A Taste of Taiwan Without the Airfare
In the heart of Chinatown Complex Food Centre lies a humble stall that promises to transport diners to the bustling night markets and cozy eateries of Taiwan—all without breaking the bank. Really Something (非同小可, Fei Tong Xiao Ke) has carved out a niche for itself by offering authentic Taiwanese comfort food at prices that seem almost too good to be true, with signature dishes starting at just $3.
In an era where travel remains limited and nostalgia for overseas adventures runs high, Really Something presents itself as a wallet-friendly solution to satisfy cravings for Taiwanese flavors. But can a hawker stall tucked away in a busy food centre truly deliver an authentic experience? This comprehensive review explores every facet of Really Something—from the food quality and value proposition to the overall dining experience.
Location and Accessibility
Address: 335 Smith Street, #02-207, Chinatown Complex Food Centre, Singapore 050335
Getting There: Really Something’s location within Chinatown Complex is both a blessing and a challenge. The food centre sits in close proximity to Chinatown MRT Station, making it easily accessible via public transport. However, the stall itself is located “deep within” the complex, requiring some navigation through the maze-like corridors of the second floor to locate it.
For first-time visitors, this treasure hunt aspect might prove frustrating, but the effort is arguably part of the authentic hawker experience. The upside is that Chinatown Complex offers abundant seating, so finding a table shouldn’t be an issue even during peak hours.
Operating Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday, Friday-Sunday, 11am to 5pm
Closed: Mondays and Thursdays
The limited operating schedule is worth noting—the stall is only open four days a week during lunch and early dinner hours. Plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment.
Menu Overview: Taiwanese Staples at Hawker Prices
Really Something’s menu focuses on Taiwanese comfort food classics, with a pricing structure that stands out even in the competitive hawker landscape:
- Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan) – $3
- Chiayi Chicken Rice – $3
- Fried Chicken Cutlet – $4
- Shrimp Egg Fried Rice – $4.80
- Fried Chicken Cutlet Egg Fried Rice – $4.80
The affordability is immediately striking. For context, similar egg fried rice dishes at Din Tai Fung or WOK HEY typically cost significantly more, making Really Something’s $4.80 price point remarkably competitive.
The Food: A Detailed Analysis
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan) – $3
THE STAR DISH
If there’s one dish that justifies a visit to Really Something, it’s the lu rou fan. This humble bowl of braised pork rice represents everything Taiwanese comfort food should be—rich, satisfying, and deeply flavorful.
What You Get:
- Tender chunks of melt-in-the-mouth pork belly
- Fluffy pearl rice
- Sweet soy-based sauce with deep umami notes
- Salted preserved vegetables
- Soy-braised egg
The Experience: Despite the petite portion size, this dish packs an impressive flavor punch. The pork belly achieves that ideal texture—soft enough to fall apart with minimal resistance, yet retaining enough structure to provide satisfying bites. The fat content renders beautifully, creating bursts of rich umami that coat the palate.
The sweet soy-based sauce strikes an excellent balance, providing sweetness without becoming cloying, while the saltiness from the preserved vegetables offers a necessary counterpoint. The soy-braised egg adds protein and its own subtle complexity to the bowl.
Authenticity Factor: High. The dish evokes genuine memories of Taiwanese eateries, capturing the essence of what makes lu rou fan such beloved comfort food in Taiwan.
Value: Exceptional. At $3, this represents outstanding value for money, especially given the quality of the pork belly and the overall execution.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Chiayi Chicken Rice – $3
THE HIDDEN GEM
For those unfamiliar with this dish, Chiayi chicken rice bears no resemblance to Singapore’s iconic chicken rice. Instead, it features shredded poultry (turkey or chicken breast) over pearl rice, finished with soy-based sauce and fried shallots—a specialty from the Chiayi region of Taiwan.
What Makes It Work: The dish’s simplicity belies its execution. The same excellent sauce used in the lu rou fan elevates what could be a mundane bowl of shredded chicken into something genuinely satisfying. The caramelized fried shallots add textural interest and a sweet-savory dimension.
The Chicken: Here’s where Really Something deserves special praise. Chicken breast has a notorious reputation for dryness, yet this dish manages to present soft, juicy shreds that remain tender and flavorful. Even self-proclaimed chicken breast skeptics might find themselves won over.
Value: Outstanding at $3 for an authentic regional specialty that’s difficult to find elsewhere in Singapore.
⭐⭐⭐ Shrimp Egg Fried Rice – $4.80
THE DISAPPOINTMENT
Given the success of the other dishes, the egg fried rice comes as a letdown. While it evokes memories of Din Tai Fung’s famous version, it ultimately falls short of expectations.
The Issues:
- Lacks depth of flavor; described as “bland”
- Missing the characteristic “wok hei” (breath of the wok) that gives fried rice its smoky complexity
- Could benefit from more aggressive seasoning
The Redemption: The generous portions of succulent, soft shrimp save this dish from complete mediocrity. The prawns are notably superior to the typical rubbery specimens found in average hawker fried rice, arriving juicy and well-cooked.
Portion: Considerably larger than the rice bowls, making it more filling despite the flavor shortcomings.
Value: Moderate. While cheaper than competitors, the bland flavor profile makes it harder to recommend unless you’re particularly fond of egg fried rice or appreciate the generous shrimp portions.
⭐⭐⭐½ Fried Chicken Cutlet – $4
For those who’ve wandered Taiwan’s night markets, the XXL fried chicken cutlets are an iconic sight—massive, crispy, and impossibly satisfying. Really Something’s version aims for a similar experience at hawker scale.
