We share the best Taiwanese foods in Singapore that make us drool!
Fun fact: Did you know that bubble tea, the beloved Taiwanese drink, originated in Taichung in the 1980s? It’s now a global phenomenon, and you can find some of the best versions here in Singapore!
But besides bubble tea, Taiwanese cuisine has so much more to offer! Whether you’re a local foodie, a tourist exploring new culinary horizons, or a Taiwanese expat longing for a taste of home, we’re pointing you to the best Taiwanese foods on the island.
Chilli Dumpling Noodles at Abundance
Address: 63A Lengkok Bahru, #01-378
Contact: +6580321880
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–10 PM
Price: $$
If you’re a fan of noodles with that perfect springy texture, you’ve got to try the red-hot chilli dumpling noodles. Fair warning though, they pack quite a spicy punch!
I love how the thick noodles coat the sauce perfectly. The texture was spot-on, with a good bite and chewiness. For dessert, try the unique peanut ice cream roll. It’s a creamy palate cleanser.
Pro-tip: The place serves craft beers in case you need to wash down some of that spice.
Roast Beef Noodles at Isshin Machi
Address: 8 Greenwood Avenue Hillcrest Park
Contact: +6592964008
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–9.30 PM
Price: $$
Don’t be fooled by the Japanese-sounding name. This is a true-blue Taiwanese eatery. Isshin Machi’s signature beef soup is so tasty and authentic, that I finished the whole bowl in just a few gulps.
The meat is thick and tender, pairing perfectly with the noodles. For just an extra dollar, add the Guan Miao (firm and chewy) noodles for a fantastic al dente texture.
Round off your meal with a not-too-sweet iced milk tea that’s perfect for hot days.
Pro-tip: It’s a pet-friendly restaurant, so feel free to bring your fur babies along.
Lu Rou Fan at Eat 3 Bowls
Address: 103 Pasir Panjang Rd
Contact: +6591548191
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–9 PM
Price: $
While in Pasir Panjang for an errand, I stumbled upon Eat 3 Bowls and was pleasantly surprised. I ordered the braised pork rice (lu rou fan) and a grass jelly drink because it was hot out.
The grass jelly wasn’t too sweet and had just the right amount of ice. The lu rou fan, served in a small but filling bowl, featured perfectly cooked and tender pork. Adding a couple of eggs made it even better.
Pro-tip: Expect the lunch crowd to thin out around 3 PM. Otherwise, be prepared to wait a bit for a table.
Pearl Milk Tea at FrothTea Bubble Tea
Address: 767 Upper Serangoon Rd
Contact: +6598289566
Hours: Daily, 9 AM–3 PM
Price: $$
FrothTea is Singapore’s first bubble tea catering and live station provider. It features fresh, hand-shaken bubble tea with chewy tapioca pearls for special events.
I discovered this setup during a friend’s wedding and enjoyed the experience. I like that its products are flown in from Taiwan and are certified halal.
There are around 20 flavours but I always gravitate towards the classic pearl milk tea, which is always refreshingly sweet.
Pro-tip: The company also offers bubble tea in bottles for picnics, parties, and other intimate events.
Fried Pork Cutlet Rice at MONKI
Address: 1 Vista Exchange Green
Contact: +6562588112
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, 9.30 AM–8.30 PM
Friday to Saturday, 9.30 AM–9 PM
Price: $$
The first thing I noticed about Monki is its cute monkey theme. Then I saw the fried pork cutlet rice at another table and had to order it (food FOMO!).
It’s huge, tender, juicy, and perfectly crispy to the bite. I paired it with the chilled Taiwan century egg tofu, generously topped with pork floss and bonito flakes, for a great taste and texture combo.
Pro-tip: The milk tea sweetness can be adjusted. Just ask for less sugar.
Salted Chicken Rice at Want Food Taiwanese Delights
— Media from yongweikai
Address: 153 South Bridge Road
Contact: +6593969800
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11 AM–3 PM and 5.30–9 PM
Price: $$
The salted chicken rice at Want Food includes a generous portion of lu rou (braised pork), offering the best of both worlds. Since portions here are generous, expect to bring home some leftovers if you’re dining alone.
The crispy, tender fried chicken pairs well with the beef brisket noodles (another recommendation), with the beef having a unique and tender texture.
Or if you want something lighter, try the egg pancake with cheese and pork floss which is also yummy.
