Jiak Bar is a unique dual-concept Taiwanese eatery nestled on China Street at Far East Square. This charming establishment seamlessly transitions from a casual lunch spot serving authentic Taiwanese comfort food by day into a vibrant izakaya-style bar by night, embodying the spirit of Taiwan’s beloved “Re Chao” (热炒) culture.
Concept & Ambience
Day-to-Night Transformation
The restaurant captures the essence of Taiwan’s bustling local joints where small, wok-fried dishes are shared among friends and family. The dual concept allows diners to enjoy:
- Daytime: Casual, relaxed atmosphere perfect for hearty Taiwanese lunch sets
- Nighttime: Vibey izakaya experience with cocktails and Taiwan beers for winding down
Atmosphere
The ambience reflects contemporary Taiwanese street food culture with a refined touch. The setting encourages sharing and casual dining, reminiscent of authentic “Xiao Chao” (小炒) establishments found throughout Taiwan.
Menu & Signature Dishes
Small Plates & Appetizers
Braised Pig’s Ears – $5.80 ★★★★☆ (3.5/5)
A classic Taiwanese snack featuring marinated tender cartilage with signature crunch. Perfectly captures authentic street food flavor.
Golden Kimchi – $5.80 ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Unlike spicier Korean versions, this offers a refreshing sweet-tangy balance that effectively whets the appetite. A lighter, more delicate approach to fermented vegetables.
Mala Soft Bone – $6.80 ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Mildly spicy with addictive numbing mala sensation. Offers interesting textural contrast from the soft cartilage, though could be more intense for mala enthusiasts.
Oyster Popcorn – $9.80 ★★★★☆ (3.5/5)
Dish Facets:
- Texture: Golden crispy exterior, juicy briny oysters within
- Accompaniments: Keropok (prawn crackers), crispy basil
- Profile: Playful and aromatic
- Note: Could benefit from slightly more seasoning
Main Dishes
Taiwanese Stir-fried Pork – $9.80 ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Dish Facets:
- Protein: Pork belly
- Components: Tofu, greens, red chillies
- Style: Home-style comfort cooking
- Flavor: Touch of heat, familiar wok-fried taste
- Appeal: Nostalgic, feels like home kitchen cooking
Three Cup Century Egg – $7.80 ★★★★☆ (3.8/5)
Dish Facets:
- Preparation: Deep-fried for crispy edge
- Sauce: Classic “Three Cup” style (soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine)
- Additions: Basil, peanuts for texture and aroma
- Best for: Century egg enthusiasts
- Flavor Profile: Rich, aromatic, complex
Naked Pepper Chicken Soup – $12.80 ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Dish Facets:
- Broth Base: Chicken with clams
- Key Ingredient: Green peppercorns
- Flavor: Oceanic sweetness with vibrant peppery zing
- Character: Comforting yet bold
- Uniqueness: Distinctive in Taiwanese repertoire
Claypot Mala Tofu Stew – $12.80 ★★★☆☆ (2.8/5)
Dish Facets:
- Inspiration: Taiwan’s classic duck blood mala stew
- Substitution: Tofu instead of duck blood
- Issues: Lacks expected heat and numbing intensity
- Verdict: Doesn’t fully capture authentic mala essence
Rice & Noodle Dishes
Hsinchu Fried Vermicelli Meal – $7.80 ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Dish Facets:
- Noodles: Springy, chewy rice vermicelli
- Components: Fried egg, wu xiang (five-spice roll)
- Value: Affordable, complete one-dish meal
- Satisfaction: Hearty and filling
Crispy Chicken Braised Meat Rice – $10.80 ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
Dish Facets:
- Base: Braised pork with ideal fat-to-meat ratio
- Protein: Whole slab of crispy chicken cutlet
- Accompaniments: Braised egg, pickled cucumber, stewed cabbage
- Portions: Generously loaded bowl
- Overall: Crowd-pleaser with excellent flavor and satisfaction
Recipe Inspiration: Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji)
While Jiak Bar serves Three Cup Century Egg, here’s how to make the classic Three Cup Chicken at home:
Ingredients
- 500g chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice wine (Shaoxing wine)
- 6 cloves garlic, crushed
- 4-5 slices ginger
- 2-3 red chillies, sliced
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut chicken into pieces, crush garlic, slice ginger and chillies. Wash and dry basil leaves.
