Came across this new Taiwanese F&B establishment named Isshin Machi fairly recently on social media; turns out that they are just located at East Coast Road taking over the former premises of now-defunct Tall Girl Cuisine just a few doors away from Brawn & Brains Coffee, right beside Forty Hands Coffee — pretty much a location that I am pretty familiar with.
If anything is to be said about the menu here, the variety of dishes offered here seems to be pretty wide as compared to most Taiwanese-themed eateries around the island, serving up appetisers, snacks, fried dishes, vegetables, rice, soup and noodles. It was difficult to take our eyes off from the Fried Rice with Specially Marinated Pork Chop — some may affectionately call it as the Din Tai Fung fried rice, being the Taiwanese-style egg fried rice that is served with pork chop on the side. Digging into the dish, this item was a clear winner — the fried rice using short-grain rice which was pearly and distinguishable by-the-grain; nicely lacquered with just enough oil without being ever greasy; carries a slight hint of egginess but largely savoury, being a variant that would do well for those who prefer slightly heavier flavours. The Specially Marinated Pork Chop was the true stunner — slight crisp on the outside, the slab of pork has been tenderised for a good texture; juicy and easy to chew, each piece was something to be savoured slowly and carries sufficient meatiness in its flavour without a porky stench. A very well-executed plate of Taiwanese-style fried rice that we found exceptionally easy to finish; so much that it was wiped off clean in no-time.
Must say that Isshin Machi is a spot that serves up pretty good Taiwanese fare — liked how seem to be also very generous with their meats especially for the rice dishes. Given how the dishes here are being served here though, we would suggest coming here with a small group of 3 to 4 if one is looking to try more items on the menu. Still, it’s pretty much of a hidden gem in Katong for now — known to residents, but certainly somewhere I would make my way down to settle my cravings; a spot worth looking out for!
