Tucked away at an HDB void deck in Yishun is Heng Hua Restaurant, a hidden zi char spot serving up Putian delights at affordable prices. The restaurant has been open for more than 10 years and is just a six-minute walk from Yishun MRT Station.
Image credit: @vincent.sohkk
Due to the restaurant’s popularity, do expect to queue for up to 30 minutes, especially during the peak lunch hour. The good news is that there are chairs located right outside the entrance, so you can sit down while waiting for your queue number to be called.
Image credit: @lohnoms
If you could only order one dish from Heng Hua, it should be none other than the Heng Hua Style Lor Mee ($4.50/$8/$12). This Putian staple features al dente noodles soaked in a heady pork broth, topped with vegetables and fried pork belly. Don’t forget to pair the noodles with the restaurant’s piquant house-made chilli sauce for a spicy kick.
Image credit: @peirce88
If you prefer something less soupy, go for the Heng Hua Style Fried Bee Hoon ($4.50/$8/$12), comprising a plate of stir-fried vermicelli packed with clams, beancurd puff, peanuts, dried seaweed, prawns, pork belly, and mushrooms. The noodles are imported from Fujian and supposedly have a finer texture compared to locally made bee hoon.
Image credit: Kim Moh Lee
Another classic Putian dish is the Stir Fried Sliced Yam ($10/$15/$20), featuring crispy yams coated in a layer of sweet and savoury sauce. This snack is said to be pleasantly addictive, with a core of mashed yam that’s soft and fluffy.
You can also order the Deep Fried Fish ($10/$15/$20), which is lightly seasoned and then deep-fried to a golden brown. It also comes with a side of Heng Hua’s savoury house-made garlic sauce.
Those dining in a big group can go for the restaurant’s set menus, which range from $32 for a two-person set, and up to $268 for a party of 10 people. The two-person set meal features four dishes: Herbs-Food Prawns In Bamboo Shoot, Deep Fried Tenggul Fish, Braised Bean Curd Skin With Gailan, and your pick of one noodle dish. The set also comes with a white fungus dessert.
For more good food in Yishun, check out our Yishun hawker stalls food guide. Otherwise, read our Chin Lee Restaurant review for Teochew-style zi char in Bedok.
Address: Yishun Street 72, #01-212, Block 748, Singapore 760748
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 11pm
Tel: 6757 1762
Heng Hua Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.
Feature image adapted from @tay.l.yin, @vincent.sohkk, and @lohnoms