From Xi Men Ding to Singapore, Niu Dian 牛店精炖牛肉面 is known for its authentic Taiwanese style noodles.
The 18-year-old Taiwanese beef noodles eatery first opened its Singapore outpost at VIIO @ Balestier.
It has also opened a second outlet at Holland Village (15A Lor Liput).
Niu Dian 牛店 serves authentic handmade Taiwanese Beef Noodles, a much-loved staple in Taiwan.
While some Taiwanese eateries in Singapore serve Beef Noodles as part of their larger menu, there are few specialty shops here.
Founded by Mr Lin Chun Ying in 2005, the eatery in Taipei quickly gained popularity for its delectable offerings, earning consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmand awards over the years.
Although the chef has commendable experience in Western five-star dining, having worked in top hotels, the idea behind Niu Dian was to recreate the nostalgic flavours he had once savoured as a child.
Interestingly, while the restaurant’s outlet in Taipei has a casual ambience, the 55-seater Niu Dian in Singapore has décor which is more modern and refined.
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The ingredients, consisting of premium beef parts sourced from Australia, match the extravagance of the atmosphere.
At the same time, all of Nui Dian’s exclusive sauces and marinades come from Taiwan, guaranteeing a carnival of robust tastes that are as close to the original as possible.
Here are some of Niu Dian Singapore’s recommendations:
Combination Specialty Beef Noodles 满福牛肉面 ($19.90)
For a bit of every thing, get the Combination Specialty Beef Noodles or Trio Specialty Beef Noodles with golden coin, tendon, and boneless beef rib cut – all premium beef specially imported from Australia for a leaner yet tender bite.
I tried the original broth which resembles a consommé and promises warmth and aromatic heartiness.
The flavours extracted from Taiwanese beef bone, a vegetable base, and plenty of herbs are allowed to wallow in the liquid for over 24 hours.
The founder revealed that the savouriness comes from the natural juices from the beef and Japanese sea-salt which gave it that special savour.
Going on to the noodles, they are specially imported and not quite like the usual – almost reminding me of udon for their texture, with light chewiness, giving the dish some volume and homely touch.
Beef Noodles ($16.90)
Niu Dian’s signature bowl introduces diners to the myriad tastes of beef noodles while allowing them to alter its composition as per preference.
The first choice comes from the broth, wherein you can opt for the traditionality of the original (which I would recommend trying first) or the more luscious braised concoction ($1).
The latter is slightly thicker and on the spicier side.
If you would like to focus on one style of beef – say tendon, trip, or boneless rib cut with golden coins, then you can go for this option.
No matter your pick, the recipe combines Western and Chinese culinary techniques, providing a genuinely distinct Beef Noodles experience.
Premium Braised Combination Beef Noodles 极品红烧满福牛肉面 ($28.90)
This Premium Braised Combination Beef Noodles is Niu Dian’s novel preparation. Served with three distinct elements, it comes with instructions to have the meal in five simple steps;
First, take a sip of the original broth to appreciate its full-bodied palatability. Follow it with another taste, but only after adding the braised sauce to spice it up a little.
Now that you have had the chance to relish the consommé, the next step involves placing the noodles in a separate, small bowl.
As you do that, add the preserved vegetables and pour the braised sauce over the noodles.
For the final step, savour every component of the preparation in one single delicious spoonful.
The red sauce is indeed not quite like any other, and when you savour the beef (especially rib cut) which was indeed tender and flavourful.
Dry Noodles
Catering to different gastronomic likes, Niu Dian also has a dry version of beef noodles, with options such as Spicy Pepper Combination Specialty Beef Noodles ($19.90) and Black Sesame Sauce Noodles ($11.90).
Preparing the Spicy Pepper Combination Specialty Beef Noodles includes mixing the handmade noodles in a spicy sauce.
The sauce, like the broths, involves slow cooking as chefs combine red, medium-spicy, Sichuan peppers with beef marrow oil to create an intensely palatable condiment.
Large pieces of succulent beef shin, boneless beef rib fingers, tendon, and tripe give the dish meaty goodness.
The Black Sesame Noodles is quite uncommonly seen, probably the first time I had it here.
Give it a good mix, and the thick, nutty sauce would provide a smooth and velvety texture in contrast with the soft and chewy noodles.
Side Dishes
There are also cold sides such as Cold Century Egg Tofu with Bonito Flakes ($5.90), Cold King Oyster Mushrooms ($4.90), Braised Beancurd ($3.90), Cold Cucumber ($3.90), Cold Black Fungus ($3.90) and Kimchi ($4.90) as appetisers before starting on the mains.
My vote would go to the Cold Century Egg Tofu which came in a savoury, slight sweet sauce with an alluring fermented earthy flavour.
Palace Tea
To provide diners with an authentic Taiwanese dining affair, Niu Dian collaborated with homegrown bubble tea brand Palace Tea and introduced a selection of in-house creations and signature drinks for bubble tea lovers.
Classics like Milk Tea and Original Tea are ideal for purists who enjoy the sanctity of original flavours.
At the same time, experimental diners can opt for one of the exclusive creations like the tangy Lime & Sour Plum Green Tea with Aiyu Jelly or the fruity and malty Lychee Mint Black Tea for a refreshing treat with the meal.
Customisation is available as customers can select their preferred toppings, sugar, and ice level.
Niu Dian Singapore – Balestier
VIIO @ Balestier #01-01/02, 520 Balestier Road, Singapore 329853
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Sun – Thurs), 11am – 10pm (Fri – Sat)
www.facebook.com/niudiansg
Niu Dian Singapore – Holland Village
15A Lor Liput, Singapore 277730
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Sun – Thurs), 11am – 10pm (Fri – Sat)
Niu Dian Singapore – Bugis Junction
Bugis Junction #02-50, 200 Victoria St, Singapore 188021
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Sun – Thurs), 11am – 10pm (Fri – Sat)
* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Niu Dian Singapore.
