The dining landscape in Katong is both varied and vibrant. Joining the fray is Nai Nai Flavor (奶奶味道), located on the second floor of i12 Katong. This new restaurant focuses on the nostalgia of home-cooked meals, bridging two culinary traditions: Sichuan cuisine and Jiangnan cooking.
Nai Nai Flavor 椿花奶奶 in i12 Katong
Nai Nai Flavor 椿花奶奶 in i12 Katong is spacious. Overall, the interior has a casual elegant feel. It has rustic elements but the interior desgn is clean and modern. The colour palette is understated, featuring warm timber furnishings against green and cream-toned walls and large, pale floor tiles. Touches of green from potted plants are dotted throughout the interior.
Interestingly, there is a dedicated area located directly opposite the main entrance. This semi-open space could serve multiple purposes. While it can function as a waiting area during peak hours, its design makes it equally suitable for those wishing to enjoy a quiet drink or light snacks.
Upon entering the restaurant, diners will find a neatly laid out interior divided into various sections.
Seating is varied. Rattan chairs surround round, marble-topped tables in one section, giving it a relaxed, garden-like feel. Elsewhere, wooden booth-style bench seating with cushions offers a more private, comfortable option.
The open kitchen counter runs along one side of the dining room. A neon sign above it reads “Intangible Cultural Heritage Jiangnan Handmade Snacks,” annoucing the restaurant’s culinary identity clearly.
Menu of Nai Nai Flavor
The menu at Nai Nai Flavor serves as a bridge between Southwest and East China. Sichuan cuisine is represented through its signature use of dried chillies, garlic, and the numbing Sichuan peppercorn. In contrast, the Jiangnan selections represent the regions of Zhejiang and Jiangsu. This style prioritises the natural sweetness of ingredients and fresh produce, achieved through gentle steaming and stewing.
The menu selection spans a range of categories. Diners can start with dim sum and wonton dishes, such as Chicken Broth Soup Dumplings and Hangzhou Fried Dumplings. For those seeking a substantial meal, the menu includes various noodles and fried rice options. Hearty, stewed dishes are a highlight, including the signature Grandma’s Secret Chicken. Marinated and cold dishes, such as Sichuan Shredded Potato and Saliva Chicken, add further variety.
The menu also features a selection of snacks, fried foods, and both hot and cold desserts. Nai Nai Flavor also serves a variety of beverages, including local favourites like Kopi-C and Teh-C.
Below are pictures of screenshots of the digital memu.
Lunch at Nai Nai Flavor
During our lunch visit, we tried a variety of “Grandma’s recipe” specialities.
Grandma’s Steamed Egg ($3.80)
Steamed Egg is a staple of Chinese comfort food. Nai Nai Flavor’s version was very smooth, with a consistency that held its shape until scooped. It was topped with sliced fish cakes and a dash of light soy sauce. It was a simple and very delightful dish.
Pot & Shrimps Pot Stickers ($11.80)
These pan-fried dumplings arrived with a brown crust on the bottom. The skins were thin and translucent. The generous filling comprised chives, prawns and minced meat. The sprinkling of black sesame seeds added nutiness to the mix. The texture provided a pleasant contrast between the crispy base and the tender steamed top. It was a very enjoyable version of pot stickers or guo tie.
Mixed Noodles with Shredded Pork ($9.80)
The Mixed Noodles with Shredded Pork and Chives came in a fairly generous portion, substantial enough to serve as a meal in itself. In terms of taste, it was nice enough, though nothing particularly remarkable.
Minced Pork Noodles ($8.90)
Visually, the dish was well presented, with neatly arranged vibrant vegetables set against a dark meat sauce, making for a colourful and appetising bowl. The savoury, richly spiced meat sauce was delicious, and the dish as a whole offered a delightful mix of textures and flavours. A very enjoyable and satisfying bowl.
Dessert & Tea
The Osmanthus Tangerine Peel Red Bean Soup ($3.80) provided a traditional conclusion to our meal. The addition of dried tangerine peel gave the dessert a complex, citrusy undertone. The floral scent of osmanthus was subtle but enough to make the humble red bean soup into something more sophisticated. The Teh-C ($2.20) was as good as those found at the popular local kopi chains.
Casual Dining at Reasonable Prices
Nai Nai Flavor is like a well-appointed, air-conditioned version of a local zi char stall. The pricing remains competitive, with many substantial main courses falling under the $15 mark. The service is friendly and attentive without being overbearing. It is a good option for families and solo diners alike, whether for a light snack or a satisfying meal.
Ratings:
Food: 3
Service: 4
Value: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Overall Rating: 4 TOPs 
Nai Nai Flavor 椿花奶奶
112 E Coast Road, #02-13/14 & #02-26/27
Singapore 428802
Nearby MRT Station: Marine Parade (TEL 26)
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