Have you ever craved authentic Taiwanese street food without booking a flight to Taipei? Eat 3 Bowls @ Compass One in Sengkang might just be your answer. I happened to chance upon Eat 3 Bowls when shopping at Compass One, and this hidden gem transported me straight to the bustling night markets of Taiwan.
The Waiting Game Worth Playing
During peak meal hours, be prepared to wait in line – a testament to the restaurant’s popularity among locals. The queue moved steadily though, and the anticipation only heightened my expectations for what Eat 3 Bowls had to offer.
The restaurant operates efficiently with a quick-service model: scan a QR code, place your order, make payment, and wait for the food to arrive at your table. This streamlined process ensures that despite the crowds, service remains prompt and hassle-free.
Taiwanese Street Food Favourites
Grilled Taiwanese Sausage ($4.90)
The moment I bit into the sausage, I knew I was in for a treat. The texture was impressively firm and meaty, reminiscent of authentic sausages from Taiwan’s famous night markets. What really elevated this dish was the sliced garlic served alongside, which expertly cut through the richness of the sausage.
While delicious as is, I couldn’t help but imagine how perfect these sausages would be if grilled over an open flame for that additional smoky dimension. Even so, this starter set the bar high for the rest of the meal.
Salted Crispy Chicken ($7.50)
Taiwanese fried chicken is an art form, and the chefs at Eat 3 Bowls have mastered it. The exterior achieved that coveted crispiness while the interior remained tender and wonderfully moist. The light dusting of chilli powder provided just enough heat without overwhelming the palate.
What impressed me most was how non-greasy these perfectly fried morsels were – no easy feat when it comes to fried chicken.
The Star of the Show: Eat 3 Bowls Signature Trio Combo ($14.50)
As someone who appreciates variety, the Signature Trio Combo at Eat 3 Bowls felt like it was designed specifically for indecisive food lovers like me. As the name suggests, this set allows you to sample three different Taiwanese classics in one go – perfect for first-timers or those who want a comprehensive taste of Taiwan’s comfort foods.
Braised Pork Rice
Of the three bowls, the braised pork rice stood out as the champion. The meat featured an ideal ratio of lean meat to fat, creating that melt-in-your-mouth experience that great Lu Rou Fan is known for. The braising sauce was well-balanced – flavourful without being overly salty – allowing the pork to shine. If you’re short on time and can only order one item at Eat 3 Bowls, make it this one.
Shredded Chicken Rice
The chicken rice offered a different flavour profile, dominated by aromatic shallots and another fragrant element I couldn’t quite identify. While the shredded chicken breast was slightly firm in texture, the sauce tied everything together beautifully. This dish showcases how simple ingredients, when prepared with care, can create something greater than the sum of their parts.
Oyster & Pig Intestine Mee Sua
The mee sua presented the most complex flavours of the trio. The oysters made their presence known with a strong, briny flavour that permeated the soup base. For some, this intensity might be welcome, but I found it slightly overpowering. The intestines, however, were prepared to perfection – remarkably tender and soft. Next time, I’d opt for just the intestine mee sua without the oysters, which would allow the delicate vermicelli to shine through better.
Final Thoughts on Eat 3 Bowls
For a moment, amid the familiar flavours of that perfectly braised pork and the distinctive snap of the Taiwanese sausage, I forgot I was in Singapore. Eat 3 Bowls succeeds in bringing a slice of Taiwan to Singapore, offering an accessible entry point to Taiwan’s beloved street food culture.
Is it exactly like eating in Taipei? Not quite – but it comes remarkably close for a food court-style eatery in a suburban mall. The prices are reasonable given the quality and portion sizes, making it an excellent option for casual dining or satisfying those sudden Taiwanese food cravings.
Whether you’re a homesick Taiwanese, a Singapore foodie looking to expand your palate, or simply shopping at Compass One with a growing appetite, Eat 3 Bowls @ Compass One deserves a spot on your must-visit list. Just be prepared to wait during peak hours – but as any true food lover knows, the best things are worth waiting for.
I happened to chance upon Eat 3 Bowls by accident, but I’ll definitely be returning by design.