Abundance @ Jalan Besar: Taiwanese Restaurant and Craft Beer

Just two blocks from the previous Taiwanese joint I posted about, is another Taiwanese restaurant called Abundance. Having lived in this area for awhile, I’ve been aware of this restaurant since they first graced our neighborhood. But their line was always so long that I did not get the chance to visit until now.

Anyway, let’s get straight into it.

Abundance is not a new kid in town – they opened up in Redhill in 2021. The restaurant was so well received that they opened the second branch in Jalan Besar at the end of 2022, which was equally popular as well. I remember passing by the restaurant multiple times and there was always a line snaking out. And now, they have a third branch in Tampines as well!

I haven’t been to their Redhill branch, but the one in Jalan Besar is located at a shophouse along Jalan Besar itself. By the way, Jalan Besar translates to Big Road in Malay in case you didn’t know.

Anyway, the branch at Jalan Besar is not big, but there is ample seating inside. Even so, they will fill up rather fast due to the popularity of the restaurant.

They also specialize in Taiwanese craft beer. As you can see, there is a bar seating with beer taps on the counter. I assume this bar seating gets filled more towards dinner time.

We ordered two Gua Bao (S$9.90) and a bowl of Taiwanese Beef Noodle (S$19.90) to share. As I was a first-time customer, they also gave me a free beverage – I chose the apple soda.

First, let’s talk about the Gua Bao. I initially raised an eyebrow at the price – S$7.90 is not cheap. But my husband who has been there before assured me it was worth it. And when our baos were served, I understood why – the portion was huge! I think if I had two of their buns, that would be more than enough for me for lunch.

Their Gua Bao was interesting. It has sweet crispy peanuts and pickled vegetables, which gives it a nice blend of texture and a flavor boost.

My husband who had been to Abundance before said their Fish Bun is interesting too. It’s like fish fillet sandwich. He actually wanted me to order Gua Bao and Fish Bun to share, but I heard him wrongly and ordered two Gua Baos instead. Oh well, next time!

Their Taiwanese Beef Noodle also raised my eyebrows with their price of S$16.90. Usually, beef noodles here are around $12-14, so Abundance’s beef noodle seems pricey.

However, after trying it, I think it’s actually my favorite beef noodle in Singapore. The broth is very rich, the beef slices are super tender, and the noodles are cooked just right. I did not regret ordering it at all!

So the verdict? Yes it’s not just a hype. Their food is delicious and the portions are huge. I’m a fan.

There are quite a few items that I still want to try here, namely the Lu Rou Fan and the Peanut Ice Cream, which was one of my favorite dessert when I was in Taipei. So I will be back.