Founded in February 2023, Wong Fu Fu is a unique Taiwanese-inspired halal restaurant located on North Bridge Road in Singapore. Wong Fu Fu offers a blend of Taiwanese and fusion dishes, catering to a wide audience of both Muslims and non-Muslims. The founder, Joseph, shares the heartfelt story behind Wong Fu Fu, inspired by his mother’s love for cooking and his vision of creating a place that brings people together over delicious food.
Wong Fu Fu was recently awarded a Diamond at the prestigious HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards this year. The Diamond Award is the pinnacle of the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards, a distinguished award presented to extraordinary Halal dining establishments. celebrating culinary excellence.
HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards aim to recognize and promote exceptional halal dining establishments. The first HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards was held in Singapore on June 5 during a Gala Dinner. With a commitment to showcasing the diversity and richness of halal cuisine, the awards bring attention to establishments that excel in providing memorable dining experiences.
Check out the Winners Guide to find the full list of winners!
Wong Fu Fu's journey began after the pandemic when Joseph decided to pivot from his previous food and beverage venture. After the challenges brought on by COVID-19, Joseph felt the need to create something new that reflected his values and the needs of the community.
Inspired by the lack of halal Taiwanese food in Singapore and motivated by his mother’s love of cooking, Joseph launched Wong Fu Fu. The restaurant's name reflects this familial inspiration—‘Wong’ from his mother’s surname and ‘Fu Fu’ meaning double blessings in Chinese. Joseph’s hope was to bring a blessing to all who dine there, connecting people through the experience of enjoying good food.
Authenticity is a word that frequently comes up when talking about Taiwanese cuisine. However, Joseph highlights the difficulty of recreating authentic Taiwanese flavors while adhering to halal guidelines. Taiwanese dishes often use pork, which presents a challenge in recreating the same taste profiles in halal food. Yet, Joseph emphasizes that the goal is not to replicate the exact flavors but to provide an experience that brings the essence of Taiwan to the table.
“We try to strike a balance between authenticity and what our local and Muslim community can accept,” says Joseph. His team continues to innovate, ensuring the food retains a Chinese influence while making it halal and suitable for all to enjoy.
One of the unique aspects of Wong Fu Fu is its fusion approach to food. While the restaurant began with a hotplate concept inspired by traditional Taiwanese dishes, it has evolved to include a variety of offerings, including beef noodles, mala dishes, and lotus leaf buns. These dishes are tailored to local tastes while staying true to the essence of Taiwanese street food.
Joseph shares the joy of experimenting with flavors and creating collaboration menus. Wong Fu Fu has worked with iconic brands such as Indomie and Mamee Monster, bringing a fresh perspective to popular instant noodles by turning them into restaurant-worthy dishes. For example, they transformed Korean-inspired dishes into a Taiwanese fusion experience, much to the delight of their customers.
For Joseph, Wong Fu Fu is more than just a restaurant. It’s a place where people from different cultures and backgrounds can come together over a meal. “Food at the end of the day is communication,” he says. He envisions Wong Fu Fu as a space where Muslims, Chinese converts, and non-Muslims alike can enjoy the same dishes, breaking down cultural barriers through the shared love of food.
The restaurant has received positive feedback from both the Muslim community and non-Muslim diners, who appreciate the effort put into making the food taste great while staying true to halal guidelines.
Running a food business is not without its challenges. Joseph, who comes from a marketing background, acknowledges that having good food is only part of the equation. “You can have the best food, but without marketing, it will fail,” he says. Joseph leverages his experience in marketing for major brands like KFC and Mastercard to ensure Wong Fu Fu stays relevant and attracts new customers.
A key challenge for Wong Fu Fu is staffing. “F&B is a tough industry, especially when it comes to hiring good people,” Joseph explains. Yet he remains committed to building a strong team that shares his vision for Wong Fu Fu.
Joseph has ambitious plans for Wong Fu Fu. He envisions taking the restaurant beyond its current location, perhaps even recreating a Taiwanese night market experience. While manpower limitations present a challenge, he is optimistic about the future and is constantly thinking of new ideas to innovate.
Wong Fu Fu is more than just a halal Taiwanese restaurant. It’s a space where community, creativity, and culture come together. From its humble beginnings to its exciting future, Wong Fu Fu continues to offer something unique to Singapore’s culinary scene. Whether you’re a fan of fusion dishes, or simply looking for a new halal dining experience, Wong Fu Fu promises a meal that’s sure to satisfy.
As Joseph concludes, “If you like us, please come by and try our food. We’re always working on new menus and ideas to bring something fresh to the table.”
Wong Fu Fu
Address:
776 North Bridge Road, Singapore, 198744
Opening Hours:
12.00pm - 10.00pm (Daily)
Closed on Mondays
The HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards not only recognize excellence in Halal dining experiences but also celebrate the vibrant culinary scene in Singapore. From innovative concepts to traditional favorites, each award recipient represents the pinnacle of culinary artistry and dedication to delivering exceptional dining experiences.
As we reflect on the remarkable talents and establishments honored in 2024, like Wong Fu Fu, we eagerly anticipate the next chapter of culinary innovation. We invite you, our valued readers and fellow food enthusiasts, to be a part of shaping the future of Halal gastronomy in Singapore.
Share your voice by nominating your favorite restaurants and chefs for the 2025 HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards.
Nominate now and be a part of this exciting journey towards culinary greatness!
