou‑Inspired Chill Spot in Singapore
If you’re a fan of the Mandopop maestro Jay Chou, the little gem on 37 Teck Chye Terrace will immediately tickle your nostalgia bone. The name of the place itself is a homage to one of his beloved albums – a sweet nod that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a secret backstage lounge.
What’s on the Menu?
- Oyster Meesua – creamy, briny, and absolutely addictive!
- Pork Belly Rice – tender strips of pork belly, seasoned just right over fluffy rice.
- Scallion Pancake – crispy and filled with a hint of onion aroma.
- Oyster Omelette – a fluffy, slightly sweet omelette studded with fresh oysters.
- Sakura Prawn Fried Rice – colorful rice with succulent prawns and a touch of sakura‑flavored subtlety.
Drinks to Keep You Refreshed
The drinks lineup is just as generous. Think classic bubble tea, refreshing green tea, and a variety of inventive flavored teas. There’s always a beverage to match the vibe of another epic track from Jay’s discography.
Location, Folks!
107‑line address: 37 Teck Chye Terrace, Singapore 545734.
So, grab your friends, crank up the playlist, and let the good food and vibe transport you to a Jay‑Chou‑inspired paradise right in the heart of Singapore.
6. Typhoon Cafe
Typhoon Cafe: Where Your Legs and Taste Buds Celebrate!
If you’re strolling down Orchard Road or bugging around Bugis, you’ve landed in the perfect spot for a quick chill and a tasty bite. Typhoon Cafe gives you a cozy corner to rest those weary legs while you feast on food that feels totally chill—and calling it “ordinary” is just weird.
68 Orchard Rd – Plaza Singapura
201 Victoria St – Bugis+
Same vibe, a new backdrop. The menu stays consistent, so bring your friends (or your solo‑spoon‑cadence) and treat yourselves to a caffeine‑with‑a‑spicy‑twist.
Pro tip: Bring a laptop or a nature‑viewer because the perfect desserts are one eye‑watering moment away.Give Typhoon Café a swipe and see the swirl of happiness on your palate!
7. Tie Fun Wan
Tie Fun Wan: A Culinary Adventure in Singapore
Chef Ken Chia steers this gem, having sharpened his skills at the Ritz-Carlton, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, The Fullerton Hotel and the legendary (but now gone) Rice & Fries. 2019 saw him open Tie Fun Wan, and the menu reflects the fine dining agility he’s honed over the years.
Signature Dishes That Pack a Punch
- Lu Rou Fan – A Teochew-inspired spin on the classic braised pork rice; it’s a softer bite, but still full of savory depth.
- Mala Minced Pork Fries – Available exclusively at the Kovan branch, these fries are hitched to bold, peppery notes that will make your taste buds do a quick shuffle.
- Har Cheong Chicken Wings – Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, each wing whispers a secret sauce that begs you to share.
- Ramen – Simple ramen but with that unmistakable chef’s touch, it brews comfort and a hint of adventure.
- Pao Fan – A fluffy rice roll that swallows the flavors of Ken’s culinary repertoire in one satisfying bite.
Where to Find the Feasts
Urban Lofts – 89 Rangoon Rd, #01‑03 Urban Lofts, Singapore 218375
Hougang Avenue 1 – 50 Hougang Ave 1, #01‑00, Singapore 538885
Drop by, taste the magic, and let the chef’s flair transform a simple meal into a memorable story.
8. Yeah Taiwanese Street Food
Night Market Delights: From Char‑Grilled Beef to Meat‑Mania Combos
Ever felt the rush of a bustling Taiwanese night market? Here’s what you’ll find at Yeah—an epic spot that keeps hungry customers coming back for more.
First Stop: Char‑Grilled Beef Cubes
Picture this: juicy beef cubes sizzling on the grill, served with two sides that taste like a hug. Mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth and a nacho‑cheese dip that brings the party vibe. It’s the kind of combo that,” in the market’s own words, “hits the spot with every bite.”
The Meat Lover’s Dream: No Mercy Combo
- Four hearty meats in one platter: braised pork, herbal 3‑cup chicken, fried pork chop, and fried chicken steak.
- All served over fluffy white rice, with a side of braised cabbage and an egg for that extra protein punch.
Go on—get that combo if you’re in the mood for a carnivore’s feast. Trust us, your stomach will thank you.
Almost There? Add a Dash of Flavor
- Try Mee Sua, a Taiwanese sausage that’s less loud than it sounds.
- Finish with Taiwan Sausage and Mash, then dessert with Okinawa Brown Sugar Milk—the sweet, comforting finale that turns a foodie adventure into a memory.
Drop By This Spot
73A Ayer Rajah Crescent, #01‑04/05 Timbre+, 139957
9. Lai Lai Taiwan Casual Dining
Crank Up the Heat: Taiwanese Beef Noodles & More
Why Beef Noodles Should Be Your Next Food Adventure
Picture this: a steaming bowl of braised beef slurping through thick, springy noodles, all soaked in a broth that feels like a warm hug. That’s the magic of Taiwanese beef noodles. Lai Lai has turned this classic into a star‑rated delight, and trust me, it’s worth a taste‑post!
Insider Secret: The Must‑Ask “Shallot Chill‑Oil”
– Ask for shallot chillot oil when you order. It’s a flavor booster that turns a simple bowl into pure mouth‑watering fireworks.
Other Must‑Try Staples to Keep Your Appetite Happy
- Pig Intestine Vermicelli – chewy ring‑stuffed grains with a mysterious kick.
- Taiwan Popcorn Chicken – crispy nuggets that crunch like a pop‑corn party.
- Cong Jua Bing (Scallion Pancakes) – flaky, buttery layers that dance on your tongue.
- Braised Pork Buns – fluffy pastries bursting with savory sauce.
Where to Find Them
180 Kitchener Road #03-39/40 City Square Mall, 208539
10. 5 Little Bears
5 Little Bears: A Taiwanese Taste for Under $10
Picture this: a cozy spot in Singapore where a Taiwanese immigrant and his five awesome kids turned their love for home‑cooked comfort food into a quick‑bite wonderland. The result? A place that’s more than just a name— it’s a promise that you can’t go wrong with a hearty, budget‑friendly meal.
What’s on the Menu?
- Fried Chicken Chops – Crispy, juicy, and ready to be devoured.
- Braised Pork Rice – Tender pork that practically melts in your mouth.
- Oyster Mee Sua – A silky noodle soup that’s the ultimate comfort.
- Sweet Potato Fries – Crunchy on the outside, buttery on the inside.
- Fish Tempura – Light, golden batter that pairs perfectly with every dish.
Choosing Your Drink
- Wintermelon – Refreshing, with a hint of sweet grass.
- Jasmine Green – Classic, fragrant, a cup of bliss.
- Taiwan Black Tea – Robust and earthy, the perfect companion.
The Spot
Location: 60 Paya Lebar Rd, #B1-09 Paya Lebar Square, Singapore 409051
All of this is well under $10, so your wallet stays happy while your stomach does the same. Drop by and taste why this tiny gem is topping the charts of Singapore’s best Taiwanese eateries.
Original coverage by The Singapore Women’s Weekly under Lifestyle • Food and Drinks • Restaurants / Eateries Taiwanese.
