The Place Located in Joo Chiat, Hua Yi Restaurant might be a familiar name to some as the Chinese restaurant brand has been around for more than twenty years. It was previously located in International Building and only relocated to the buzzing Joo Chiat neighbourhood last month right beside King’s Cart Coffee/Joo Chiat Oyster House.

The space of Hua Yi Restaurant is casual where the interior looks quite bare, where there are both indoor and outdoor seating. The seating layout suits small groups better as there is no large table to accommodate more than six diners.                                

The Food The menu is extensive and while I thought that the restaurant specialises in Fujian dishes, the menu covers a wide range of Chinese cuisine since I also spotted the likes of Steamed Pork Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) and Spicy Chicken (La Zi Ji). 

I started with the Steamed Juicy Minced Pork Dumpling (S$8.80/6 pieces) where the homemade Xiao Long Bao spots a thicker texture than the ones from Din Tai Fung, where the soup jus within the dumpling is not too bad. 

The Pan Fried Vegetable & Pork Dumplings (S$9.50/10 pieces) with chives is good for sharing and is one of the most value for money dishes on the menu. I love the crispy texture of the homemade dumpling and it is best to have it with some vinegar. 

I also enjoyed the Original Hot & Sour Soup (S$12.80) which comes in a big bowl, where you get a good balance of slightly spicy and sour flavours. 

Another dish to try is the Sweet & Sour Pork with Prawns (S$18) where the pork meat is tender and it has a tinge of lychee flavour which is quite nice. 

The letdown dish for my meal is the Fried Rice with Prawns (S$11.80) where the rice was not fragrant enough for me. 

Rants The dining ambience feels bare and it lacks a cosy vibe for me. 

Will I Return Again? Hua Yi Restaurant is a good addition to Joo Chiat since there are not many Chinese restaurants along this stretch (excluding the Peranakan ones). Dishes are generally competent and the variety covers various types of Chinese cuisine, and there is something for spicy or non-spicy food lovers. 

Hua Yi Restaurant 
328 Joo Chiat Road 
#01- 04 
Singapore 427585 
Tel: +65 6517 9585 

Opening Hours 
Monday to Sunday: 11am to 2:30pm; 5:30pm to 8:30pm 

Ranted by The Ranter