1030 Breakfast Shop In Chinatown: Taiwan Comfort Food From $2

Hidden in the quieter Blue Zone of Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre, 1030 Breakfast Shop (一零三零早餐店) brings the authentic flavors of Taiwan's beloved breakfast culture to Singapore's hawker scene. This sister-run establishment has quickly gained attention for making traditional Taiwanese morning fare accessible and affordable, with prices starting from just $2.

The Story Behind the Stall

Founded by chef Eeling, who works alongside her sister, 1030 Breakfast Shop was born from a desire to recreate the authentic Taiwanese breakfast experience that Eeling cherished during her time in Taiwan. The chef and founder, Eeling, tells us that she started 1030 Breakfast Shop so that she could recreate the authentic Taiwanese fare that she so dearly enjoyed while there. This personal connection to Taiwan's food culture shines through in every dish they serve.

The Food: Traditional Taiwanese Breakfast Done Right

The stall's toast offerings range dramatically in both complexity and price. They've got those in seven flavours here, with three of them priced at $2, namely the Black Sesame Toast, Chocolate Toast, and the locally-inspired Kaya Butter Toast. The Black Sesame Toast stands out with its creamy black sesame paste, which boasted a good balance between sweet and nutty flavours.

The Signature Toast ($6.50) is the undisputed star of the menu

This sandwich comes with a layer of peanut butter, melted cheese, condensed milk, sliced cucumber, pork chop, and luncheon meat! Despite sounding overwhelming, The peanut butter jam meshes surprisingly well with the proteins. It has a creamy, roasted indulgence to it, which complements the savouriness of the meats sandwiched between.

Dan Bing - The Art of Taiwanese Egg Crepes

Dan bing takes centrestage on 1030 Breakfast Shop's menu. Made with egg batter, the pancake is carefully and thinly folded — until it resembles a crepe — then stuffed to the brim with a mouthwatering combination of ingredients. The technique here is spot-on, achieving a crispy exterior and slightly chewy body, while its ingredients are plump and robust with flavour.

The Ham Cheese Egg Omelette ($5) delivers fresh slices of ham and cheese in the middle — a winning combination. However, the Hashbrown Bacon Egg Omelette emerges as the clear favorite, with the crunch of the fried bacon bits and hashbrown that makes it oh-so-addictive. It's not too oily, either, and the subtle eggy flavour in the omelette balances out any richness in the dish.

Rice Dishes - Comfort Food Classics

For those seeking heartier options, the stall offers traditional Taiwanese rice dishes at incredibly accessible prices. For a carb-loaded dish, order the minced pork millet (S$2), sprinkled with bits of mushrooms, scallions and carrots, or the luscious braised pork rice (S$2).

Final Verdict

Whether you're a Taiwan food enthusiast seeking authentic dan bing or someone curious about expanding your breakfast horizons beyond traditional local fare, 1030 Breakfast Shop offers an accessible entry point into Taiwan's rich breakfast culture - all within the familiar comfort of a Singapore hawker center.

Address: 335 Smith Street, #02-215, Chinatown Complex, Singapore 050335

Operating Hours: Thursday - Sunday, 7:30AM - 2:30PM

Phone: 8797 1030

Getting There: Walk about 201 meters from Exit A - Chinatown Complex to 1030 Breakfast Shop 一零三零, walking time is around 4 mins.

Payment: Electronic buzzer system for order collection

Halal Status: 1030 Breakfast Shop is not a halal-certified eatery.