MONKI 台灣小吃部 at The Star Vista brings authentic Taiwanese street food to Singapore with its homely flavours and wallet-friendly prices. I stumbled upon this gem while hunting for dinner before attending the Take That concert at The Star Theatre. If you’re looking for MONKI 台灣小吃部 in the sprawling mall, head towards the taxi stand—you can’t miss it.

When we visited, the place was decked out in Halloween decorations—pumpkin lanterns, hanging amulets, and a skeleton greeting customers outside. But don’t worry, this isn’t their usual look! The festive decor was just a seasonal touch.

Warm Taiwanese Hospitality

The moment we stepped into MONKI 台灣小吃部, we felt the familiar Taiwanese hospitality. The lady boss welcomed us with genuine warmth that instantly reminded me of our trips to Taiwan. There’s something special about that ‘ren qing wei’ (人情味 or human touch) that many Taiwanese establishments have—a quality often missing in Singapore’s dining scene.

Ordering is simple. Just place your order at the counter, make payment, and the food arrives at your table. Service is quick, especially if you come for early dinner before the crowds pour in.

We were pleasantly surprised by how reasonably priced their menu items are compared to other Taiwanese eateries in Singapore.

If you’re planning to visit, consider their set meals if you want variety. They also roll out special dishes, light bites, and drinks from time to time, so every visit might offer something new to try.

What We Ordered

Monki Braised Pork Rice ($9)

We chose the complete version with a braised egg rather than the smaller “Just Braised Pork Rice” ($6). The braising sauce isn’t overpoweringly robust, but that’s what makes it special. It’s not salty or oily—just a comforting, homely taste that satisfies.

Pro tip: Add the table chilli sauce for an extra kick. It transforms the dish completely!

Big Intestine Mee Sua ($8.80)

This dish comes thick and starchy, similar to lor mee but with mee sua noodles. If you’ve tried the famous Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle at Ximending in Taipei, you’ll recognise the similarity. The intestines were tender and thoroughly cleaned with no unwanted smell—a mark of proper preparation. A splash of black vinegar and chilli makes this a comforting bowl perfect for slurping.

Taiwanese Oyster Omelette ($10)

When asked if we wanted sweet sauce drizzled over, we said yes—and we weren’t disappointed. This oyster omelette surpassed the one we had at Shilin Night Market. It’s the soft, eggy type rather than the crispy version. The oysters were plump and fresh with no fishy taste. With its substantial portion size, this dish could be a main on its own.

Taiwan Fried Salt & Pepper Chicken ($6)

They’ll ask if you want this spicy, which means they’ll sprinkle chilli powder over the chicken pieces. The chicken was beautifully fried—crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, and surprisingly not oily.

Refreshing Drinks

Aiyu Lemon Lime Juice ($5)

This citrusy and refreshing drink comes with pieces of aiyu jelly at the bottom. It’s perfect for cutting through the richness of the fried dishes.

Osmanthus Plum Juice ($5)

Though we couldn’t really taste the osmanthus, there was a distinct hawthorn flavour that reminded me of homemade hawthorn tea. Both drinks were excellent palate cleansers.

Note: Prices mentioned are subject to 10% service charge and were accurate at the time of visit.

Why MONKI Stands Out

One thing I truly appreciate about MONKI 台灣小吃部 is their commitment to cooking without MSG. Though their dishes are flavourful and delicious, they’re not overwhelming. They leave you satisfied without that heavy feeling you sometimes get after a meal loaded with flavour enhancers.

The entire meal cost less than $50 for two people, including the 10% service charge (and there’s no GST). That’s remarkably good value for the quality and quantity of food we enjoyed.

Final Thoughts

My only complaint is that MONKI 台灣小吃部 is too far from my home, haha. Otherwise, I’d be coming here regularly to try everything on their menu. The homely cooking, the warm service, the ambience—it all combines to create a dining experience that genuinely transports you to Taiwan. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their menu.

MONKI, can you please open a branch in the north-east? 🙂