Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

Stockholm, Sweden

Black Milk Gastro Bar

Gothenburg, Sweden

Brasserie Draken

Malmö, Sweden

Mutantur

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Kenya Safari

with Great Plains Conservation

in Maasai Mara

Guide to

Eat, Stay & Do

Rio de Janeiro

in Sweden

The Most Unique Spas

EAT & STAY

Summer in Europe

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

New Launch: August 2025

Zimbabwe

Mpala Jena Private Villas

for Your Next Long Haul Flight

Beauty Hacks

Luxury Travel on a Budget

How To:

for a Stress-Free Trip

Top 10 Travel Hacks

with 30% discount

Get Lounge Access

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Stockholm

Dog Friendly Dining

Explore

Koh Samui

A Tropical Getaway

Best Smoothie Bowls

Travel Guide

Koh Kood

Island Escape

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Singapore

Hai Nan Zai is a popular hawker stall in Singapore's Chong Pang Market and Food Centre, renowned for its authentic Hainanese fried dishes. The stall has received positive reviews for its flavorful offerings and has been recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand award.

Discover Hai Nan Zai at Chong Pang Market and Food Centre Singapore's authentic hawker gem known for its flavorful Hainanese fried dishes and Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.

Nestled in the bustling Chong Pang Market and Food Centre along Yishun Ring Road, Hai Nan Zai has become a beloved destination for locals and foodies alike craving authentic Singaporean hawker fare. This stall is famed for its rich flavors and traditional cooking techniques that celebrate Hainanese culinary heritage, especially their signature char kway teow and carrot cake. Having earned the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand award, Hai Nan Zai promises a taste experience that honors local hawker culture with a contemporary touch.

At Hai Nan Zai, you can indulge in a variety of iconic hawker dishes that showcase authentic flavors with a special wok hei touch. The char kway teow is often praised for its balanced smoky aroma and perfectly fried noodles, while the black carrot cake remains a favorite comfort dish for many patrons. Other specialties include a well-executed fried oyster omelette and Hainanese-style fried rice. Prices are wallet-friendly, ranging from S$3.50 to S$6.00, making it an excellent choice for affordable and delicious Singaporean street food.

Set within the vibrant Chong Pang Market and Food Centre, Hai Nan Zai offers a casual hawker stall atmosphere perfect for groups and solo diners alike. The stall supports dine-in, takeout, and delivery options, catering to diverse dining preferences. While it doesn't feature live music or a menu tailored for children, it remains a hotspot for those seeking authentic street food with quick service and friendly chatter in the background. Paid parking facilities nearby make it conveniently accessible for visitors driving in.

While Hai Nan Zai enjoys a positive community sentiment upheld by many for its authentic flavors and Michelin recognition, some recent reviews suggest variability in dish quality, particularly with the char kway teow and fried oyster omelette. Patrons highlight the importance of consistent execution to maintain the stall's esteemed reputation. Nevertheless, many continue to return for the nostalgic flavors that evoke cherished childhood memories and the unmistakable wok hei that defines great hawker cuisine.

frequently asked questions about hai nan zai

What are the operating hours of Hai Nan Zai?

 Hai Nan Zai operates daily from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM.

 No, Hai Nan Zai is not a halal-certified eatery.

 No, reservations are not available for this restaurant.

What is the price range of dishes at Hai Nan Zai?

 Dishes at Hai Nan Zai range from S$3.50 to S$6.00.

Asia

Nestled in the heart of Yishun, the Chong Pang Market and Food Centre is a vibrant hub of culinary delights, where the aroma of sizzling woks and the chatter of satisfied patrons create an inviting atmosphere. This bustling food center is home to the renowned **Hai Nan Zai**, a stall that has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike with its authentic Singaporean flavors. The market is not just a place to eat; it's an experience that immerses you in the rich tapestry of Singapore's hawker culture.

At Hai Nan Zai, the star of the show is undoubtedly the **Char Kway Teow**. This dish is a symphony of flavors, featuring flat rice noodles stir-fried to perfection with fresh prawns, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts, all infused with the signature ‘wok hei’—the breath of the wok that gives it an irresistible smoky flavor. Another must-try is the **Omelette with Fried Oyster**, where succulent oysters are enveloped in a fluffy omelette, delivering a delightful contrast of textures. Each bite transports you to a culinary paradise, making it a true representation of Singapore's hawker scene.

