A Bite of Home, Away from Home
Singapore doesn’t overflow with Hakka cuisine—but hidden within the lush brilliance of Jewel Changi Airport is Hakka Yu (客语), Singapore’s first international outpost of this Guangzhou-born chain. Since its founding in 2013, Hakka Yu has grown to over 80 outlets in China, and now it’s brought its heartwarming flavors right into our airport oasis Jewel Changi Airport
They honor tradition: mountain-sourced ingredients, natural cooking techniques, and chefs with decades of experience—it's like a cozy family kitchen, but with that Jewel chic aesthetic Jewel Changi Airport
What We Ate — A Hakka Feast to Remember
- Whole Salt-Baked Chicken (S$37.60) — This famous Hakka salted-back (salt-baked) chicken is so tender and aromatic, prepared freshly in two daily batches. We went for the whole chicken and—spoiler alert—we still didn’t have enough!
- Hakka Stuffed Tofu — Imagine silky tofu wrapped around seasoned meat, crisp-pan-fried just right. It’s that balance of creamy, savory, and a little crunch that makes it sing.
- Egg Wrap with Meat — Simple but satisfying, the egg wrap holds ground-meat filling that’s warm, comforting, and addictive.
- Stewed Beef Brisket with Radish — Slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection, with radish that soaks up the rich, hearty broth.
- Hakka Preserved Vegetable with Pork — Tangy, salty preserved veggies with savory pork: familiar yet so different from the usual Chinese fare.
- Hakka Three-Cup Duck — Fragrant soy, ginger, sesame oil, and rice wine come together in this trio of flavors—and the duck delivers that oh-so-good sticky glaze.
- Yam Abacus Seeds — A rare treat, chewy little balls made of yam (and a nod to Hakka tradition) that rarely pop up around here.
Boy, was it different from my usual Chinese rotations—and that's a very good thing.
Ambience & Space — Big, Cozy, and Group-Friendly
If food is half the story, the other half at Hakka Yu Jewel is the environment. The restaurant sits on Jewel’s third floor with a spacious 109-seater layout. Tables are spread wide enough so you don’t feel squeezed, yet close enough to keep a lively buzz in the air.
The design leans toward modern Zen-inspired interiors—warm wood accents, earthy tones, and soft lighting that make the place feel surprisingly cozy despite its size. It’s not one of those cramped eateries where you worry about bumping elbows with strangers.
For big families, friends’ gatherings, or even office dinners, this is a solid pick. You can order multiple sharing plates (trust me, that whole chicken disappears fast) and really enjoy the communal dining style Hakka food was meant for.
So whether you’re a duo grabbing lunch before a flight or a party of ten celebrating in style, the space works beautifully.
Practical Tips for First-Timers
- Go early or after peak hours – It’s walk-in only, no reservations. Lunch crowd hits hard around noon.
- Order the whole chicken if you're a group – Half chicken S$18.80 is tempting, but cravings are real.
- Add tofu and brisket for balance – They’re lighter companions to the rich salt-baked meat.
- Check delivery availability by branch – Delivery platforms like GrabFood, Deliveroo, and FoodPanda may vary—double-check your area.
Quick Lowdown: Branch, Hours & More
- Address
78 Airport Boulevard, Jewel Changi Airport, #03-220/221/222, Singapore 819666
- Opening Hours
Daily 11:45 AM - 09:45 PM (last order 9:30 pm) Social Media
Instagram: @hakkayu_sg Instagram
Facebook: Hakka Yu 客语 (official page) Facebook- Delivery
Check availability on: FoodPanda, Deliveroo, GrabFood (depending on your location—confirm by branch)
Dietary Options
- Cuisine type: Chinese—specifically Hakka-style, quite unlike your usual Cantonese, Sichuan, or Hokkien staples.
- Daypart offerings: Great for lunch, dinner, even a hearty supper if you're catching a late flight. Not a breakfast spot, but killer for brunch-ish midday cravings.
- Vegetarian/Vegan? Not really—most dishes are meat-heavy, though side dishes like veggies may cater mildly. Not Halal-certified; pork and traditional Hakka preserved meats are front and center. No Michelin star—but big on heritage authenticity.
What Others Are Saying
Reviewers on Lemon8 and HungryGoWhere rave about the value and authenticity:
“Authentic & value-for-money Hakka cuisine found at Jewel… salt-baked chicken” InstagramLemon8
Another describes the vibe:
“Spacious 109-seater layout… modern sophistication with a serene, zen-inspired atmosphere” Our Parenting WorldInstagram
