TaiWan Night Markets 台湾小夜市 at Orchard Cineleisure has been the talk of town for those who love Taiwanese food.
The unique food court is conceptualised by Fei Siong Group, a well-known name in Singapore’s casual dining landscape.
This expansive 8000 square-foot outlet, located at Orchard Cineleisure (near Somerset), offers food enthusiasts a chance to immerse themselves in a replica of Taiwan’s renowned night markets.
There are 19 street food kiosks and 5 mini restaurants that house up to 300 indoor diners.
Accordingly, the team has evidently invested in researching authentic Taiwanese street food, drawing inspiration from major night markets across Taiwan, including Cisheng Temple in Dadaocheng, Ningxia Night Market, and Shilin Night Market, among others.
Some of the offerings include Night Market Huge Steak, Taiwanese QQ Sweet Potato Balls, Peanut Roll Ice Cream, Salty Crispy Chicken, and Peanut Roll Ice Cream.
The atmosphere at TaiWan Night Markets is spirited and lively, mirroring the ambiance of a bustling night market in Taipei.
It is a familiar energy that fans of Malaysia Boleh (another establishment by the same group) will recognize and appreciate.
However, this vibrant environment does come with its drawbacks. During peak hours, securing a seat can become a challenge, leading to prolonged waiting times.
The space, though large, often feels cramped, particularly when the crowd swells, hindering free movement.
While the concept of TaiWan Night Markets is exciting and ambitious, some aspects fall short of expectations.
The authenticity of the food may not always hit the mark. Some dishes, while palatable, do not fully capture the essence of genuine Taiwanese flavours.
Additionally, the prices are on the higher side, which may deter budget-conscious diners.
Another issue I observed during multiple visits was the inconsistency in the operation of the stalls. Some were closed due to “faulty equipment,” limiting the choices available. This sporadic availability could disappoint those looking for a specific dish or a comprehensive experience of what’s on offer.
Night Market Steak House 夜市吃牛排
The high prices of Western-style steak made people hesitate to indulge in this. priced at $32 for a Signature Huge Steak and $24 for a Ribeye.
I ordered a Chicken Chop ($15) which came with noodles, sunny side up and creamy corn soup.
Thankfully, there is sizzling aroma on the hot plate.
One of the best things here at this food court actually, even though the queue was relatively short than the rest. Safe choice.
Oyster Omelette 欧爸蚵仔煎
Paired with eggs, vegetables, and a soulful sauce that is supposedly rich in flavour, the Oyster Omelette ($8) “蚵仔煎” is a representative masterpiece of night market food.
However, I found the sauce to be relatively sweet, and the overall texture was too starchy.
Thankfully, the freshness of the oysters added a redeeming quality.
Taiwanese Vermicelli 庙口面线
The Taiwanese Vermicelli stall classic Mee Sua ($3.50), or with oysters ($5), or intestines ($5). My decision to try this dish was swayed by the short queue, which promised an immediate meal.
The experience was slightly underwhelming though. The texture of the mee sua lacked softness, and the base could have been more flavourful.
Salted Crispy Chicken 老爷第一家咸酥鸡
The Salted Crispy Chicken stall beckons with the promise of a traditional night market street snack.
You get varied deep-fried items with Sichuan peppercorn salt or chili powder sprinkled as a final seasoning.
However, my first encounter with this stall was disappointing as the chicken was served cold.
My second attempt fared better in terms of temperature, but the $8 price tag for a Chicken Chop felt steep.
Sesame Oil Chicken Soup 香香麻油鸡+粥汤好
A nutritional supplement for women after childbirth, the Sesame Oil Chicken Soup ($10) made from warming black sesame oil and stir-fried ginger is regarded as a natural remedy for dispelling internal dampness and cold.
The combination of robust sesame oil, ginger, and comforting soup makes this dish a nourishing experience.
Taiwanese Sausage with Sticky Rice 肠不住 大肠包小肠
The Big Sausage Wrapped in Small Sausage ($8.80) caught my eye with anticipation as this is seldom found in Singapore, but unfortunately, it turned out to be a letdown.
From the outset, the pale appearance of the sticky handmade glutinous rice and sausage was indicative of a lack of long-enough grilling.
The textures felt lacking, and a longer grilling time could have imparted a much-needed richness to the dish.
Gua Bao 台湾汉堡神套餐
The Gua Bao stall tempts with its tantalising menu promising succulent braised pork paired with peanuts and special pickled vegetables.
My experience was marred by the toughness of the pork, which seemed to have needed more thorough braising.
Peanut Roll Ice Cream 花生捲冰淇淋
The Peanut Roll Ice Cream ($5) presented a whimsical twist, with featured popiah skin wrapped around a choice of four selections of ice cream (Taro, Durian, Vanilla, and Mango) and crunchy peanut toppings.
Unfortunately, the disparity between the online photos and the actual serving was immense.
Instead of the usual round scoops, I was presented with a block of ice cream, very scant peanut toppings, and dry popiah skin. The inconsistency in presentation and taste left a feeling of unmet expectations.
I do have certain expectations TaiWan Night Markets in Singapore as I felt it was something different from the usual.
To be honest, I do not mind paying a higher price for these street foods since the food court is understandably in the heart of town.
Most of the people behind the stalls were friendly despite the long queues, and you could tell some were really trying their best.
However, the attention to details, consistency, and adherence to authenticity would elevate these dishes to a higher standard.
TaiWan Night Markets 台湾小夜市
Orchard Cineleisure B1-01, 8 Grange Road, Singapore 239695
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9pm (Sun – Thurs), 11:30am – 9:30pm (Fri – Sat)
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Twn nighr mkt street food here is a huge dissapointment, plse don’t our time and money.