Niu Dian, the 3 consecutive years Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee in Taiwan, has officially opened its second outlet in Holland Village. Spurred by the success of the first Singapore outlet in Balestier, Niu Dian’s Founder, Mr Lin Chun Ying will be introducing a brand-new beef rice bowl series to provide a delightful alternative to their beef noodles. (Full review of Niu Dian Balestier is available here).
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| Niu Dian Holland Village |
We started our meal with the side dishes Cold Century Egg Tofu with Bonito Flakes ($5.90) and Braised Beancurd ($3.90). Served cold, the tofu is soft and silky, topped with century egg, covered with sweet brown gravy and loads of shaved bonito. The overall dish is just creamy, refreshing finished off with umami flavour from the gravy and bonito.
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| Cold Century Egg Tofu with Bonito Flakes |
Meanwhile, the braised beancurd is served warm and has a chewy texture filled with traditional smoky flavour. When I bit it, the beancurd was bursting with the braising liquid. A familiar taste of beancurd usually found in Taiwan.
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| Braised Beancurd |
Niu Dian outlet at Holland Village has 3 new beef rice bowl dishes on the menu.
1. Combination Speciality Beef Pearl Rice Bowl (Boneless Rib Cut + Tendon + Tripe + Golden Coin) - $19.90
2. Trio Speciality Beef Pearl Rice Bowl (Boneless Rib Cut + Tendon + Golden Coin) - $19.90
3. Shredded Beef Pearl Rice Bowl - $15.90
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| Shredded Beef Pearl Rice Bowl |
LD chose the shredded beef pearl rice bowl because the meat is different compared to those in the noodle section. The pearl rice is topped with egg, cooked oyakodon style, also known as Tanidon. The egg is creamy, infused with the sweetness of the onion and beef broth. The shredded beef uses mini slices from the golden coin and boneless rib cut. The standard flavour of this dish is spicy, as the signature Niu Dian’s chilli is folded into the rice.
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| Shredded Beef Pearl Rice Bowl |
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| Shredded Beef Pearl Rice Bowl |
I choose the Combination Speciality Beef Noodles Set (Boneless Rib Cut + Tendon + Tripe + Golden Coin) - $19.90. The broth has a nice yellowy colour broth, infused with the essence of the beef. A nice-looking beef consommé. The rib cut and golden coin cut are amazingly tender. The tendon is soft with a delicate crunchy texture, while the tripe is springy yet soft. The cuts of the beef tasted clean and packed with delicious beef flavour and without any gamey beef taste. The chopped spring onions are imported from Taiwan, the aromatic aroma just complements this bowl of soup perfectly.
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| Combination Speciality Beef Noodles Set |
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| Golden Coin |
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| Tripe |
I realise there is a difference in the noodle compared to the initial version. The original noodle was hard and thick with a lovely chewiness on it. However, Mr Lin told us that due to the feedback from Singapore customers, he adjusted the thickness of the noodle and made it silkier. We both prefer the original version as it is just like what we taste in Taiwan.
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| Boneless Rib Cut |
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| Tendon |
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| Noodles |
Accompanying our meal is the palace tea. We ordered the Lime & Sour Plum Green Tea with Aiyu ($5.70) and Osmanthus Oolong Jelly Tea ($5.70). Both type of tea is good to balance the beefiness in the meal.
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| Lime
& Sour Plum Green Tea with Aiyu & Osmanthus Oolong Jelly Tea |
Other than the Media Tasting Menu, we also ordered other side dishes Pickled Radish ($4.90) and Cold King Oyster Mushroom ($4.90). We like the pickled radish as it is crunchy and sourish, which is good to cuts through the “jelakness” of the meat.
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| Pickled Radish |
The King Oyster Mushroom has a delightful chewiness in it, marinated in spicy mala sauce. Meanwhile, the cubed pickled radish is crunchy, covered in sweet and sour marinate. It looks like the pickled radish you get when eating Korean Fried Chicken.
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| Cold King Oyster Mushroom |
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| The Side Dishes |
The décor of the restaurant is inspired by its Taiwanese roots. Combination of solid wooden tables and chairs that are classy and elegant. The twist in the décor is the display of Bearbricks Sculptures, which seems a bit out of place. The service is friendly, though on the minimum side as the ordering is done through the QR code on each table.
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| Part of Dining Area |
Overall, Niu Dian not only has expanded its presence to Holland Village, but they also expand its menu to provide alternative to beef noodles. The beef rice bowl series has its own characteristics and comparable to their noodle series as well. Cheers!!
Thank you very much Protegie and Niu Dian Beef Noodles for the invitation.
Food & Drink: 8.5/10
Value: 8/10
Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation)
Ambiance: 7.5/10
Budget per Person: $26 - $50
Niu Dian @Holland Village
15A Lor Liput
Singapore 277730
IG: @niudiansg
OH:
Sun – Thu: 11.00– 21.30
Fri & Sat: 11.00 – 22.00 (LO 21.30)
Menu available here
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