Shihlin Taiwan Street Food has been around long enough that most of us probably have memories of their XXL Crispy Chicken and Oyster Mee Sua.
Now, at 22 years old and with over 100 million crispy chickens sold (Wow!), Shihlin has decided it is time for a glow-up.
They are calling it Shihlin 2.0, and the revamp comes with two big promises: better fried chicken, and a move beyond snacks with new rice bowls.
These are available at NEX and Compass One (from 10 Jan 2026) outlets.
New meal options now feature the Braised Chicken Ricebowl ($7.50) and the Chiayi Scallion Chicken Ricebowl ($7.50), alongside the Signature Crispy Chicken Ricebox ($7.90) and Assorted Mushroom Ricebox ($6.90).
Of course, their other favourites like Shihlin Sweet Plum Potato Fries ($3.90), Shihlin Seafood Tempura ($4.80) and Assorted Mushrooms ($5.90), Golden Mini Hash Browns ($4.90), and Shihlin Egg Crepes ($5.50) still remain.
Let’s take a look at what’s new on the Shihlin 2.0 menu:
Braised Chicken Ricebowl ($7.50)
The biggest change to the Shihlin 2.0 menu is the introduction of rice bowls.
On paper, the Braised Chicken Ricebowl is a twist on the famous Taiwanese Lu Rou Fan, only here it uses chicken to keep things inclusive for a wider audience.
The bowl came with minced chicken sauce spooned over Taiwanese short-grain pearl rice, with a side of braised tofu, pickles and a jammy ramen egg.
While the chicken may lack the fatty depth of pork, the sauce was savoury and carried a fragrant soy-based richness.
Chiayi Scallion Chicken Ricebowl ($7.50)
This worked better for me. Inspired by Chiayi’s turkey rice, Shihlin substitutes chicken but keeps the soy-based gravy that ties the dish together.
The chicken was tender, the scallion aroma was strong, and the glossy grains soaked up the sauce nicely.
It felt lighter than the braised bowl, but also more balanced. Between the two, this is the one I would come back for.
Smashed Cucumber ($2) and Oyster Mushroom ($2.50)
They also added sides like smashed cucumber and oyster mushrooms dressed in a light marinade.
Both were refreshing against the heavier bowls and chicken. They are priced fairly and make the meal feel less one-note.
Shihlin XXL Crispy Chicken ($6.90)
As for the chicken itself, Shihlin has upgraded its process with automated fryers and oil filtration systems. (That sounds like corporate jargon until you taste the chicken.)
The XXL Crispy Chicken now comes out consistently golden, crisp and without the greasy heaviness it sometimes had in the past.
I noticed the coating was crunchier, and the meat stayed juicy even after a short wait.
Hot and Sour Soup ($3.80)
I also tried Shihlin’s Hot and Sour Soup recently introduction, and it turned out better than I expected.
The soup had a gentle zest with a bit of heat that made it easy to keep sipping. And thick enough with some mushrooms and tofu to feel hearty without being heavy.
Shihlin Taiwan Street Food Compass One Reopening Promotion (10 Jan 2026, 12 – 15 Jan 2026)
Shihlin is marking the reopening of its Compass One outlet with $2.99 Braised Chicken Rice Bowl deal for the first 100 customers.
10 Jan 2026*: Starting at 12pm, the first 100 customers can enjoy $2.99 Braised Chicken Rice Bowl (U.P.$7.50) *Each customer is entitled to 1 bowl only
12 – 15 Jan 2026: Braised Chicken Ricebowl or Chiayi Scallion Chicken Ricebowl at $5.90 (U.P.$7.50)
Shihlin Taiwan Street Food
Compass One #B1-51, 1 Sengkang Square, Singapore 545078
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)
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* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Shihlin Taiwan Street Food.