What sets Hai Nan Zai apart is its rich history. This stall earned the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2021, a testament to its commitment to quality and authenticity. However, it has faced challenges with maintaining consistency as it expanded. Despite some mixed reviews, the essence of the original recipes remains, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone looking to experience authentic Singaporean hawker food.

 Hai Nan Zai is celebrated for its Char Kway Teow and Omelette with Fried Oyster, both embodying the essence of Singapore's hawker culture.

 The market offers a diverse range of authentic Singaporean dishes, making it a must-visit for food lovers.

 Chong Pang Market typically operates from early morning until late evening, catering to breakfast, lunch, and dinner crowds.

Whether you're a local or a traveler, Chong Pang Market and Food Centre is a culinary adventure waiting to be discovered. Come savor the flavors of Singapore at Hai Nan Zai and indulge in dishes that tell a story of tradition and passion. Don't miss out on this gastronomic gem—visit us today and experience the vibrant hawker culture that makes Singapore truly unique.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIZzRlMkNREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJe38Z9c0V2jERZV-xPhThdjY/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIZzRlMkNREAE

What michelin food? Its total mess up food. Hokkien noodle is the worst. Carrot cake still ok CKT average only. This stall is a ripped off for their food quality

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2dXRHYU5nEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJe38Z9c0V2jERZV-xPhThdjY/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2dXRHYU5nEAE

My friend bought me the Char Kway Teow and the black carrot cake! I felt so blessed to be able to taste such authentic hawker food in Singapore. The taste brings back my childhood memories! The Char Kway Teow has wok hey taste and it is fried just nice for my palate! The black carrot is one of my favourite dish and I have invested my calories in the right hawker stall! Will
definitely be back again!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfd0pUeXFBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJe38Z9c0V2jERZV-xPhThdjY/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfd0pUeXFBRRAB

Great plate of fried oyster at Chong Pang market. There is a good mix of crispy flour and eggs with a nice amount of fresh oysters. You can definitely taste the wok hei in the dish. Food was served relatively quickly as well. Worth a revisit in the future

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNiLVBXQ2hnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJe38Z9c0V2jERZV-xPhThdjY/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNiLVBXQ2hnRRAB

This is the original Hai Nan Zai stall, the one that earned the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2021, which spawned multiple branches after the award.

However, my recent visit in July 2024 was a total letdown. The iconic char kway teow, once bursting with wok hei, now lacked its signature smoky flavour.

While it was still decent, it fell short of the exceptional dish I remembered. Honestly, for the effort taken to queue and wait for this, I feel that it wasn't worthwhile at all because their standards have dropped so much.

It's unfortunate that this quality control issue seems to be a common pitfall for businesses that expand too rapidly. A real pity.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURubHRyeWtBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJe38Z9c0V2jERZV-xPhThdjY/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURubHRyeWtBRRAB

I ordered the Omelette with Fried Oyster ($6). Am I wrong to think that this was Fried oyster omelette (the one with the flour) but instead, it was literally an omelette with oysters.

That aside, I try not to let that ruin my mood but the omelette was making it hard to do so. The top had some parts which were runny (undercooked), but bottom was burnt. And its not like a nce charred, crispy burn but rather a bitter lingering taste. This kind of shows the poor execution of an otherwise simple dish.

Counted about 6-7 oysters, oysters were of varying sizes -some were plump and some were small. They also had some cai po to add to the omelette. My gripe lies in how each component seems so separate from one another, and the final product is far from anything delicious.

Skip the omelette, its likr an amaetur version your child can make for you at home. The omelette itself looks too tame and proper, lacking any strong taste or umami.

(I also just realised that they are a Michelin Bib Gourmand store). Though I probably lack a full picture by not having tasted their prawn mee and char guo tiao, all I can say is that they better be extraordinary cause their omelette was a massive letdown.

Authentic Michelin Bib Gourmand Hawker Food at Hai Nan Zai, Yishun Singapore

Hai Nan Zai, established over a decade ago, specializes in Hainanese cuisine, including dishes like fried kway teow, fried Hokkien prawn mee, and carrot cake. The stall gained significant recognition in 2021 when it received the Michelin Bib Gourmand award for its quality and value.

