Taiwanese cafes are increasingly gaining popularity in Singapore, offering street food favourites like Lu Rou Fan, Gua Bao and Oyster Mee Sua.
Hou Lah, a new addition at 783 North Bridge Road, embraces this trend but with a twist.
Unlike many Taiwanese eateries that feature the usual staples, Hou Lah carves its niche with an array of Thick Toasts, Taiwanese Noodles, Crepes, and Fried Food.
I thought that the the name “Hou Lah” cleverly plays on its dual meaning in the Taiwanese Minnan dialect: “thick” (hinting at their signature toasts) and “okay good”, setting the tone for what’s to come.
In terms of signatures, the menu boasts a variety of Crumble Spread Thick Toasts, ranging from the Original Classic ($4.80), Cheese Thick Toast ($5.80), Peanut Butter Thick Toast ($5.80), and extending to more inventive ones like Earl Grey Creme ($5.80).
A standout is the Classic Puff Pastry Thick Toast ($8.80).
Imagine a harmonious blend of flaky pastry with a honeyed, eggy, moist center. Quite interesting, and something not like the usual.
The Taiwanese Noodles selection at Hou Lah includes Original Chicken Fried Noodles ($7.80), Original Beef Fried Vermicelli ($7.80), Seafood Guo Shao Yi Mian ($10.80), and Hou Lah Lala Fried Noodles ($13.20).
I was recommended the Chicken Cheese & Milk ($9.20) as I was looking for something “special”.
Well, the dish featured instant noodles topped with egg, cheese and accompanied with chicken mid-joints – a departure from the slab chicken chop shown in the menu.
It did fall slightly short of expectations. The wings weren’t crispy, and the noodles lacked the rich fragrance and taste one might anticipate.
When asked for feedback, I commented that presentation was underwhelming.
For example, the sunny-side eggs, were served messy and looking uninspiring.
It was then explained away that the presentation was a nod to the rustic eateries in Taiwan – a justification that felt a bit like an afterthought.
The Milk Tea, another staple in Taiwanese cuisine, was unfortunately just average.
It lacked the robust tea fragrance and depth of flavour that usually characterises a good milk tea.
While the Thick Toasts at Hou Lah show promise, the mains and beverages would need some refinement. My guess is the team is probably overwhelmed with transiting from a pop-up stall to permanent shop with wider offerings.
The concept is there, but the execution requires attention to detail and an elevation in both taste and presentation.
Hou Lah
783 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198751
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
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