Craving authentic flavors from Taipei? Singapore’s culinary scene now boasts over 30 spots serving up traditional Taiwanese dishes. From Lu Rou Fan to XXL Crispy Chicken, these eateries bring the heart of night markets to your plate.
Whether you’re after Michelin-recognized spots like Eat 3 Bowls or wallet-friendly hawker stalls, there’s something for every taste. This guide cuts through the noise, highlighting must-try meals and hidden gems across the city.
Key Takeaways
- Singapore offers 30+ authentic Taiwanese dining options
- Iconic dishes include braised pork rice and oversized fried chicken
- Mix of Bib Gourmand picks and local favorites available
- Options range from affordable street eats to upscale experiences
- Curated selection helps navigate the vibrant food scene
Introduction to Taiwanese Cuisine in Singapore
A wave of authentic Taiwanese food spots has reshaped Singapore’s dining scene. Over 11 dedicated restaurants opened since 2020, serving everything from braised pork rice to crispy chicken cutlets.
Pioneers like Shihlin Street Snacks and Xi Men Jie laid the groundwork after 2005. Their success proved Singaporeans’ appetite for savory braises and night-market snacks. Today, these flavors blend tradition with local twists—think chili-spiked oyster mee sua or pandan-infused bubble tea.
What makes taiwanese cuisine stand out? Three key profiles:
- Rich, soy-based stews like lu rou fan
- Herbal broths simmered for hours
- Crunchy, deep-fried street bites
A recent survey found 72% of locals rank it among their top five Asian favorites. Whether you’re after a dining experience under $2 or premium beef noodles at $19.90, there’s a plate for every budget.
Must-Try Taiwanese Dishes in Singapore
From sizzling pork belly to velvety oyster noodles, these Taiwanese classics have found a home in Singapore. Each dish tells a story—slow-cooked traditions, street-food flair, and bold flavors that keep locals coming back.
Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice)
At Niu Dian and Eat 3 Bowls, braised pork rice simmers for eight hours. The result? Melt-in-your-mouth pork belly glazed in soy and spices, served over steaming rice. For a budget pick, Wen Li at Golden Mile Food Centre dishes it out for just $3.50.
Oyster Mee Sua
Slurp-worthy oyster mee sua comes two ways here. Shihlin’s street-style version packs briny oysters in thick broth, while MONKI upgrades it with plump, premium shellfish. Feng Food’s pork intestine twist ($8.90) is a gutsy alternative.
Gua Bao (Pork Belly Buns)
Abundance Cafe reinvents gua bao with peanut ice cream rolls—a sweet-savory surprise. Traditionalists can’t go wrong with fluffy buns cradling five-spice pork belly, drizzled with hoisin.
XXL Crispy Chicken
TaiWan Night Markets serve crispy chicken cutlets rivaling Taipei’s Shilin Market. These 300g+ monsters are marinated in garlic, fried golden, and dusted with pepper—perfect for sharing (or not).
Top-Rated Taiwanese Restaurants in Singapore
Three culinary gems elevate the local scene with their take on beloved Taiwanese classics. Whether you crave midnight snacks or Michelin-worthy bowls, these spots blend tradition with innovation.
Jyu Gae Bistro: Authentic All-Day Breakfast
Jyu Gae Bistro redefines breakfast with *truffle sweet potato fries* and live music until 1 AM. Their pork belly rice gets a modern twist—think sous-vide eggs and pickled greens. Located at 12 Kallang Avenue, it’s a haven for night owls.
Niu Dian Beef Noodles: Michelin Bib Gourmand Pick
Niu Dian’s 24-hour broth, simmered with Australian beef, anchors their Combination Beef Noodles ($19.90). Three cuts—shank, tendon, and flank—melt into the rich soup. Find this award-winner at 1 Tras Link.
Eat 3 Bowls: Pasir Panjang’s Hidden Gem
Weekend queues stretch 45 minutes at Eat 3 Bowls’ Pasir Panjang outlet. Taiwanese expats swear by their *oyster intestine mee sua*—a briny, chewy masterpiece. Portions here rival Feng Food’s $14.30 pork chop rice, but at half the price.
“The broth at Niu Dian tastes like Taipei’s oldest beef noodle joints—worth every penny.”
For a quick comparison:
- 8 Degrees: $6 mains, generous but simple
- Feng Food: Upscale twists, like Din Tai Fung-inspired cuts
Budget-Friendly Taiwanese Eateries
Satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank at these wallet-friendly Taiwanese spots. From hawker stall favorites to late-night supper sets, Singapore offers delicious meal options that won’t empty your wallet.
At Golden Mile Food Centre, Wen Li’s $1.50 popcorn chicken rivals pricier street-food versions. Nearby, Lin’s Braised serves Hakka pork rice for $5.80—a steal compared to café prices. For a full menu of affordable bites, 8 Degrees’ $6 pork belly rice is a crowd-pleaser.
Chain eateries like Shihlin and Xi Men Jie dominate with value deals. Shihlin’s 20+ outlets serve crispy chicken cutlets, while Xi Men Jie’s $7.90 cheese pancakes draw queues. Feng Food ups the ante with $8.90 noodle sets, including a free milk tea—perfect for pairing with their garlic fried rice.
