Nai Nai Flavor: Discover Hangzhou Cuisine in Singapore

Discover the Flavors of Hangzhou

Nai Nai Flavor, a renowned brand from Hangzhou, has finally made its debut in Singapore! Located in i12 Katong, this restaurant offers a slice of Hangzhou's culinary culture to Southeast Asia. Here, you can savor hang bang cai (杭帮菜), part of the Zhejiang cuisine, famous for its delicate and balanced flavors.

At Nai Nai Flavor, you won't experience the typical hustle and bustle found in other Chinese restaurants. Instead, the focus is on the meticulous preparation and assembly of dishes right on the spot. While this method may be challenging to maintain, the quality of the food speaks volumes in every little detail.

Must-Try Dishes

If you visit Nai Nai Flavor, make sure to try the "Grandma's Secret Dish" (奶奶传承神仙鸡) — a delectable chicken and pork soup (priced at S$16.80 for a medium size, S$29.80 for a large). This soup is simmered in a clay pot for about 8 hours with pork trotters and a whole chicken. The broth is sealed with a layer of tofu skin, preserving the flavor and warmth.

As I lifted the tofu skin with a ladle, a gentle steam wafted up, carrying a delightful aroma. Inside the soup, you'll find generous chunks of tender meat, Chinese mushrooms, corn, cordyceps mushrooms, and red dates, all blending together in a shimmering golden broth. The meat here is so tender it practically falls off the bone, rich and flavorful.

Nai Nai Flavor also offers delicious fried dumplings filled with tofu, showcasing a light and unique flavor. The spicy fried dumplings with tofu (辣味豆腐生煎) are priced at S$12.80, filled with smooth tofu and crispy on the bottom. A bonus is the addition of eggs that create an omelette-like base.

Other Special Dishes

Another dish worth mentioning is the Youbu Style Egg Cake (Bánh Trứng Youbu). This dish could be considered the restaurant's signature offering. While I watched the staff prepare it, they were incredibly meticulous with every step to ensure the cake was perfectly crispy.

This cooking technique dates back 1,300 years, with eggs added to the batter while the cake is frying. The result is a golden cake, cut into four pieces for easy sharing. The crispy exterior encases a filling of shredded chicken and potatoes, a fantastic combination of two beloved Chinese dishes in one enticing bite.

Adorable Soup Dumplings

If you're looking for a more traditional dish, don't miss the Classic Soup Dumplings (老绍兴蒸汤包), priced at S$11.50. Originating from the Shaoxing region in Zhejiang, these dumplings feature a filling of pork and a light broth. Each petite dumpling is topped with shredded egg and a savory tofu sauce.

Each bite of these dumplings is packed with flavor, delivering a burst of taste in every mouthful. There's also Taihu Shrimp Tomato Noodles (太湖虾仁番茄面) for S$12.80, featuring chewy noodles, fresh shrimp, eggs, and ripe tomatoes, creating a mildly tangy and rich flavor.

Irresistible Desserts

Finally, don't forget to indulge in the Traditional Pear and White Fungus Soup (古法银耳吊梨汤), priced at S$11.80. This dessert is filled with snow pears, white fungus, red dates, and peaches, simmered slowly to retain the flavors. The soup is lightly sweet, making for a delightful and soothing end to your meal.

How to Get to Nai Nai Flavor

Nai Nai Flavor is located at i12 Katong. The nearest MRT station is Marine Parade (TE26), just a 5-8 minute walk away. You can also take the bus and alight at stops: Opp 112 Katong, i12 Katong, or The Holy Family Church.

If you're seeking a unique dining experience with a variety of dishes and gentle flavors, Nai Nai Flavor is definitely the perfect choice. Be sure to order at least one soup, one fried dish, one steamed bun, rice or noodles, and a dessert for everyone at the table to enjoy!