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Heartwarming, comforting, tastes like home – these are some words I’d use to describe the perfect family dinner. Perhaps this resonates with you, or you’re still racking your brain for an ideal dinner spot as Lunar New Year preparations and festivities gradually come into full swing. If so, I might just have the perfect suggestion for you – Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine.
The restaurant just opened its doors at Leisure Park Kallang this January, bringing homestyle Taiwanese specialities to central Singapore.
A 120-seater restaurant complete with private dining rooms, Song Yue is a prime spot for large family get-togethers. Against an earthy backdrop with soft ambient lighting, it ensures a soothing dining experience.
With a deftly curated menu of elevated Taiwanese classics, from humble street fare to well-loved family favourites, it is suited for special occasions. It also boasts a selection of premium teas sourced by an in-house tea specialist, their leaves pridefully grown in Taiwan.
With a culinary philosophy that emphasises eating well to heal the body, the restaurant takes pride in using naturally-nourishing Taiwanese seasonal produce in their dishes. Surely, this will score points with your parents!
Kickstart the meal with appetisers such as the Minnan Fried “Chicken” Rolls (S$10.90). These ironically do not contain chicken but a delectable mix of minced pork, water chestnuts and spring onion encased in tofu skin and deep-fried to a crispy golden brown. Taiwanese-style ngoh hiang, if you will.
The menu also features dishes best paired with a steaming bowl of white rice – because what’s an Asian family dinner without the rice, right? A stand-out is the Farm Chicken with Spring Onion (S$18.90 for Half; $33.90 for Whole) – kampung chicken delicately poached in traditional Chinese superior stock then served with an aromatic spring onion and ginger dipping sauce.
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The Salt and Pepper Pomfret with Crispy Garlic Chips (S$35.90) also caught my eye – it’s reminiscent of fried soon hock, a staple of reunion dinners that I’ve loved since childhood. The pomfret is deboned and cut into generous pieces before it’s deep-fried, seasoned with salt and pepper, then topped with garlic chips. It’s a simple dish perfect for all ages.
Don’t miss out on Song Yue’s signature dish, Ah Ma’s Rice Vermicelli and Taro Soup (S$19.90 for Regular; $32.90 for Medium), aptly named as an homage to grandmother’s homely cooking. Rice vermicelli is served in a fragrant pork bone broth alongside sliced pork, dried shrimp, lala, shiitake mushrooms and fragrant taro.
Sharing this dish with your family will surely warm hearts and bellies.
In the spirit of the Lunar New Year and sweet beginnings, wrap up your meal with some of Song Yue’s homemade desserts such as the refreshing Chilled Oolong Ai-Yu Jelly with Green Lemon (S$6.90) and the wholesome Double-Boiled Apple & Pear in White Fungus Soup (S$7.90).
With many more comforting Taiwanese delights in store, you certainly should check Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine out!
