Shing Tat Chung and Erchen Chang, the duo behind London’s acclaimed Bao restaurant, are bringing a fresh and playful take on Taiwanese food culture to Singapore with BFF, a pop-up hybrid fast-food joint and convenience store at New Bahru.
- BFF blends Taiwanese fast food with convenience store culture.
- Signature Chicken Chopper features unique soy-milk battered fried chicken.
- Pop-up from Nov 11 to Dec 28, with permanent plans in 2027.
What happened
The founders of Bao, a well-loved London restaurant that helped popularize Taiwanese gua bao internationally, have collaborated with Singapore’s The Lo & Behold Group to launch BFF (Bao Fast Foods) in Singapore. This new concept opens as a pop-up at New Bahru from November 11 through December 28, with ambitions for a permanent establishment in early 2027. BFF takes over the space previously held by One Prawn & Co, merging the appeal of a quirky convenience store and a fast-food restaurant serving inventive Taiwanese dishes.
BFF’s menu features playful offerings such as Taiwanese-style fried chicken with multiple flavor variations, beef noodles, and speedy grab-and-go items like egg mayo sandwiches and Asian salads. Alongside food, the space offers shelves stocked with Taiwanese snacks, instant noodles, and exclusive BFF merchandise. The pop-up will also host community events and talks, enhancing the cultural experience beyond just dining.
Why it feels good
BFF reflects a creative homage to Taiwan’s vibrant convenience store culture, renowned worldwide for its density and uniqueness. The founders see convenience stores as a global language to share Taiwanese flavors and culture, aiming to fill a gap in Singapore’s food scene where this ‘convenience store magic’ is less pronounced compared to Taiwan or Japan. This approach offers locals an inviting and fun way to discover fresh tastes and cultural experiences.
The dedication to authenticity and innovation shines through the meticulous development of their standout Chicken Chopper dish. Tested through about 140 recipe iterations, it combines juiciness with a crackly crunch by using a unique soy-milk batter and a tapioca starch coating. Each chicken style — Original Crispy, Flame Glazed, and Master Scalded — brings its own twist inspired by Taiwanese spices and culinary techniques, promising a snack that’s both familiar and exciting.
What to enjoy or watch next
Visitors to the BFF pop-up can expect to enjoy the signature Chicken Chopper priced at S$6.50, with convenient hand-held eating thanks to the bone-in cut. The fried chicken's varied styles cater to different spice and flavor preferences, such as the soy-garlic glazed Flame Glazed or the aromatic Master Scalded with star anise and cinnamon. Apart from fried chicken, diners can explore other Taiwan-inspired fast-food dishes and grab-and-go snacks.
Beyond food, BFF’s blend of merchandise and local community events creates an immersive cultural hub. Those intrigued by the concept can look forward to the brand’s permanent Singapore location planned for early 2027, promising to expand on this novel fusion of Taiwanese street food, convenience store fun, and community engagement.