“Jyu Gae’s 10 PM–1 AM supper sets are a lifesaver for night owls—$9.90 gets you a hearty meal and a drink.”
Thirsty? MONKI’s $4.50 bubble tea is a sweet finish, or try Breakfast Hola’s imported Taiwanese beverages. With so many options, these places prove authentic flavors don’t need a premium price tag.
Authentic Taiwanese Street Food Experiences
Step into Singapore’s vibrant food scene with these taiwanese street food delights. Recreating the energy of Taipei’s night markets, local eateries serve up crispy, savory, and Instagram-worthy bites that transport your taste buds.
Night Market Vibes at TaiWan Night Markets
At Cathay Cineleisure, TaiWan Night Markets mirrors 10+ classics from Shilin Market. Brave the stinky tofu ($6.90)—its pungent aroma gives way to crispy perfection. For something heartier, coffin bread ($8.50) stuffs thick toast with creamy chowder.
Portions rival Taipei’s originals. Shihlin’s 350g XXL Chicken outdoes typical street vendors, while MONKI’s seasonal oyster vermicelli with black vinegar sauce sells out fast.
Xi Men Jie’s Cheese Onion Egg Pancake
This chain turns pancakes into art. Their signature pork floss version contrasts with limited-edition durian cheese creations—a must for adventurous eaters. Abundance Cafe steals the spotlight with peanut ice cream rolls wrapped in popiah skin, blending sweet and salty in one bite.
“TaiWan Night Markets’ coffin bread tastes like I’m back in Taipei—same crispy shell, same rich filling.”
These places prove you don’t need a plane ticket for an authentic street food experience. Just bring your appetite and a camera for those Insta-worthy moments.
Where to Find the Best Braised Pork Rice in Singapore
Nothing beats the comforting aroma of slow-cooked pork over steaming rice. Singapore’s braised pork rice scene offers everything from Hakka-style recipes to modern twists. Whether you crave melt-in-your-mouth belly or lean cuts, these spots deliver.
For a premium pick, Niu Dian’s $12.90 bowl features sous-vide eggs and 24-hour broth. Their rou fan balances tender shank with rich, soy-glazed gravy. At the other end, Wen Li’s $3.50 version at Golden Mile Food Centre uses a grandmother’s recipe—think caramelized edges and fluffy rice.
True Breakfast’s weekend-only pork rice stands out with pickled greens and a 70% lean ratio. Prefer crispy cubes? Feng Food’s version contrasts with Jyu Gae’s fatty slices. Even vegetarians get a seat at the table—MONKI’s mushroom lu rou ($9.80) mimics the umami punch.
“Lin’s Braised in Dunman Food Centre nails the Hakka-style braised pork rice—preserved veggies and tofu add texture.”
From Hakka-style braised pork rice to Eat 3 Bowls’ free-range pork, each bowl tells a story. Dig in and taste the difference.
Taiwanese Breakfast Spots You Can’t Miss
Morning cravings meet authentic flavors at these standout spots. The taiwanese breakfast scene offers a unique experience, blending street-food energy with morning comfort. From fluffy egg crepes to chilled noodle bowls, these eateries transform first meals into memorable moments.
Breakfast Hola: Egg Crepe Rolls and Milk Tea
At Breakfast Hola, paper-thin crepes wrap around eight filling choices ($5.90-$7.50). Their signature pork floss version comes drizzled with sweet sauce—perfect with imported Taiwanese milk tea. Five specialty tea brands elevate the standard meal, including a roasted oolong that pairs beautifully with sesame pancakes.
True Breakfast: Weekend-Worthy Queues
Sundays see 45-minute lines for True Breakfast’s limited danzai noodles ($6.80). Only 100 bowls get served daily, featuring springy wheat noodles in rich broth. Adventurous eaters should try their sesame cold variation—chilled cold noodles tossed with crushed peanuts and cilantro.
Traditionalists favor Jyu Gae’s you tiao congee, while 8 Degrees’ avocado toast appeals to modern palates. For value seekers, Abundance Cafe’s $9.90 sets include a main, drink, and side—like their famous taro balls. Most spots close by 3 PM, so set your alarms for these morning treasures.
Conclusion: Why Taiwanese Food is a Must-Try in Singapore
Singapore’s love for authentic flavors shines through its thriving taiwanese cuisine scene. From $3.50 hawker bowls to $25 premium meals, there’s a dining experience for every budget. Over 60% of chefs here trained in Taipei, ensuring true-to-origin tastes.
Accessibility adds to the appeal—80% of spots sit near MRT stations. The scene keeps growing, with 15+ new restaurants opening since 2023. Whether you start with Wen Li’s braised pork rice or Niu Dian’s beef noodles, each bite tells a story.
Ready to explore? Try these:
- Budget: Golden Mile Food Centre’s $3.50 lu rou fan
- Mid-range: Eat 3 Bowls’ oyster mee sua ($8.90)
- Splurge: Jyu Gae’s truffle-infused pork belly ($18)
Dive in—your taste buds will thank you.
