Taiwan tempura — known in Mandarin as tian bu la (甜不辣) — is one of those Taiwanese street food classics that quietly wins over everyone who tries it. It's crispy on the outside, springy and savoury on the inside, and completely different from what most people picture when they hear "tempura." If you're in Singapore and want to try the real thing, I Love Taimei has you covered at 14 outlets island-wide.

What Is Taiwan Tempura — Not Japanese, Not What You Think

The name trips people up. "Tempura" in the Japanese sense means battered, deep-fried vegetables or seafood. Taiwan tempura is something else entirely.

Tian bu la is a fish-paste based snack — made from a seasoned fish surimi mixture that gets shaped and deep-fried until golden. The name itself is thought to be a Taiwanese phonetic borrowing from the Portuguese word tempero (seasoning) or possibly from the Japanese tenpura, brought over during the Japanese colonial period and then made thoroughly Taiwanese over generations.

What you get is a flat, slightly chewy piece that crackles at the edge and has a dense, bouncy centre. It's savoury, mildly fishy in the best way, and deeply satisfying. In Taiwan, you'd find it skewered on a stick, sold at night market stalls alongside other small bites — daikon fishcake, tofu puffs, and the like. The stall keeps everything warm in a light broth, and you grab what you want.

Singapore has its own version of this tradition. But not every version nails the texture. The real deal has that distinct springiness — QQ in Taiwanese slang — that comes from properly prepared fish paste and the right frying technique.

The Texture and Flavour That Makes It Addictive

Talk to anyone who grew up eating Taiwan tempura and the word that comes up most often is QQ — that bouncy, slightly chewy quality that makes each bite feel substantial without being heavy.

Good Taiwan tempura has layers. The outer surface fries up crispy and a little caramelised. Then you bite through and hit that springy fish-paste interior — mild, umami-forward, lightly seasoned. It's not loud food. It doesn't punch you in the face with spice or sauce. It's the kind of thing you keep reaching for because it's quietly, persistently good.

That's what makes it such a dependable snack at a night market — or, frankly, at a Singaporean food court. It doesn't need much accompaniment. A little sweet chilli on the side and you're set. Or just eat it straight out of the bag on the MRT platform, no judgment.

The contrast between crispy exterior and QQ interior is the whole game. When it's done right, the texture is almost hypnotic. When it's done poorly — soggy, dense, or over-sauced — it just tastes like a sad fish cake. So the quality of the frying matters a lot.

I Love Taimei's Taiwan Tempura

I Love Taimei has been serving Taiwanese street food in Singapore since 2009 — women-owned, and built on the philosophy of bringing Taiwan's night market flavours to your neighbourhood. The brand's menu features the things you'd actually find at a proper night market: XXL fried chicken, braised chicken rice, bubble tea, and yes — crispy Taiwan Tempura.

The Taiwan Tempura at ILTM hits the marks that matter. It's fried fresh, so you get that hot, crackling outer layer. The fish paste interior stays springy rather than dense or gummy. It's the kind of snack that disappears fast — order it alongside something else and it'll be gone before the main event arrives.

ILTM prepares all its food with no pork and no lard, which means more people get to enjoy it without worrying about what's in the fryer.

You'll find Taiwan Tempura on the menu across all 14 outlets — from Tampines to Choa Chu Kang, Serangoon to Sembawang. If you want a convenient central spot, the Bugis Junction outlet is easy to reach: 230 Victoria St, #B1-K11 to 11A, Bugis Junction, Singapore 188024. Open Monday to Sunday, 11:00–22:00.

Pair It With — Combo Ideas

Taiwan tempura works brilliantly as a snack on its own, but it really shines when you build a small spread around it. A few combos that make sense:

Taiwan Tempura + Brown Sugar Bubble Tea — The crispy, savoury tempura against the sweet, slightly caramelised Brown Sugar Bubble Tea is a contrast that just works. Classic pairing.

Taiwan Tempura + XXL Taiwan Fried Chicken — If you're leaning into the full night market experience, get both. The XXL Taiwan Fried Chicken is the star; the tempura is the opening act you end up finishing first.

Taiwan Tempura + Braised Chicken Rice (Lu Rou Fan) — For something more like a proper meal. The tempura adds textural contrast to the soft, braised richness of the Braised Chicken Rice (Lu Rou Fan) rice bowl.

The Taiwan Tempura is also a good call when you're not sure what you want. It's light enough that it won't wreck your appetite, satisfying enough that it holds you over. Good for grabbing between stops on a shopping run.

Try It for Yourself

Taiwan tempura is one of those snacks that's easier to understand after the first bite than after any amount of description. Crispy, springy, savoury, QQ — the words only go so far.

The full I Love Taimei menu — including Taiwan Tempura — is available to order online. Browse everything and place your order here: https://go.momos.com/ilovetaimei

Or if you'd rather go in person, find the outlet nearest to you at https://ilovetaimei.com/places/