A Taste of Taiwan: TaiWan Night Markets Food Concept Debuts in Cineleisure

I just returned from an unforgettable three-week trip to Taiwan, and one thing that lingered on my mind was the vibrant night market scene. The delightful array of street food left me yearning for more. So, when I heard about the opening of a brand-new TaiWan Night Markets 台湾小夜市 food concept in Cineleisure, I knew I had to experience it firsthand.

In the spirit of transparency, let me clarify that this was not an invited media tasting. Excited and eager, my colleagues and I joined the bustling queue to enter the place during our lunch break. I wasn’t surprised to learn that this concept is brought to us by the local F&B group Fei Siong, as they have successfully introduced similar food concepts like Malaysia Boleh before.

It’s evident that they have a knack for creating unique and exciting dining experiences for Singaporeans. The Taiwan Night Markets team has captured the essence of Taiwanese night markets by carefully curating street foods from famous hotspots like Cisheng Temple in Dadaocheng, Ningxia Night Market, Shilin Night Market, Raohe Night Market, Qingguang Night Market, and Yansan Night Market.

From the moment we stepped in, we were transported to Taiwan with their meticulously recreated signboards and ambiance. It felt like we were dining at a bustling Taiwanese night market. A clever touch was evident in the signboards, resembling those from popular food stalls in Taiwan. But don’t be misunderstood, because they are not. Instead, they serve as a heartfelt homage to the rich culinary culture of Taiwan.

Inside the TaiWan Night Markets, a delightful array of 19 street food kiosks and 5 mini restaurants awaited us. The classic night market snacks were a hit, from the irresistible salty crispy chicken and Taiwanese QQ sweet potato balls to scallion pancakes that transported us to Taiwan’s bustling streets.

I couldn’t resist ordering the Taiwanese Sausage With Sticky Rice, a personal favourite from Taiwan’s night markets. While it brought back fond memories, I couldn’t help but wish for a slightly longer grilling time for the sausage, accompanied by generous vegetable toppings and a bolder garlic sauce for that perfect taste.

The Oyster Omelet with its sweeter chilli sauce was a pleasant surprise. The Peanut Roll Ice Cream, filled with delightful toppings and flavours like taro, durian, vanilla, and mango, was a delightful treat.

However, the silky Oyster Mee Sua left something to be desired, lacking the robust flavours we anticipated. Nevertheless, we’re eager to return and sample their braised pork rice and juicy night market huge steak.

The true magic of TaiWan Night Markets comes to life when enjoyed with friends, allowing you to share a variety of dishes together. The team has excelled in creating an authentic experience, capturing the spirit of Taiwan’s lively night markets. Our only wish is for the food taste and quality to match the ambiance. With just a few well-placed tweaks, they have the potential to deliver an authentic taste of Taiwan right in the heart of Singapore.