5 Best Taiwanese Restaurants in Singapore with Authentic Flavors

Written by Sarah Ong | June 19, 2024

Image: Lai Lai Taiwan Casual Dining

Taiwanese cuisine has made its mark on Singapore’s vibrant food scene, offering a diverse range of flavors that blend traditional and contemporary culinary influences. From the savory taste of beef noodles to the sweetness of pineapple cakes, Taiwanese cuisine is known for its bold, complex flavors that delight the senses.

While Taiwanese restaurants may not be as common as some other Asian cuisines in Singapore, there are still plenty of dining options to choose from. You can scan through our list of best Taiwanese restaurants to discover your new favorite eatery.

1. Din Tai Fung Restaurant @ Marina Bay Sands

Image: Din Tai Fung

Loved for

Xiao Long Bao

Prices

S$20++ per pax

Address

2 Bayfront Avenue B1, #01, Singapore 018972

Phone

+65 6634 9969

Opening hours

Mon to Thu: 11:00 - 21:00
Fri to Sun: 11:00 - 21:30

Website

Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung is famous for its steamed dumplings. The branch at Marina Bay Sands is one of the best places in town to enjoy delicious dumplings at reasonable prices, despite its location.

Highlights:

Outstanding dumplings: People flock to Din Tai Fung for its delicious dumplings, and the main draw is the Xiao Long Bao. These delectable little dumplings come in four different variations: Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao, Steamed Chicken Xiao Long Bao, Steamed Crab Meat & Pork Xiao Long Bao, and Steamed Truffle & Pork Xiao Long Bao. Each variation has its own unique and flavorful taste, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Best value dining experience: Although everything in Marina Bay Sands has a high price tag, the pricing at Din Tai Fung is similar to other branches.

FOOD: Besides dumplings, Din Tai Fung offers many other delicious Taiwanese dishes, categorized as appetizers, snacks, soups, noodles and rice, vegetables, steamed buns, steamed snacks, desserts, beverages, and Asian delights.

FOOD ORDERING PROCESS: An efficient ordering process is a key feature of Din Tai Fung’s packed restaurant, fulfilling diners’ needs in an effective way. When requesting a table, diners are handed menus to peruse the offerings of the restaurant. Once orders have been filled out on an ordering card, it is quickly whisked away and food is brought to the table promptly and usually all at once.

MUST-TRIES:

Xiao long baos
Shrimp dumplings
Chilli crab dumplings
Pork buns
Drunken chicken
Steamed chicken soup
Fried rice with porkchop
Braised beef noodles

PRICES:

Dumplings and side dishes cost from $7++
Main dishes such as noodles or fried rice cost from $8++

2. Tai One Wei

Image: Tai One Wei

Best for

Taiwanese zi-char food

Prices

S$20++ per pax

Address

751 North Bridge Road Singapore 198719

Phone

+65 6970 0405

Opening hours

Daily 12:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - 20:00

Website

Tai One Wei

Tai One Wei is a recently opened Taiwanese restaurant in Singapore, which offers a cozy dining experience and reasonably priced dishes.

The restaurant has gained popularity since its opening, as visitors have fallen in love with its homemade dishes, which are prepared by chef Tony Chen, who is originally from Nantou, Taiwan.

The menu is a blend of both traditional and modern Taiwanese dishes and snacks, with authentic flavors that are sure to satisfy any foodie.

Highlights:

Authentic Taiwanese food with a homemade flair: This restaurant is all about recreating the exact Taiwanese dishes. Combining mains with popular side dishes, it provides a complete, authentic Taiwanese dining experience in zi-char style. Even the name of the restaurant is a wordplay on Taiwanese taste.
An extensive menu with simple and tasty dishes everyone can enjoy: Imagine a menu featuring over 100 dishes that celebrate the delicious flavors of meat, fish, seafood, tofu, and vegetables. Some of the crowd’s favorites include Taiwanese sausage, fried chicken, pancakes, stir-fried vegetables, braised pork with pearl rice, omelets, and fried pork intestine.
Fresh vegetables imported from Taiwan: The restaurant serves some special vegetables that are imported directly from Taiwan, which add a unique and authentic flavor to their dishes.

MUST-TRIES:

Crispy Squid Mouth
Stir-fried Lufa with Clams
Stir-Fried Fern with Cordia Dichotoma
Crispy Fried Oyster
Braised Pork Intestines
Crispy Egg Tofu with Pork
Handmade Taiwan Sausage
Taiwan Preserved Radish Omelette

PRICES:

Specials: S$15 to S$18
Fried Food: S$10 to S$15
Seafood: S$18 to S$20
Meat: S$15
Soup: S$10
Taiwanese Snacks: S$10 to S$18
Taiwanese Drinks: S$3 to S$4
Beer: S$5 to S$10

LOOK & FEEL: Tai One Wei has a small, narrow space, which limits its seating capacity. The decor is designed to align with the home-style concept of the restaurant, featuring minimalistic furnishings and simple decor. Some tables are accompanied by chairs, while others feature stools.

NOTE: During peak hours and on weekends, the restaurant can become quite busy, and due to its limited seating capacity, there may be a wait for a table. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance and arrive on time to ensure timely seating.

3. 8 Degree Taiwanese Bistro @ Kovan

Image: 8 Degree Taiwanese Bistro

Loved for

• Oyster mee sua
• Pork Belly Rice
• Bubble tea

Prices

S$15 per pax

Address

Lowland Rd, #29, Singapore 547421

Phone

+65 6284 8226

Opening hours

Daily 11:00 - 21:00

Website

8 Degrees Taiwanese Bistro

For an authentic Taiwanese cuisine experience, give 8 Degrees Taiwanese Bistro on Kovan a spin! Its menu features many of the Taiwanese well-loved street food, classics, desserts, and beer, making it a good spot for a fix of salted crispy chicken, pork belly rice, bubble tea, and more.

