Our local hawkers found international acclaim when two stalls got awarded Michelin stars last year. One of them, Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle, which first started at their humble Chinatown Food Complex outlet, has since expanded rapidly to two outposts in Singapore; one at Smith Street and another at 18 Tai Seng Mall. And just last week, on Apr 21, the hawker has successfully ventured overseas with an outlet in Taipei, near Hoyii North Station.
Taiwanese foodies have welcomed the brand. It is, afterall, one of only two street food stalls in the world to hold a Michelin star, the other being Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle on Crawford Lane. Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle’s Taiwanese outlet will take on a quick service concept similar to Chef-owner Chan Hon Meng’s branch at Smith Street with the price of one bento set starting from NT100 ($4.60). Chef Chan said he picked Taiwan because he feels that they understand the hawker culture like we do.
However, several angry customers, citing the three-hour long wait coupled with bad service, cold food and unclean tables, have left compaints on social media. One of the Taiwanese commentors, as posted below, pointed out that the place is all the rage in Taiwan now due to its Michelin star, but that he was disappointed at the quality of the food. He forsees no queues at the restaurant a month from now after the hype has died down.
In any case, we’re still proud of our beloved Hawker Chan and how he has brought our street food cuisine abroad. Head over to their Taiwan Facebook page to find out more.
