British Hainan: Heritage Hainanese-Western Restaurant Has Oxtail Stew, Pork Chop And More

British Hainan for old-school Hainanese Western food

If Hainanese Western fare is your jam, you have to bookmark British Hainan for your next foodie adventure. This casual, family-run diner serves old-school Hainanese Western dishes in a retro-inspired setting across its three locations: Kallang Way, Purvis Street, and Carpmael Road.

Image credit: @hungryghostroams

Step into British Hainan’s Carpmael Road restaurant, tucked in the heritage-filled Joo Chiat neighbourhood. Decked in antique knick-knacks and vintage artwork, the charming space, which looks almost like a mini museum, is a blast from the past.

Image credit: @joycet.bell

Those feeling peckish can look forward to hearty mains, including a perennial favourite: Hainanese Pork Chop with Pasta ($16.90). You get a generous portion of tomato-based pasta, served with a slab of fried pork chop. You can also swap out the pasta for fries instead, or switch your protein to chicken if you prefer.

Another must-try on the menu is the Traditional Hainanese Oxtail Stew ($29.90). The popular classic features melt-in-the-mouth oxtail stewed for hours in a rich sauce, completed with soft potato chunks and veggies. Dunk the bread slices into the stew to soak up all the flavours and tuck in!

Image credit: @jonathanongg

If you’re a fan of Hainanese curry rice, try British Hainan’s version ($17.90). You get a mound of rice doused with Hainanese-style curry, complemented by all the necessary fixings: Nyonya chap chye, fried pork chop, and braised pork belly.

The restaurant uses the owner’s family recipes that are passed down the generations, and no MSG is used here. Prices are nett too, so you’re getting more bang for your buck.

Image credit: Choon T via Google Maps

If Joo Chiat is too out of the way for you, visit their Kallang Way outlet instead. The decor has a similar rustic flavour, and seats seem to be aplenty at this spacious restaurant.

For more delicious Hainanese eats, visit The Hainan Bakery at Hillion Mall for stuffed curry chicken buns, swiss rolls and more. Otherwise, read our Western Barbecue review for scrumptious grilled meats at Old Airport Road Food Centre.

Website | Full list of outlets
British Hainan is not a halal-certified eatery.

Featured image adapted from @hungryghostroams, @yellowcarnivoreeats, and @sgfoodiebb

Anthia Chng

As the Associate Editor of Eatbook, Anthia survives on a steady diet of cake and coffee. With a decade of writing experience in food, fashion, and beauty—including six years at Expat Living Singapore—she’s passionate about sharing stories that excite and inspire, whether it’s discovering the latest restaurant opening or shining a light on a heritage hawker stall.