Ultimate Guide to Taiwanese Soy Sauce — Singapore Edition
1. What Makes Taiwanese Soy Sauce Unique?
Feature
Description
Sweet-Savory Balance
Often includes cane sugar or malt for a naturally sweeter finish
Traditionally Brewed
Many brands still use clay pots and sunlight fermentation
Rich Umami & Color
Often darker and thicker than Japanese shoyu, but milder than Chinese dark soy
Minimal Additives
High-end brands skip preservatives, MSG, or colorants
Rice-based Fermentation
Some regional brews use rice alongside soybeans and wheat for added complexity
2. Types of Taiwanese Soy Sauce
Type
Characteristics
Best Uses
Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce (純釀造醬油)
Soybeans, wheat, water, salt; fermented for months
All-purpose seasoning
Sweet Soy Sauce (甜醬油)
Cane sugar or malt syrup added
Dipping, drizzle on tofu, dumplings
Black Bean Soy Sauce (黑豆醬油)
Made from black soybeans
Intense flavor, used in braising
Thickened Soy Paste (醬油膏)
Soy sauce + starch + sugar
Pour over rice, braised pork, eggs
Aged Soy Sauce (老釀醬油)
Fermented for 1–2 years
Premium dipping or slow-cooked dishes
3. Recommended Taiwanese Soy Sauce Brands (Available in SG)
Brand
Star Product
Notes
Where to Buy
Wan Ja Shan 萬家香
Organic Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce
Certified USDA Organic, clean flavor
RedMart, Shopee, SuperNature
Kimlan 金蘭
Superior Light Soy Sauce
Balanced, versatile, affordable
FairPrice, Sheng Siong, RedMart
Haday 台灣海底醬園
Black Bean Soy Sauce
Strong umami and depth
Shopee (imported)
Wu-Mu Soy Sauce 無木醬油
Artisanal aged soy
Small-batch, handcrafted
Specialty stores, Shopee (Taiwan importers)
Chuan Hsiang 川香醬油
Thick soy paste (醬油膏)
Common in street snacks and braised dishes
Shopee, Taiwanese marts
4. Taiwanese Soy Sauce in Singaporean Cooking
Singapore Dish
Taiwanese Soy Sauce Alternative
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Naturally brewed Taiwanese light soy (Wan Ja Shan)
Soy Sauce Eggs (滷蛋)
Black bean or aged soy (Kimlan or Haday)
Char Kway Teow
Add a splash of thick soy paste for caramel flavor
Steamed Tofu
Drizzle sweet soy or 醬油膏
Noodles (dry)
Soy paste + vinegar + garlic = perfect dressing
5. Where to Buy in Singapore
Store
Selection
RedMart / Lazada / Shopee
Wan Ja Shan, Kimlan, imported black bean sauces
SuperNature (Forum The Shopping Mall)
Organic soy sauces from Taiwan
Sheng Siong / FairPrice
Kimlan products, occasional promotions
Taiwanese Grocery Stores (e.g. online stalls on Shopee or Facebook)
Chuan Hsiang, Haday, and soy paste varieties
6. Pro Tips
Look for 純釀造 (pure brewed) on labels — indicates traditional fermentation.
Avoid bottles with 焦糖色素 (caramel coloring) or 防腐劑 (preservatives) unless it’s for budget options.
Pair soy sauce paste (醬油膏) with Taiwanese minced pork rice (滷肉飯) or Taiwanese sausages.