Hai Nan Zai: A Culinary Gem in Yishun's Food Scene

Nestled within the bustling Chong Pang Market and Food Centre in Singapore's Yishun district, Hai Nan Zai has become a cherished destination for lovers of authentic Hainanese cuisine. Established over a decade ago, this famed hawker stall has built a reputation for delivering classic local dishes that highlight the rich culinary heritage of Singapore.

A Decade of Culinary Tradition and Excellence

Hai Nan Zai has specialized in beloved dishes such as fried kway teow, fried Hokkien prawn mee, and the ever-popular carrot cake. Each dish is crafted with a dedication to traditional techniques and flavors, ensuring patrons experience the authentic taste that has made Hainanese food a staple in Singapore's hawker culture.

Michelin Bib Gourmand Recognition in 2021

2021 marked a significant milestone for Hai Nan Zai when it was awarded the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand. 

This accolade recognized the stall for its exceptional quality and value, elevating its status among Singapore's competitive hawker scene and attracting food enthusiasts from near and far.

 that preserve Singapore's rich culinary heritage.

 recognized by the Michelin Guide for outstanding value.

 that evoke childhood memories and comfort food cravings.

Over the years, Hai Nan Zai has not only served delicious meals but also fostered a connection to Singapore’s hawker heritage, making it a must-visit for foodies seeking genuine local flavors imbued with passion and tradition.

A selection of traditional Hainanese fried dishes, including Char Kway Teow, Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee, Carrot Cake, Fried Oyster, Fried Prawns, and Fried Eggs with Oyster or Prawn.

Fried Kway Teow

Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee

Carrot Cake

Fried Oyster

Fried Prawns

Fried Egg with Oyster

Fried Egg with Prawn

Hai Nan Zai Menu

Hai Nan Zai menu overview in Yishun Singapore eatery at Chong Pang Market and Food Centre.

At Hai Nan Zai, located in the vibrant Chong Pang Market and Food Centre at Yishun, Singapore, diners can savor a remarkable spread of classic Hainanese fried specialties that capture the essence of local hawker cuisine. This menu is a celebration of wok-fired flavors and comforting traditional dishes made with fresh ingredients and authentic techniques.

Begin your meal with the crispy yet tender Fried Oyster, where fresh oysters are enveloped in a delicate rice flour batter and lightly fried with egg, garlic, chili, and soy sauce to infuse a well-rounded savory taste. Alternatively, the Fried Prawns offer a similarly satisfying crunch and flavor profile, perfectly balanced with aromatic garlic and a hint of chili heat.

The menu’s centerpiece is its revered Fried Kway Teow, featuring flat rice noodles stir-fried with plump cockles, slices of Chinese sausage, fresh egg, crunchy bean sprouts, and fragrant garlic, all brought together with a savory soy sauce glaze that highlights the sought-after 'wok hei' smoky aroma. Another beloved dish is the Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee, a harmonious blend of yellow noodles and rice vermicelli, enriched with juicy prawns, tender squid, garlic, and pork lard, delivering a rich, satisfying mouthfeel accented by a subtle chili kick.

For fans of comforting classics, the Carrot Cake is a must-try — stir-fried radish cake with egg, garlic, chili, soy sauce, and chye poh (preserved radish), delivering a delightful blend of textures and a subtle umami depth.

Hai Nan Zai also offers unique takes on egg dishes, such as the Fried Egg with Oyster and the Fried Egg with Prawn. These dishes feature eggs cooked with fresh oysters or prawns, enriched with garlic, chili, and soy sauce, creating a simple yet flavorful option that complements the heavier fried mains.

While the menu focuses on traditional Hainanese fried dishes, patrons can enjoy a range of refreshing beverages available at Chong Pang Market to complement the robust flavors and provide a cooling balance to the savory, spicy notes on the plate.

 - signature smoky taste in fried dishes achieved through expert stir-frying.

 - plump cockles, prawns, and oysters featured in multiple dishes.

 - dishes prepared with classic ingredients like Chinese sausage, preserved radish, and pork lard.

