Remember the Taiwanese street food-inspired eatery that was housed at South Bridge Road for a couple months? Well, Five Ten has now taken its Asian tapas to Circular Road with a new look and a new name: The Salted Plum. (Side note: We’re pretty sure the Chinatown spot is jinxed, judging by the number of establishments there that have come and gone.)
At its two-storey riverside shop house space, the 98-seater serves up a casual dining experience with views of kitchen action to the backdrop of Taiwanese pop tunes from the noughties. And fret not if you’re wondering about the price tags here — the restaurant is sticking with its previous policy of $5 and $10 dishes. Great news for thrifty eaters all around.
Besides signature favorites like smashed baby potatoes ($5) sprinkled with salted plum powder, Taiwanese fried chicken paired with nori mayo ($10), and slow-cooked pork belly ($10), new additions to the expanded menu include the chef’s renditions of Taiwanese classics such as bite-sized sausage patties ($10) and braised pig intestines topped with a spoonful of garlic ($10).
Dishes such as chicken hearts with fried ginger ($5), salted pork ($5), oyster steamed egg ($10) and pork ribs in hoisin glaze ($10) also feature on the line-up.
All dishes can be paired with free flow bowls of jasmine rice, or you can add $0.50 to your bill for “shiny rice”, so termed for its drizzle of pork lard and garlic oil on the grains.
Five Ten’s popular $10 lunch bowls make a reappearance at The Salted Plum as well, with eight variations including meats like braised pork belly, sirloin steak, burnt chilli chicken, and pan-seared salmon.
But if you’re feeling a tad generous, order the Boston lobster with soy and sesame or the five-spice slipper lobster — both are offered in limited portions and will set you back $25 each.
End off the meal with spoonfuls of red tea jelly with tapioca pearls and cream ($5) — the only sweet option in the selection.
The Salted Plum is at 10 Circular Rd, 6260-0155. Mon-Sat noon-3pm, 6pm-10pm.
