It was a weekday night when Buf went looking for dinner around the East Coast. The sky was already dark, the air slightly humid, and that familiar aroma of wok-fried garlic drifted down the road. At the corner of 187 East Coast Road, a bright red signboard glowed with the words Sin Hoi Sai Eating House.
This wasn’t Buf’s first zi char spot in Singapore but something about the setup felt special. The tables were set outside, right by the roadside, neat yet casual. It had that nostalgic “family dinner in the open air” feeling. The kind that makes you think of old-school Singapore evenings where food is simple, hearty, and cooked with confidence.
By the time Buf arrived around 7 PM, the restaurant wasn’t too busy yet. But as the minutes passed, more and more families, groups of friends, and late-night eaters began filling the tables. You could almost sense that after 8 PM, this place really comes alive.
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A Legacy of Late-Night Comfort 🍽️
Sin Hoi Sai Eating House isn’t new to the scene; it’s been serving locals since 1978, staying true to the zi char spirit.
For the uninitiated, zi char (煮炒) means “cook and fry” a Singaporean term for Chinese-style stir-fry eateries where the dishes are meant to be shared. It’s the kind of place where you don’t come for fine dining, but for comfort food that tastes like home, eaten straight from the wok.
And Sin Hoi Sai has that vibe nailed down perfectly. No frills, no pretense, just honest food with bold flavors and wok hei that speaks for itself.
The Ambience — Clean, Cozy, and Nostalgic 🏮
Dining outside felt surprisingly pleasant. Sure, you’re literally by the roadside, but the tables were clean, neatly arranged, and well lit. It didn’t feel messy or chaotic at all, more like a well-organized open-air restaurant.
There’s something uniquely Singaporean about sitting outdoors, hearing the clatter of plates, and smelling garlic, prawn paste, and soy sauce sizzling from the kitchen. Buf thought, this is what real zi char should feel like. It’s warm, it’s lively, and it’s unmistakably local.
- Freshness: Their chicken isn’t pre-cooked or reheated. It’s fried only when you order it.
- Marination: The chicken is soaked in a special marinade overnight, so the flavor runs deep into the meat not just on the surface.
- Texture: Unlike most fast-food fried chicken, the coating is thin and light, letting the flavor of the meat shine.
The Feast — Small Plates, Big Flavours 🦑
Sin Hoi Sai’s menu is long. And by long, Buf means really long. From seafood and meats to vegetables and tofu, everything on the list sounds tempting.
To make the most of it, Buf decided to order multiple dishes all in small size (S), since the restaurant offers different portions (S, L, XL). Perfect strategy for sampling more without overdoing it.
Here’s what landed on the table:
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What I Ordered
1. Fried Sotong with Cereal
Crispy, sweet, and crunchy a perfect mix of textures. The sotong (squid) was tender, not rubbery, and coated with fragrant cereal crumbs that added a buttery sweetness. Every bite had that satisfying crunch-crunch moment. Definitely one of the night’s highlights.
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2. Fried Rice with Seafood
If there was a dish that stole the spotlight, it was this one. The seafood fried rice had that unmistakable wok hei aroma slightly smoky, deeply savory, and perfectly seasoned. Each grain of rice was fluffy and separate, loaded with prawns and squid. Buf couldn’t help but think, this is how fried rice should taste simple, confident, and full of soul.
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3. Baby Kailan with Garlic
A classic done right. Fresh greens stir-fried quickly with garlic and a hint of soy sauce. It balanced the richer dishes on the table, adding freshness and crunch.
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4. Cai Bo Beancurd
Soft tofu topped with preserved radish and egg bits, a little salty, a little umami. It’s one of those comforting dishes that feels like a home-cooked meal.
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5. Fried Chicken with Prawn Paste
Another zi char staple. Crispy outside, juicy inside, with a distinct shrimp paste aroma that hits before the first bite. It’s strong, fragrant, and pairs perfectly with a cold drink.
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By the time all five dishes arrived almost simultaneously Buf was impressed. No waiting dish by dish, no delays. Everything was hot and ready to share.
Price & Portion — Great Value for Groups 💲
For all these dishes, the total bill came to about S$75, enough to feed four people comfortably. Considering the quality and generous portions, that’s pretty great value for a zi char restaurant in East Coast.
Nothing felt overpriced. In fact, Buf would call it very worth it, especially for a casual family dinner or supper with friends.
Service & Speed 🧑🍳
The staff were friendly, straightforward, and efficient. Maybe it was because Buf came early, but the food arrived quickly and all at once. That efficiency made the experience smooth, no awkward waiting while the rice gets cold.
The place did get busier later, but it never felt chaotic. You could tell the kitchen knew what they were doing.
The Vibe After Dark 🌙
By the time Buf was done eating, the place was fully packed. Laughter, the sound of woks, and the occasional car passing by created that unique late-night Singapore soundtrack.
Eating by the roadside might sound ordinary, but in a clean, well-kept spot like Sin Hoi Sai, it becomes a charming experience. It’s a slice of local dining culture that many visitors miss and locals cherish.
Location
- 187 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428893
- 4 PM until 3 AM
❓ FAQ: Sin Hoi Sai Eating House
Q1: What kind of food does Sin Hoi Sai serve?
A: Sin Hoi Sai is a zi char restaurant, which means it serves Chinese-style comfort dishes meant for sharing fried rice, seafood, chicken, tofu, and vegetables cooked in a wok with strong flavors and that signature wok hei aroma.
Q2: Is Sin Hoi Sai halal?
A: No, Sin Hoi Sai is not halal as it serves pork and uses certain ingredients common in Chinese cooking. Muslim diners should take note before visiting.
Q3: What time does Sin Hoi Sai open?
A: They usually open from 4 PM until 3 AM, making it one of the go-to spots for late-night dining in the East Coast area. Perfect for supper after work or a casual dinner with family.
Q4: Can I make a reservation?
A: Most diners just walk in, especially since it’s a zi char restaurant with quick turnover. However, if you’re coming in a large group or on a weekend night, calling ahead (+65 6440 6956) is a good idea.
Q5: How much should I expect to spend?
A: On average, expect to spend around S$15–25 per person for a full meal. Dishes come in different sizes (S, L, XL), so you can adjust portions based on your group size.
Q6: Is the restaurant family-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Sin Hoi Sai is very family-friendly, clean, open-air, and with big round tables perfect for sharing food. Many locals bring their families for casual dinners here.
Q7: Is there air conditioning?
A: The main dining area is open-air, so there’s no air conditioning. But it’s generally breezy in the evenings, and the outdoor vibe is part of the experience.
Q8: Do they offer delivery or takeaway?
A: Yes, Sin Hoi Sai offers both delivery and takeaway. You can find them on GrabFood or Foodpanda, or call directly to order.
Q9: Where can I park nearby?
A: Limited street parking is available along East Coast Road and nearby side streets. If you’re driving, it’s best to come early before the dinner rush.
Final Thoughts — A True Zi Char Gem That Still Shines
Sin Hoi Sai isn’t fancy. There’s no fusion plating, no trendy ingredients, no gimmicks. But that’s exactly what makes it special.
It’s classic Singapore zi char done right, delicious, reliable, and satisfying every single time. You taste the years of experience in every dish, the kind that comes from chefs who really know their wok.
For Buf, this wasn’t just dinner. It was a reminder of what makes Singapore’s food culture so amazing: a shared meal, simple joy, and flavors that connect generations. If you ever find yourself craving hearty Chinese-style comfort food late at night, this is one of those spots that truly delivers.
“Maybe it’s the garlic, the wok hei, or the laughter from every table but Sin Hoi Sai feels like home.”
