Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理), a celebration of Taiwan's culinary heritage, has left an indelible mark on my gastronomic journey this year. The restaurant, a gem nestled in the heart of Singapore, artfully crafts a menu that accentuates the natural goodness of seasonal produce. Recommending it to friends has become a familiar refrain, and I'm already planning a return for another delightful dinner.
Taiwanese Style Pickled Chilled Dishes 4/5
Our dinner at Song Yue commenced with a trio of Taiwanese-style home-pickled chilled dishes. While the Pickled Cherry Tomatoes with Sour Plums presented a familiar delight, the Winter Melon Pickled with Fresh Passion Fruit and Pickled Cabbage & Radish introduced a refreshing novelty.
Pineapple Prawns with Crispy You-Tiao 4.2/5
A standout from many Taiwanese menus, the Pineapple Prawns with Crispy You-Tiao ($18.90) featured prawns delicately battered and wok-tossed with pineapples in a citrusy mayonnaise dressing. The addition of homemade dough fritters stuffed with hand-beaten squid and prawn paste elevated the dish, providing a delightful textural contrast.
Traditional Ginger Duck 4.2/5
The Traditional Ginger Duck ($19.90/ $36.90) delivered a bowl of comfort with tender duck stewed in a rich broth infused with ginger and black sesame oil. It was a warm embrace of earthy and nutty notes.
Farm Chicken with Spring Onion 4.5/5
Equally compelling was the Farm Chicken with Spring Onion ($18.90 Half/ $33.90 Whole). The local kampong chicken, poached to perfection, was paired with a homemade fresh spring onion and ginger dipping sauce, creating a symphony of natural flavours.
Salt and Pepper Promfret with Crispy Garlic Chips 4.2/5
The Salt and Pepper Promfret with Crispy Garlic Chips ($35.90) showcased a pristine promfret, deboned and fried to a crispy golden perfection. Seasoned with salt and pepper, it was adorned with crunchy, deep-fried garlic chips for an aromatic finish.
Silken Tofu with Pumpkin and Crabmeat 4.5/5
The Silken Tofu with Pumpkin and Crabmeat ($18.90) is an uplifting symphony of flavours, where the silkiness of white tofu meets the sweetness of golden pumpkin and the umami richness of fresh crabmeat.
Slow-Braised Pork Ribs with White Radish 4/5
The Slow-Braised Pork Ribs with White Radish ($18.90) presents succulent prime ribs and sweet white radish, lovingly simmered over low heat in a soy-based sauce infused with a variety of herbs. The result is a dish where the ribs become melt-in-the-mouth tender, offering a delightful harmony of flavours.
Crispy Egg with Black Sesame Oil 5/5
A seemingly simple dish, the Crispy Egg with Black Sesame Oil ($16.90), garnered rave reviews. Perfectly fried fresh eggs with crisp edges and a soft, oozy centre were simmered in a sweet-and-savoury sauce made with fragrant local black sesame oil. This dish, suitable for all ages, pairs wonderfully with a bowl of rice.
Ah Ma's Rice Vermicelli and Taro Soup 4.5/5
The Ah Ma's Rice Vermicelli and Taro Soup ($19.90/ $32.90) pays tribute to the nostalgic Taiwanese rice vermicelli soup. Crafted using the finest rice vermicelli from Xin Zhu, it is presented in a rich, aromatic pork bone broth with sliced pork, dried shrimp, lala clams, shiitake mushrooms, and fragrant taro. Every spoonful evokes a warm embrace of tradition and comfort, reminiscent of grandma's cooking.
Cabbage and Hokkaido Scallop Stone Pot Rice 4.2/5
For those who adore rice, the standout is the Cabbage and Hokkaido Scallop Stone Pot Rice ($19.90/ $32.90). It is crafted with top-notch grade 1 short-grained rice from Tai Chung, renowned for its sweetness and firm, slightly chewy texture. Served in a piping hot stone pot, the Taiwanese Cabbage Rice rendition adds a smoky flavour to the rice, crowned with seared Hokkaido scallops.
Chilled Oolong Ai-Yu Jelly with Green Lemon 4.2/5
Sweet Potato in Ginger Soup 4.2/5
The meal concluded with traditional homemade desserts, including the nourishing Double-boiled Apple & Pear in White Fungus Soup ($7.90), wholesome Sweet Potato in Ginger Soup ($6.90), and the invigorating Chilled Oolong Ai-Yu Jelly with Green Lemon.
Double-Boiled Apple & Pear in White Fungus Soup 4.2/5
Beyond the delectable dishes, Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine also places a spotlight on Taiwan's tea culture. With a selection of premium Taiwanese teas sourced directly from small family tea farms, the restaurant offers a delightful journey into the world of Taiwanese tea. The in-house certified tea specialist ensures a perfect brew, complementing the dining experience. The restaurant's homemade chilled tea and fruit beverages add an extra layer of enjoyment to an already exquisite meal. A visit to Song Yue is not just a meal; it's an exploration of Taiwan's culinary richness and a journey through the island's tea culture.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine
(松悦台式料理)
5 Stadium Walk
#01-38/39
Singapore 397693
Tel: +65 6988 3322
Nearest MRT: Stadium (CC Line), Tanjong Rhu (TE Line)
Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 330pm, 5pm - 9pm
Fri-Sat, Eve PH: 1130am - 330pm, 5pm - 930pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Stadium MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Tanjong Rhu MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk towards the river. Cross the bridge to indoor stadium. Cut across the open air carpark towards Stadium Crescent Road. Walk to Kallang Theatre. Turn right onto Stadium Walk. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]
