Favourite Classic Taiwanese Dishes @ Tai One Wei 台one味台式快炒, Singapore (Psst! Rumour is a Megastar already dined here)
It might seem like an oddity, locating a Taiwanese “quick stir fry” joint in the Muslim/ Arab quarter Kampong Glam, but relatively new restaurant Tai One Wei already does brisk business. It is rumoured that Singaporean pop diva Stephanie Sun has already dined here.
The name “Tai One Wei” is a play on the Chinese words which mean “Taiwanese taste”. The head chef and owner, Chef Tony Chen hails from Nantou, Taiwan. As he is personally in the kitchen cooking up the awesome dishes, you are assured of the authenticity of the flavour. The menu is a roll call of popular classic Taiwanese dishes.
The shop is narrow and no frills. It looks like a Taiwanese izakaya, if there is such a thing. Indeed, Tai One Wei serves Taiwanese beer, fruit beer, Taiwanese Kaoliang. They even have red wine and white wine. I guess they are acutely aware their dishes pair very well with alcohol.
Taiwan Beer $5
I was pleasantly surprised. The can says it is “refreshing, clean and smooth”. Indeed it is. It’s light like European lager but with the faint hint of … wheat?
Signature Fried Chicken $10
This ubiquitous and versatile Taiwanese dish is consumed as a street snack, starter, or entree. I like it as a starter — it goes excellently with the Taiwanese beer Salty and crispy but not overly, disgustingly greasy. Even the fried basil is delicious.
Stir-fried Cabbage with Sakuta Ebi $10
The cabbage is sweet. Chef Tony has used a lot of garlic. That was smart. The garlic contrasts well with the sweetness of the cabbage. The dried Ebi adds imitable seafoody umami. This was my favourite dish of the day.
General Tso’s Chicken $15
It’s like a really dry sweet and spicy chicken. Not to worry, the spiciness is very mild.
Deep-fried Taro Ball $10
Very crispy, warm, sweet and comforting. The taro paste is delicious — the texture is soft, almost, almost liquid. It was just right.
Braised Pork Rice $3
The gravy is sweet with a hint of savory. The fat of the pork melts in your mouth. The rice is soft, almost mushy. Total comfort food, especially for a rainy day.
The service here is very efficient. The dishes come hot and fast.
Having dined here, I can understand why this joint does brisk business.
Tai One Wei 台one味台式快炒
751 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198719, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore, 198719
Tel: 6970 0405
