FOOD: Woo Ricebox – Authentic Taiwanese Ricebox at CBD

Author: Alex Chua

Braised Minced Pork Ricebox, Spicy Drumstick Ricebox and Braised Chicken Ricebox

If you fancy Taiwan street cuisine, and particularly Taiwan railway food, there is a new spot in town to dine at. Conveniently located in Ocean Financial Centre at Raffles Place, Woo Ricebox serves tasty and affordable Taiwanese lunch sets and a myriad of yummy delights that would definitely satisfy the foodophile in you.




Here’s some interesting background about this brand. Woo Ricebox began with a simple purpose –to serve travellers comforting meal on the long train journey, hence leading to the emergence of the ricebox. It opened its first outlet in 1939 at Chihshang Township, a major railway interchange in Taitung. Today the brand has grown to over 200 stores in Taiwan, and its original premise transformed into a Museum to share the history of Taiwanese and local rice culture.





Who can say no to the Signature Braised Pork Ricebox with Preserved Veggies, or Lu Rou Fan ($6.80)? Presented in an oval bamboo box, you can choose between pork belly or lean pork. The meat is nicely marinated, flavourful and goes really well with the specialty rice. Woo Ricebox uses only premium short-grain rice specially imported from Chihshang in Taitung, which is prized for its fragrance and springy texture when cooked.




If you’re like me who find fried food simply irresistible you will be spoilt for choice with Woo’s selection of seven different fried mains, which includes Woo’s Pork Chop Ricebox ($8.30) and the awesomely HUGE Spicy Fried Chicken Ricebox ($8.90). Woo’s secret batter and frying technique gives a delightful crunch upon biting into the meat, and it doesn’t give the oily feel which really sits well for me.





To make your meal more satisfying, you can grab some side dishes like the addictive Spicy Drumstick ($5) with juicy meat wrapped in light crispy skin, Taiwan Sausage ($1.50 for 7 slices), Braised Beancurd ($1.50 for 2 pieces) or Salt & Pepper Popcorn Chicken (picture above, $4, available only during off-peak periods).





As for my personal favourite I would definitely grab the Gua Bao 割包 (chicken $2.20/ pork $2.60). Filled with tender pork/ chicken and preserved vegetables, sprinkled with peanut powder, giving it a textured bite with juicy, meaty taste. A must for busy working professionals who needs a quick, fuss-free grab-and-go lunch!

Woo Ricebox @ Ocean Financial Centre
10 Collyer Quay, #B1-03/05 Ocean Financial Centre

Opening Hours: 11 am to 8pm (Mon to Fri Last order 7.30pm),
11am to 3pm (Sat last order 2.30pm), closed on Sundays

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wooriceboxsg/
Instagram: @WooRiceboxsg