Discover Hai Nan Zai at Chong Pang Market in Yishun, Singapore, for delicious local food in a vibrant market atmosphere.

Hai Nan Zai: Yishun's Vibrant Food Gem, Singapore

Singapore Municipality

Hai Nan Zai

Stir-fried flat rice noodles with cockles, Chinese sausage, egg, and bean sprouts, cooked to order.

A mix of yellow noodles and rice vermicelli stir-fried with prawns, squid, and bean sprouts, served with a side of broth.

Stir-fried radish cake with egg, garlic, and preserved radish, available in black (sweet) or white (savory) versions.

Oysters coated in a rice flour batter, fried with egg and garlic, served with chili and soy sauce.

Prawns coated in a rice flour batter, fried with garlic and chili, served with soy sauce.

Egg fried with oysters, garlic, and chili, served with soy sauce.

Egg fried with prawns, garlic, and chili, served with soy sauce.

Discover Authentic Hawker Flavors at Hai Nan Zai in Yishun

Nestled within the bustling Chong Pang Market and Food Centre in Yishun, Singapore, Hai Nan Zai offers an immersive dive into classic local street food. Renowned for its authentic hawker dishes, this eatery brings a nostalgic taste of Singapore’s vibrant food culture to locals and visitors alike. Its convenient location at 105 Yishun Ring Road makes it a perfect stop for a flavorful meal when exploring the neighborhood.

Signature dishes that keep you coming back

Hai Nan Zai is celebrated for its wok-hei fragrant dishes that showcase the essence of Singaporean hawker fare. Among the highlights is the Fried Kway Teow, a satisfying combination of stir-fried flat rice noodles with succulent cockles, Chinese sausage, egg, and fresh bean sprouts, all cooked to order for SGD 3.50. Another crowd-pleaser is the Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee, where yellow noodles and vermicelli unite with juicy prawns and squid, complemented by a savory broth on the side, priced at SGD 4.

 Stir-fried radish cake with egg, garlic, and preserved radish, available in black (sweet) or white (savory) versions for SGD 3.

 Oysters coated in rice flour batter, fried with egg and garlic, served with chili and soy sauce for SGD 5.

 Egg dishes fried with fresh oysters or prawns, garlic, and chili, served with soy sauce priced at SGD 6 each.

Hai Nan Zai operates within a lively hawker center atmosphere, offering dine-in, takeout, and delivery options to accommodate your busy lifestyle. Parking is available nearby via paid lots, making it easy for groups and families to enjoy a casual meal together. Serving both lunch and dinner, this spot is ideal for those seeking authentic Singapore street food without the fuss.

 that while Hai Nan Zai gained recognition with the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2021, recent reviews reflect a range of opinions on consistency, particularly regarding their famed Char Kway Teow and omelette dishes. This variance is common in rapidly expanding hawker establishments, so a visit here is part of the evolving experience of Singapore’s dynamic food scene.

For food lovers, digital nomads, and trend-conscious travelers eager to explore Singapore’s hawker gems, Hai Nan Zai is a must-visit for its authentic flavors and affordable prices. The menu offers a snapshot of beloved local dishes that deliver a taste of tradition with each bite — from the smoky wok hei of the Fried Kway Teow to the comforting warmth of the Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee.

 Most dishes are priced between SGD 3 to SGD 6, perfect for budget-conscious diners.

 Experience traditional Singaporean hawker dishes with authentic preparation methods.

 Easily accessible within the Chong Pang Market and Food Centre, making it a great pitstop while exploring Yishun.

North Region

Discover Hai Nan Zai in Yishun, Singapore, famous for Michelin Bib Gourmand fried dishes like char kway teow and carrot cake. Visit us today!

Authentic Hainanese Food in Yishun, Singapore | Hai Nan Zai

Enjoy top-rated hawker specialties at Chong Pang Market, Singapore. Savor dishes like fried Hokkien prawn mee and fried oyster in a vibrant food market!

Best Hawker Food in Singapore | Chong Pang Market & Food Centre

Opening hours for Hai Nan Zai, Singapore. Find opening hours for Hai Nan Zai, Singapore at Chong Pang Market and Food Centre on 105 Yishun Ring Rd - novacircle.com

Ji De Lai Hainanese Chicken Rice