Highlights:

Simple yet delicious authentic Taiwanese bites: Allow your eyes to wander through its large menu, and pick a few dishes to share and try with your friends. The dishes are budget-friendly, and the portions are hearty enough to pass around. Don’t miss out on their Golden Salted Egg Yolk Prawn Ball, featuring succulent prawns with a light, crispy batter, or their Stewed Pork Belly Rice, a fan favorite.
An invigorating selection of desserts and drinks: Once you’re done with the mains, finish off with a sweet kick! Try the Shaved Ice with Red Bean for a smooth yet refreshing dessert to cleanse your palate. With drinks, 8 Degree features everything from bubble tea to milkshakes, With prices starting at $3.90, drinks are an affordable addition to your meal.

MUST-TRIES:

Pork Belly Rice
Scallion chicken rice
Salted Crispy Chicken
Century Egg Tofu With Pork Floss
Golden Salted Egg Yolk Prawn Ball
Oyster Mee Sua
Chitterling Mee Sua
Bubble Tea

PRICES:

Rice bowls: S$6.60
Mee sua: S$6.60
Side dishes and Snacks: S$2.10 – S$6.60
Noodles: S$7.70 – S$10.80
Veggies: S$6.60 – S$10.80
Milk tea: S$6.60 – S$.60
Coffee: S$4.30 – S$6.50
Desserts: S$5.30 – S$6.50
Brick toasts: S$6

4. Lai Lai Taiwan Casual Dining

Image: Lai Lai Taiwan Casual Dining

Loved for

Beef noodles

Prices

S$15++ per pax

Address

City Square Mall, #03-39/40
180 Kitchener Road, S208539

Phone

+65 65095626

Opening hours

Daily 11:00 – 22:00

Website

Lai Lai Taiwan Casual Dining

Lai Lai Taiwan Casual Dining, a delightful casual dining spot in City Square Mall, is an authentic Taiwanese restaurant that offers fragrant meals and dishes at reasonable prices. It boasts a comforting dining experience with a homey ambiance, simple yet cozy decor, and ample seating for guests.

Highlights:

Specializing in savory Taiwanese beef noodles: Beef noodles are the main draw of Lai Lai Taiwan Casual Dining. Their noodle bowls have the right combination of fragrant soup, smooth and tender braised meat, and springy noodles, enhanced by pickled mustard greens and chilies.
Value-for-money lunch express set meals: Lai Lai has been famous for offering value-for-money weekday lunch sets for years. These sets ($12.90 – $17.90) include a large portion bowl of rice or noodles and a glass of red milk tea or fruit juice. There are more than 10 options of rice and noodles to choose from – Unagi Egg Rice, Braised Pork Belly Egg Rice, Taiwan Vermicelli, and Smoked Bacon Ramen, just to name a few.

MUST-TRIES:

Beef Noodles
3 Cup Chicken
Taiwan Vermicelli
Braised Pork Rice
Minced Pork Rice
Chicken Cutlet

PRICES:

Beef noodles: S$14.90
Rice bowls: S$10.90 – S$15.90
Noodles: S$8.90 – S$13.90
Claypots: S$9.90 – S$13.90
Side dishes: S$3.90 – S$9.90
Kid meals: S$9.90
Lunch sets: S$12.90 – S$17.90
Toasts: S$6.90
Desserts: S$5.90
Bubble tea: S$4.90 – S$5.90
Coffee and tea: S$2.90 – S$4.90

5. Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks @ Somerset

Image: Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks

Loved for

Crispy Chicken

Prices

S$10++ per pax

Address

313 Orchard Rd, #B3 - 50A, Singapore 238895

Phone

+65 6100 1218

Opening hours

Daily 11:30 - 21:30

Website

Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks

Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks is a popular Taiwanese restaurant chain in Southeast Asia that feature the tastes of the famous Shihlin Night Market in Taipei. Its location at 313@Somerset serves classic Taiwanese street snacks, including the famous Crispy Chicken.

Highlights:

Cheap, delicious value sets for meals on the go: Whether shopping at 313@Somerset or visiting just for the food, you’ll find great value for money at this quick-service restaurant. Their Value Sets ($11.90 to $12.90) come with sides and drinks, providing filling, affordable meals bursting with traditional Taiwanese street food flavors.
Creative snacks you won’t find elsewhere: This eatery focuses on street food and fast food with a twist, presenting some unique items like Crispy Floss Egg Crepe and Sweet Plum Potato Fries sprinkled with a special plum powder.
Tasty drinks in cute packaging: Patrons of this restaurant also love the drinks, especially how they are served in easy-to-carry pouches with straws. And the cute labeling on the pouches would make you feel like you’re in the streets of Taipei.

MENU: The menu at Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks consists of Value Sets that are essentially based on the main menu. As a fast food chain, their menu is not that extensive. However, there are decent choices in mains and a few sides to complement them.

MUST-TRIES:

Crispy Chicken
Handmade Oyster Mee Sua
Crispy Floss Egg Crepe
Sweet Plum Potato Fries

PRICES:

Value Sets: $11.90 to $12.90
Mains: $6.90 to $9.90
Sides: $3.90 to $4.80
Drinks: $2.90 to $3.90

LOOK & FEEL: Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks at 313@Somerset is essentially a quick-service counter where you can grab your food to go or eat it in the mall. The counter is styled in the color scheme of the brand.