It used to be the case, that if you wanted to get a taste of STR TAO Taiwan Cuisine, you would have to venture down into the innards of the West (at Toh Guan Road East)
That is not the case anymore, with the eatery now serving tasty Taiwanese cuisine out of Alexandra Central. In case you are wondering where that mall is, it is next to IKEA Alexandra.
Pronounced “Street Tao”, the concept has been around for more than a year now, and is just moving into its new home.
The shop is really quite hidden at the ground level, even if you get to the mall.
STR TAO truly does bring along a whole range of dishes for a small eatery that add up to a nice representation of Taiwanese cuisine.
From the humble premises that is designed plainly and simply, the kitchen serves up a range of rice, fried rice, noodles, and mee sua, done the authentic way.
Included in the menu are Taiwan Braised Pork Rice ($7.80), Mee Sua with Oyster ($7.80), Spring Onion Shredded Chicken Rice with Shallot Oil ($7.80), Pork Rib Ramen ($8.80), Braised Beef Noodles Soup ($13.80), to even Fried Rice with Pan Fried Chicken Cutlet ($8.80).
One of the most popular and recommended renditions is their Taiwan Braised Pork Rice ($7.80). They do their braised pork in larger chunks for a better bite, and the portion was quite generous.
There is a spoonful of a chili paste served with the rice, which can be mixed with the rest of the dish for a stronger kick.
While I liked the braise sauce, I thought the rice could be slightly under-cooked and lacked that fluffiness one would expect.
Look also to their Taiwan Mee Sua with Oyster ($7.80). A classic, the broth is done with bonito flakes for umami, and plump oysters line the top of the thin vermicelli strands.
I enjoyed it for the thick gooey consistency of the base (not too diluted) along with soft-silky mee sua. Tasted quite close to what I had in the night markets in Taipei.
As always, the vinegar and a dash of chilli oil break up the flavour a little bit when it gets too monotonous, and provide a more layered taste.
Or for those who have the acquired taste, the Taiwan Mee Sua with Pork Intestine ($7.80) can wow you with its stronger braised flavour.
Taiwan is also known for its small bites of street food, which are not missing at STR TAO either. Taiwan Scallion Egg Pan Cake with Cheese ($6.80), Crispy Fried Squid ($6.80), Deep Fried Sweet Potato with Plum Seasoning ($5.50), Crispy Fried Mushroom ($5.50).
Leave with bags of Salt Crispy Chicken ($6.80) or Fried Egg Plant with Pork Floss ($5.50) in your hands to treat yourself.
A great addition to the Taiwanese food scene in Singapore, STR TAO is the perfect spot to explore what the cuisine has to offer.
STR TAO Taiwan Cuisine 台湾街头
Alexandra Central #01-10, 321 Alexandra Road, Singapore 159971
Opening Hours: 11:15am – 9:15pm (Mon – Sun)
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* Written by Daniel Ang and Dean Ang. Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
