Made a revisit to the newly-opened Nan Yang Dao after making the first visit some time back — the F&B establishment, which is located pretty conveniently at Blk 262 Serangoon Central within walking distance from NEX, Serangoon MRT Station and Serangoon Bus Interchange had been recently making waves across social media ever since after our first visit there. Decked in a green coloured facade, Nan Yang Dao isn’t difficult to miss especially given how it seems to stand out from its neighbours within the same block, while it’s interior features zinc plate, neon lighting and wooden furnishings that brings a bright and welcoming vibe despite being a playful attempt on an industrial vibe that some cafes had done in the past with albeit of a darker setting. As opposed to our very first visit here, it is noted that Nan Yang Dao has streamlined its menu since its opening — many of the items listed on the menu are now labeled “not available”. That being said Nan Yang Dao’s menu still comprises of a pretty decent selection of Malaysian cuisine — this ranges from appetisers and small bites, to main courses featuring noodles and rice dishes, as well as dessert and non-alcoholic beverages. Whilst we had made our visit once before the relaxation of safe management measures and once after, it is noted that the main dining area within the shop does feel especially congested with the recent relaxation of safe management measures.

Having tried some of their other dishes during our very first visit, we found ourselves returning to try the dishes that we really wanted to order from our previous visit. One of the items include the KL Fried Hor Fun with Raw Egg, which is listed under the “Mains” section of the menu. Available only in a single size, the KL Fried Hor Fun with Raw Egg is an item that can either feed one hungry individual, or can also be shared around the table with two or three diners. Here, the KL Fried Hor Fun with Raw Egg looks pretty similar to the Moonlight Hor Fun that some may be familiar with that is also sold at other tzechar establishments. Coming with the usual suspects such as Kuey Teow, beansprouts, some greens, prawns and a raw egg, one is supposed to mix the raw egg into the entire dish so that it creates this silky smooth texture that somewhat gels all the elements together. Of particular note with this rendition being served at Nan Yang Dao will be how they aren’t too heavy with the dark sauce — one can argue that the flavours do replicate that of the Singapore-style Hor Fun, though without the gravy; all of that with a slight hint of wok-hei so all the noodles do come with a slight smoky note. The other elements, such as the greens and beansprouts do create a refreshing crunch that provided a textural contrast with the slurpy Kuey Teow, while the prawns can be said as pretty fresh and carried a good bite whilst also carrying a natural sweetness.

Apart from the KL Fried Hor Fun with Raw Egg, other dishes worth commending stars Nan Yang Dao do include the Chendol — despite the generic-looking pandan “noodle” that they have used here, there is sufficient coconut milk and Gula Melaka that provides the Chendol with a rich flavour and earthy sweetness that makes it pretty satisfying. Also worth mentioning would be the Iced Coffee — coming in true-blue Malaysian-style with all that froth (though a little too thick in our opinion) and that overspill that is contained within the bowl which the glass sits atop of. The Selayang Big Bowl Curry Mee is also an item often featured on social media — one that features quite a generous load of condiments, and the overspill of curry gravy contained in another bowl containing the bowl of curry noodles similar to their Iced Coffee. Sure, the borders may be opening up for us Singaporeans to visit Malaysia for their scrumptious hawker fare — that being said, Nan Yang Dao does seem like a promising joint to get those cravings resolved without having to bring the passport. Nan Yang Dao does attract quite a good crowd during meal hours from what we had noticed during our two visits there; something that those who are intending to make a visit should make a mental note on.