Famed Taiwanese Dumpling Chain Yu Ba Fang Opens First S’pore Outlet To Long Queues

With the long-awaited travel corridor with Taiwan up in the air, here’s something to tempt foodies with cabin fever: famous Taiwanese dumpling chain Yu Ba Fang has opened its first outlet in Singapore in the basement of Raffles City. And the takeaway-only kiosk has been attracting long lines since it’s soft opening on August 7. The average wait on Day 1 was 50 minutes, according to reports on the brand’s IG account.

Well-travelled customers might notice that Yu Ba Fang has a similar name to the original Taiwanese brand, Bafang Yunji, the latter of which first opened its doors in Taipei in 1998 and boasts 1171 stores in Taiwan and HK. But they are not related. Yu Ba Fang is a Chongqing-based company that also sells Taiwanese-style dumplings similar to Bafang Yunji's.

After repeated requests for clarification since both brands sell nearly identical food, the Singapore shop's spokesperson finally responded to 8days.sg: Yu Ba Fang Singapore is an independent brand directly linked to Yu Ba Fang China. [They] are not directly linked to any other entities or any affiliates that Yu Ba Fang China has with others. We apologise if we have caused any misunderstanding.

For eats, expect the brand’s famed dumplings, stuffed with a variety of fillings and served either as pan-fried as spear-shaped guo tie (pot stickers) or steamed.

The dumplings are freshly made on-site and come in three flavours: the YBF classic signature ($10.90), Hualien Ji’an fragrant chives ($10.90) and golden sweet corn chicken ($10.90). You can also opt to get a mix of two flavours for the same price. Upcoming menu items that haven’t been released include a prawn-stuffed dumpling, as well as a Jeju-island-inspired K-style dumpling.

According to Yu Ba Fang’s Facebook page, each dumpling is weighed down to the gram (28, to be exact) for consistency. Also on the menu: Taiwanese lu rou fan (minced pork rice) for $7.90, soy bean milk ($2.50) and suan la tang (hot and sour soup) for $2.50.

Despite being only three days young, Yu Ba Fang managed to draw queues over the long weekend. According to the brand’s social media accounts, the shop had to close briefly twice on National Day to restock ingredients at 2.45pm and 4.30pm, and were sold out by 7.30pm. Though they’ve yet to announce their official opening hours, the stall opens along with the mall at 10am.

Yu Ba Fang is at B1-54, Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd, S179103. More info via Facebook and Instagram.

Photos: Yu Ba Fang/Facebook and Instagram