Woo Ricebox

Located at the basement of Ocean Financial Centre is Woo Ricebox, which serves traditional Taiwan-style lunch boxes. Premium short-grain rice prized for its fragrance and springy texture when cooked are imported from Chihshang in Taidong where its 1st branch, at a major railway interchange, was set up in 1939. To cater to scores of hungry Taiwanese travellers embarking on train rides that lasted for hours on end, nutritious meals with a balance of meat and vegetables were created in convenient rice boxes –  small, compact and made of a special type of porous wood to help wick away excess moisture from the ingredients. This ensures the food stays fresh and warm hours after purchase and even fried items do not turn soggy. All rice boxes are paired with a choice of a main meat item, braised egg-half and beancurd as well as sautéed seasonal vegetables and a savoury blend of pickles.

With more than 200 branches in Taiwan, its 1st opened in Singapore last month right in the heart of the Central Business District. As there was no more Woo's Pork Chop Rice Box when I visited on a weekday evening for dinner, I ordered the Railway Pork Chop Rice Box instead. The pork chop was fried before it was braised in sauce so it was delicious, juicy and tender. It was perfect with the rice, which was good enough on its own. Could neither rave about nor fault on the pickles and egg though the beancurd and vegetables were a tad bland. Will be back to try its Braised Minced Pork Ricebox, that I fell in love with when I was in Taiwan, and Salt & Pepper Popcorn Chicken (only available from 3 to 5pm). Health-conscious people can opt for Veg Rice Box or Woo's Healthy Rice Box with high-fibre five grain rice mixture – a blend of barley, black glutinous rice, buckwheat, millet and white rice.

Update: The branch at Ocean Financial Centre has closed. It can still be found at Jurong Point.