Pro-tip: The place has few seats, so expect to queue a bit, especially during the lunch hour.
Oyster Mee Sua at Xi Men Jie
Address: 3 Gateway Dr, #B2- 03/04 Westgate
Contact: +6565179610
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–9.30 PM
Price: $$
I didn’t expect my trip to Xi Men Jie with young kids to be such a hit, especially with exotic ingredients like oysters. But the oyster mee sua (thin wheat flour noodles) is great and the kids loved it.
The oysters are big and fresh, but there’s also a meatball option if you prefer. However, I figured, when in Rome (or Taiwan).
At any rate, I ended up slurping the rich, thick bonito-flavoured soup, topped with oysters, shredded chicken, and chilli.
I also like the moderate portions, as they prevent us from overeating (or over-ordering).
Pro-tip: Also try the cheese onion egg pancake for a savoury and filling snack.
Braised Beef Tendon Noodles at Niu Dian Beef Noodles
Address: 520 Balestier Rd, #01-01/02 VIIO @ Balestier
Contact: [email protected]
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, 11 AM–9.30 PM
Friday to Saturday, 11 AM–10 PM
Price: $
Niu Dian serves fantastic beef noodles with tender meat and flavourful broth. I had the red braised soup and spicy dry noodles, both featuring tender beef slices and organ parts for great texture.
The noodles are chewy and firm and the original soup base is clear, light, and not too salty. I could have easily finished the whole bowl, except it wasn’t mine but my dinner companion’s.
Pro-tip: Try the braised mushroom as a healthy side dish or appetiser.
Pig Intestine Noodles at Wen Li Taiwanese Food
Address: 505 Beach Rd, #01-65
Contact: +6596582980
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM–7 PM
Price: $
Many people visit We Li Taiwanese Food for the classic braised pork rice set, which I highly recommend. But for something different, try the pig intestine mee sua.
Unlike the braised pork rice set, this noodle dish doesn’t include a marinated egg and cucumber salad. It still has homemade Taiwanese popcorn chicken if you want something to munch on in between slurps, though.
Don’t worry about odd tastes. The pig intestine is quite clean with no gamey smell and has a nice flavour.
Pro-tip: Expect a weekend lunch crowd, but the staff is efficient and the lines move fast.
Wanton Mee at Downstairs
Address: 3 Temasek Blvd, #B1-132 Suntec City
Contact: [email protected]
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, 8 AM–8.30 PM
Friday, 8 AM–9 PM
Saturday, 9.30 AM–9 PM
Price: $
Downstairs’ wanton mee features yellow egg noodles topped with juicy, tender char siew and a bowl of dumpling soup. The char siew (BBQ pork) is nicely caramelised, and the noodles have that perfect springiness for a satisfying slurp and chew.
You could add a soft-boiled egg for a heartier meal. Then pair your meal with Downstairs’ refreshing lime juice to cleanse your palate.
Pro-tip: The place can only accommodate around 20 diners, so expect it to be crowded.
Sesame Cold Noodles at 8 Degrees
Address: 8 Jln Legundi, #01-03
Contact: +6588995474
Hours:
Monday to Friday, 11 AM–2.30 PM and 5–9 PM
Saturday to Sunday, 11 AM–9 PM
Price: $$
Noodles on a hot day, you ask? At 8 Degrees, there’s a perfect noodly dish that won’t leave you sweating.
The sesame cold noodles are tossed in a velvety sesame sauce, and topped with shredded cucumber and crushed peanuts. It’s a refreshing savoury treat for a hot day, with the springy wheat noodles paired perfectly with the creamy, nutty sauce.
Pro-tip: You can order scallion pancakes as an appetiser or side since they go well with the cold noodles.
Souffle at Typhoon Cafe
Address: 1 Stadium Pl, #01-35
Contact: +6531064206
Hours: Daily, 11.30 AM–10 PM
Price: $$
I visit Typhoon Cafe for two main reasons: the luscious souffle stackers with honeycomb ice cream and the authentic Taiwanese mains.
I especially recommend the Taiwanese shrimp fried rice with crabmeat gravy and the 4 Heavenly Kings vegetable dish. The food is filling and perfectly spiced with great textures.
Do make room for the jiggly souffle, though. It’s out of this world.
Pro-tip: There’s ample seating because the place is spacious, and more so on weekdays.