Food Picks: Old-school fried snacks at You Tiao Mei’s Woodleigh outlet

SINGAPORE – Those hankering for tasty bites to satisfy a snack attack can head to Tau Suan You Tiao (You Tiao Mei) at Woodleigh Village Hawker Centre. Opened in September 2024, it is one of eight outlets under the You Tiao Mei chain which specialises in fried snacks.

Start with the signature Tau Suan ($2.20), which comes with a topping of snipped you tiao in a hefty bowl that can easily feed two, especially if you are having it after a meal. 

It is best to order the tau suan earlier in the day, when the split mung beans are tender without being overly mushy, which can be the case towards the later part of the afternoon, when they have been simmering for hours. 

The sticky dessert soup has a sweetness level I find just right – neither cloying nor too bland, but it could do with a punchier pandan flavour.

The Orh Nee You Tiao ($2.80 for five pieces), which comes with charcoal powder-tinted you tiao, and the pink Png Kueh You Tiao ($2.80 for five pieces) are exclusive to this outlet and the one in Buangkok. 

The orh nee and you tiao combination works with its filling of powdery smooth steamed mashed yam. But the you tiao stuffed with glutinous rice is sadly missing the flavour of dried prawn as the snack is meant to be vegetarian-friendly.

A top seller is the Banana Sesame Balls ($2 for five pieces), which has an addictive, light and crisp batter peppered with sesame seeds.

Inside is a delicious filling of sweet, ripe banana. It is impressive how the fritter stays crisp even as it cools.

Made from the same batter are Sweet Potato Sticks ($2.50 for 10 pieces), irregular-shaped fritters of the luscious and naturally sweet orange tuber.

The dangerously addictive Carrot Cake Sticks ($2 for 10 pieces), made with grated radish and resembling thick-cut fries, are a savoury option and not overly greasy.

Where: 01-06 Woodleigh Village Hawker Centre, 202C Woodleigh Link
MRT: Woodleigh
Open: 7am to 8pm daily