Taiwanese flavours come well and truly alive at Jiak Bar, the latest food and drinks hotspot by Jiak Ba Food Heaven.
In the lively enclave that is China Street, Singapore, Jiak Bar opens its doors as a typical Taiwanese eatery serving everyday Taiwanese delicacies during the day, and a trendy small plates izakaya and cocktails outpost during the night. It brings to the table the holy trilogy of good food, great drinks and amazing time thanks to the vision of that Singaporean owner who truly loves the concept of Taiwanese xiao chao [小炒]. During her frequent travel there, she decided to introduce the concept back home to Singapore. With this aspiration in mind, she roped in her trusted local Chef, Bui Kia and her dedicated team, and together their best friend, a true maestro chef of Taiwanese cuisine, got together to create Jiak Ba Food Heaven. With culinary experiences from Taipei, Taichung and Taitung, the team assembled a menu that showcases the quintessential flavors of Taiwan with broad popular appeal.
True to Taiwan’s spirits of re chao [热炒] in Taiwan, xiao chao [小炒] at Jiak Bar echoes scenes of small, stir-fried dishes served at bustling eateries for the working folks. Jiak Bar has on its menu the everyday signatures like Oyster and Fried Intestine Mee Sua, Braised Meat Rice, Braised Pork Chop Rice, Pig’s Trotter Rice, which are sure to satiate the hungry bellies during the day. When night falls, things transform into a vibey Taiwanese izakaya haunt, tempting with authentic Taiwanese small plates perfect to pair with a medley of cocktails and Taiwan beers.
Fresh interpretations of classic Taiwanese bites, from the Crunchy Braised Pig’s Ears to the indulgent Three Cup Egg, a crispy, deep-fried take on century egg, from prices as low as $3.80. Its proximity to the offices of the Central Business District makes it the perfect place to unwind after work with truly authentic Taiwanese flavours and unforgettable drinks to toast to a good night.
Taiwanese Izakaya Xiao Chao [台湾小炒] Favourites
Taiwan is served on a plate from the heartwarming flavours of the day to the cheeky treats of the night.
Warm up with Naked Pepper Chicken Soup $12.80, a soup of subtle and sweet fragrant flavour. Imported from Taiwan, these peppers are first cooked and then skinned before simmered to sweetness in the soup to release its punch. Alternatively, there’s the Pineapple & Bitter Gourd Soup $12.80, a unique broth that strikes a delicate balance between the natural sweetness of tangy pineapple and the earthy bitterness of fresh bittergourd.
The crowd favourite here is the Golden Kimchi $5.80, whetting the appetite with an unmistakably tantalising kick. Unlike traditional kimchi, it is fermented overnight with a pumpkin secret recipe, resulting in kimchi of a golden yellow hue, hence its name. Differing from its usual red counterpart, it also boasts a refreshing and mildly sweet note to it, borrowing the nuanced butteriness of the pumpkin.
Those looking for something hot and fiery will find it all with the Claypot Mala Tofu Stew $12.80. The tofu is braised in Jiak Ba’s very own Jin Xuan Tea-infused broth for over 24 hours to absorb its deep, aromatic richness. It is then braised to melting tenderness with pig intestines in a spicy stew made from no less than 22 spices, offering a rich and satisfying kick with every bite. The premium tea leaves sourced from Sun Moon Lake is a match made in heaven with our authentic Taiwan mala broth recipe.
Eat, drink, and be merry with pocket-friendly cocktails strategically priced under $10. Sip on the Drunken Boba $9.80 that gives Taiwan’s beloved milk tea a boozy upgrade, blending creamy, fragrant tea with a generous splash of whisky and umeshu, finished with chewy boba pearls that soak up the spirits. Another must-try is the Warm Red Date Wine $9.80, a cocktail that infuses sweet red dates with plum wine, offering a smooth, slightly spiced sip that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day. For freshness in a glass, look no further than the Fruity Sipper Cocktail $9.80, a refreshing cooler made from of fresh watermelon and orange juice with umeshu and gin, perfect for Singapore’s hot weather. For those familiar with Taiwan food scenes, Jiak Bar serves the iconic Taiwan beers too.