The Reality: The cutlet doesn’t achieve the visual impressiveness of its Taiwanese inspiration. However, it compensates with:
- Pleasantly crispy exterior
- Peppery seasoning that provides a nice kick
- Tender meat (though slightly on the dry side)
The Better Deal: At $4 for the cutlet alone, the value proposition shifts if you consider the Fried Chicken Cutlet Egg Fried Rice combo at $4.80. For just 80 cents more, you get the same cutlet plus a full plate of fried rice—making the standalone cutlet order less economical.
Recommendation: If you want the chicken cutlet, spring for the combo version for better value.
Ambience and Dining Experience
Setting: Typical hawker centre environment
Seating: Abundant shared tables
Atmosphere: Busy, casual, authentic local dining experience
Really Something operates in the quintessential Singapore hawker setting—no-frills, communal seating, and the ambient noise of a bustling food centre. This isn’t a place for romantic dinners or business meetings, but rather for straightforward, honest eating.
The abundance of seating in Chinatown Complex is a definite plus, reducing the stress of the hawker centre meal hunt. The location deep within the complex means it’s slightly removed from the main traffic flow, which can work in your favor during peak hours.
Value Proposition Analysis
This is where Really Something truly shines. Let’s break down the value:
Price Comparison:
- Din Tai Fung egg fried rice: ~$12-15
- Really Something egg fried rice: $4.80
- Savings: Over 60%
Portion vs. Price: While portions are described as “petite” for the $3 bowls, the quantity is appropriate for the price point. The rice dishes make excellent light meals or sides to share, while the $4.80 fried rice dishes provide more substantial servings.
Quality vs. Cost: The standout dishes (lu rou fan and Chiayi chicken rice) deliver quality that punches well above their weight class. At $3, these represent some of the best value Taiwanese food available in Singapore.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
✅ Exceptional affordability – Prices significantly lower than competitors
✅ Authentic flavors – Particularly in the lu rou fan and Chiayi chicken rice
✅ Generous toppings – Good ingredient quality, especially proteins
✅ Accessible location – Near Chinatown MRT
✅ Ample seating – Within Chinatown Complex
✅ Hits the nostalgia factor – Genuinely evokes Taiwanese food memories
Weaknesses:
❌ Small portions – The $3 bowls are petite (though priced accordingly)
❌ Inconsistent execution – Egg fried rice disappoints where rice bowls excel
❌ Limited operating hours – Only open 4 days a week, afternoons only
❌ Difficult to locate – Buried deep within the food centre
❌ No halal certification – Limits potential customer base
❌ Hit-or-miss menu – Not all dishes live up to the same standard
Who Should Visit Really Something?
Ideal For:
- Budget-conscious diners seeking quality Taiwanese food
- Nostalgia-seekers missing their Taiwan travels
- Adventurous eaters exploring regional Chinese cuisines
- Students and office workers in the Chinatown area looking for affordable lunch options
- Food enthusiasts hunting for hidden hawker gems
Less Suitable For:
- Those requiring halal-certified food
- Diners expecting large, filling portions
- Anyone seeking a comfortable, air-conditioned dining environment
- Visitors unable to navigate during the limited operating hours
Recommendations and Ordering Strategy
Must-Order:
- Braised Pork Rice ($3) – The signature dish; don’t skip this
- Chiayi Chicken Rice ($3) – Authentic and excellently executed
Worth Trying: 3. Fried Chicken Cutlet Egg Fried Rice ($4.80) – Better value than standalone cutlet
Skip or Lower Priority: 4. Shrimp Egg Fried Rice ($4.80) – Bland despite good shrimp 5. Standalone Fried Chicken Cutlet ($4) – Get the combo instead
Optimal Order for One Person: Braised Pork Rice + One other dish to share or take home
For Groups: Order multiple $3 bowls to sample different flavors, plus one of the larger fried rice dishes to share
Final Verdict: 7/10
Really Something earns its rating through a combination of exceptional value, authentic flavors in its signature dishes, and the genuine comfort food experience it provides. The 7/10 score fairly reflects both its considerable strengths and notable weaknesses.
The Bottom Line: This isn’t a perfect establishment—the inconsistency between dishes and the small portions may frustrate some diners. However, when Really Something gets it right (as with the lu rou fan and Chiayi chicken rice), it delivers Taiwanese comfort food that’s both authentic and remarkably affordable.
At $3 per bowl for the signature rice dishes, you’re paying less than many bubble tea drinks for a proper meal. Even accounting for the petite portions, the value proposition remains compelling. The braised pork rice alone justifies the trek to find this hidden stall.
Would I Return? Absolutely, specifically for the lu rou fan and Chiayi chicken rice. These two dishes represent the best of what Really Something offers—authentic Taiwanese flavors at prices that make regular visits entirely feasible.
For anyone craving Taiwanese comfort food without the associated price tag of restaurants like Din Tai Fung, Really Something offers a genuine alternative worth seeking out. Just manage your expectations on portion sizes, stick to the recommended dishes, and embrace the authentic hawker centre experience.
Practical Information Summary
Really Something (非同小可 / Fei Tong Xiao Ke)
📍 Address: 335 Smith Street, #02-207, Chinatown Complex Food Centre, Singapore 050335
🕐 Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday, Friday-Sunday, 11am to 5pm (Closed Monday & Thursday)
📞 Phone: 9437 2449
🚇 Nearest MRT: Chinatown Station
💰 Price Range: $3-$4.80 per dish
🥘 Cuisine: Taiwanese
⚠️ Note: Not halal-certified
Recommended Dishes:
- Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan) – $3
- Chiayi Chicken Rice – $3
This comprehensive review is based on the dining experience documented in November 2020. Prices, menu items, and operating hours may have changed. Always verify current information before visiting.