Food Republic may be just one of many food court chains in the city, but they have managed to make some of their branches unique and exciting. Instead of simply copying and pasting a generic food court template, they curate specific cuisines to suit the dining preferences of each location.
Among their branches in the city, I was particularly impressed by the one in the Somerset area. I had dinner there last night, and I’m glad I got to enjoy both the food and the vibrant atmosphere.
This Food Republic branch is located on the top floor of the 313@Somerset shopping mall. You can easily spot the food court from the ground floor of the courtyard by simply looking up.
The first thing I noticed upon reaching the entrance of the food court was that it didn’t look like a typical food court. Instead, it resembled a marketplace of compact restaurants, each with its own unique stall design. There was no uniform template—some stalls were even larger than others. What stood out even more was that each stall had its own distinct brand, with a few of them being quite popular.
My impression is that this food court prioritizes quality, both in terms of food and overall dining experience.
The food court is also well-ventilated, with no lingering fumes in the dining area. This is a great feature, as it prevents food odors from clinging to your clothes!
I had a hard time choosing which food stall to order from. After walking around the food court, I finally decided on Formosa Delight's Handmade Noodles!
It had been a while since I last had this dish, so I figured it was the perfect time to enjoy a bowl of handmade noodles. I chose the Umian version.
They offer a wide variety of toppings and versions of their noodles, but the one that caught my eye was the Braised Pig Trotter with Noodles. It seemed like an interesting combination that I had never tried before. Plus, I love pork skin in dishes like this, so I just had to go for it!
The most interesting thing about this dish is the boiled peanut topping. I had never had boiled peanuts in a noodle dish before, so this was a new experience for me. I also think it’s a great addition, as the slightly crunchy texture of the peanuts adds a nice touch to the dish.
I really enjoyed slurping and chewing these handmade noodles. They were springy and had a firmer texture compared to machine-made noodles. Perfectly cooked, they paired well with the soup and meat.
At first, the combination of pork skin and noodles felt a bit off, but I got used to it halfway through the meal. The peanuts added a nice touch to the dish, and I really liked it!
Overall, my meal at Formosa Delight’s Handmade Noodles was a satisfying and unique experience. The combination of tender braised pig trotter, springy handmade noodles, and crunchy boiled peanuts created a delightful mix of textures and flavors. I’d definitely come back to explore more dishes and enjoy the cozy yet vibrant atmosphere of this Food Republic branch!