- Heat Wok: Heat sesame oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
- Aromatics: Add garlic, ginger, and chillies. Stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Cook Chicken: Add chicken pieces. Stir-fry until lightly browned (3-4 minutes).
- Add “Three Cups”: Pour in soy sauce and rice wine. Add sugar if using. Stir well.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Finish: Add Thai basil leaves. Stir for 30 seconds until wilted.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving plate. Best enjoyed with steamed white rice.
Cooking Tips
- The “three cups” refer to equal parts sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice wine
- Don’t skip the basil – it’s essential for authentic flavor
- Use a claypot if available for traditional presentation
- Sauce should be thick and glossy, not watery
Practical Information
Location
Jiak Bar
Far East Square
22 China Street, #01-01
Singapore 049564
Contact: +65 9733 9157
Opening Hours
- Monday – Thursday: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 8:30pm
- Friday – Sunday: 11am – 9pm
How to Get There
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (Downtown Line)
Directions:
- Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station
- Take Exit B
- Walk down Cross Street to China Street
- Turn right onto China Street
- Walk to destination
- Journey time: approximately 5 minutes
Delivery Options
Based on the restaurant information provided, specific delivery options were not mentioned in the review. However, given the location at Far East Square in the CBD area, the restaurant is likely available on major delivery platforms such as:
- GrabFood
- Foodpanda
- Deliveroo
For the most current delivery availability and options, it’s recommended to:
- Check the restaurant’s official social media pages (Facebook/Instagram)
- Call the restaurant directly at +65 9733 9157
- Search for “Jiak Bar” on delivery apps
Beverage Offerings
Taiwan Beers
The restaurant offers a solid lineup of authentic Taiwan beers, perfect for pairing with wok-fried dishes.
Cocktails
A selection of cocktails is available during evening service, complementing the izakaya-style atmosphere.
Pricing Overview
Budget Range
- Small Plates: $5.80 – $9.80
- Main Dishes: $7.80 – $12.80
- Average Meal per Person: $15 – $25
The pricing is reasonable for the CBD location, with affordable lunch sets and shareable portions.
Dining Recommendations
Best For
- Lunch: Hearty rice and noodle dishes
- Dinner: Small plates with drinks
- Groups: Sharing multiple dishes family-style
- Date Night: Casual izakaya atmosphere
Must-Try Dishes
- Crispy Chicken Braised Meat Rice (4.2/5) – Best value
- Naked Pepper Chicken Soup (4/5) – Unique and comforting
- Taiwanese Stir-fried Pork (4/5) – Authentic home-style
- Golden Kimchi (4/5) – Perfect appetizer
Dishes to Consider
- Claypot Mala Tofu Stew (2.8/5) – May not satisfy mala purists
Reservation Policy
The review doesn’t specify reservation requirements. For the most current information, contact the restaurant directly.
Final Verdict
Jiak Bar successfully brings the spirit of Taiwan’s “Re Chao” culture to Singapore with a contemporary twist. While not every dish hits the mark, the playful flavors, casual vibes, and thoughtful menu make it a worthy destination for anyone craving authentic Taiwanese comfort food in the heart of Singapore’s CBD. The dual concept works well, offering flexibility for both quick lunches and leisurely evening gatherings.
Overall Experience: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Best Time to Visit: Evening for the full izakaya experience, or lunch for value-for-money rice/noodle sets.
Note: This review was based on an invited tasting. Prices and menu items are subject to change. Please verify current offerings with the restaurant.
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