There are so many restaurants/stalls claiming themsleves selling Taiwanese food in Singapore but I always hear my Taiwanese friends complaining about how non-Taiwanese or not authentic it was. So it was great to have one accompanying with me to Isshin Machi to have some feedback.
I personally like the Hakka-style braised meat rice 客家滷肉飯 ($9+) and the crispy chicken cutlet 脆皮炸雞腿排 ($9.80+) which is not overly seasoned. Both of these are quite authentic according to my Taiwanese Friend especially the chicken cutlet, it reminds him of the ones he get from those bento shops which are not easy to find here in Singapore.
He likes the Signature Taiwanese Braised Beef Noodles 台灣蔥燒牛肉湯麵 ($12+) which was switched to Guan Miao Noodles 關廟麵 (+$1+). The broth is quite authentic, beef shank is well stewed while the thick and chewy Guan Miao Noodles soaked with beef soup brought this bowl to a new level.
Moon Shape Prawn Cake 月亮蝦餅 ($11+) is an interesting dish most Singaporeans may not know. It is a common "Thai" Food invented by a Taiwanese chef that would definitely be found in any Taiwan's Thai Restaurants. He was quite disappointed on this dish, the skin was not crispy enough, the prawn paste was a bit too much and the Thai sauce was not right. To me, it is like a new dish that can be introduced to Ngoh Hiang Stall. Oh well, it is not really a Taiwanese food but you can still give it a try.
Cucumber with Spicy Garlic Dressing 蒜辣黃瓜(4.30+) is a refreshing appetizer commonly found in Taiwan noodle stores. While usually served in cucumber batons, the taste is the same and looks more atas.
Pork Wontons with Fiery Chili Oil 紅油抄手 (6pcs/$6) is not the normal spicy kind we find in Din Tai Fong. It is more like the sour version of it. It reminds him more of 白油抄手 in Taiwan.
Overall, prices aren’t exactly cheap even if you compare to other Taiwanese food sold in Singapore but for sure these are guaranteed authentic Taiwanese food here in downtown area.
Isshin Machi
1 Selegie Rd, #01-01, Singapore 188306
