Han’s at National Library moves, still serving up classics from Odeon 333

If you’re a millennial or a bookworm, chances are you’d have memories of grabbing a meal or even studying at the Han’s owned cafe, Hanis, at the National Library in Bugis. 

It first opened in 2005, alongside the National Library’s opening. The man behind the brand, Han Choon Fook, 80, tells us: “I was so happy that the library management selected Han’s (to be housed at the library)”.

To some, it might just be a place to fill their tummies before or after a session at the library, but for some others, it’s a spot brimming with nostalgia. 

After all, it’s been there for a good 18 years before shuttering officially on June 30 last year.

Aside from being part of an iconic national institution, its National Library location also saw the birth of its halal-certified sister brand Hanis in 2006 — created in response to initial feedback that Han’s at the National Library needed to cater to diners of different races in Singapore.

A brief glimpse into Han’s history

Some might not be aware, but Han’s history goes as far back as the 1970s, when Choon Fook, a former civil servant, had brought cakes made by his baker brother Han Choon Kuang, to his colleagues.

The positive responses from his then-colleagues inspired him to leave his government role and start a small bakery at Upper Thomson Road, which is where Han’s Union currently resides today. 

One thing led to another and they eventually expanded the bakery into a full-fledged cafe concept, with the very first Han’s cafe at The Arcade in Raffles Place in 1980.  

Today, the brand has a presence of more than 20 outlets all over Singapore — 16 are Han’s, two are the halal-certified Hanis, and three are Han’s Union outlets. 

Han’s Union is yet another brand by the team — a collective of Han’s and Ah Khoo Kopi Toast, which offers an expanded range of dishes beyond its local and Hainanese fare, including ramen, too.

Han’s new home at Odeon 333

Choon Fook explains that they chose not to renew their lease at the National Library, in part due to differing opinions with the current library management on the use of the al fresco space at the store. 

Despite this closure, he was adamant about having an outlet at the Bras Basah area. He has had fond childhood memories of the location since as his family used to stay there. He adds that Middle Road and Purvis Street used to be populated by the Hainanese community. 

When UOL approached Han’s about leasing an F&B space at the Odeon 333 building — located a stone’s throw from his childhood hangout spots — Choon Fook jumped at the opportunity to reopen Han’s within the area.

Han’s at Odeon 333 may have beeen operating for some months now — since June this year, but through our conversation, it is evident Choon Fook worries that the former National Library crowd may not have realised Han’s has reopened and shifted locations. 

He tells us, with a tinge of optimism: “I hope my decision is a successful one.”

If you have some time this weekend, why not pop by Han’s at Odeon 333 for old time’s sake, and try some of its well-loved classics such as its Hainanese pork chop (S$15.80) and fish & chips (S$15.80). 

Choon Fook says he might not be a good cook himself, but he enjoys getting inspiration for new dishes by observing what’s out there, and by poring through cookbooks. 

For example, he learnt that the western crowd likes having apples with pork, and decided to incorporate it into Han’s version of the Hainanese pork chop, thus adding a smidge of sweetness to the accompanying tomato sauce. 

While its new Odeon 333 outlet doesn’t have outlet-exclusive items, Choon Fook hints that they may introduce some healthier food options, such as fruit salads. 

If you do decide to swing by, you might just catch a glimpse of sprightly Choon Fook himself, who apparently is a regular fixture at the outlet — as it’s his newest Han’s baby — and speak to him about how he came up with the other dishes on Han’s menu. 

In fact, we hear he’s there everyday for now, “without fail”, according to his staff.

This was an invited tasting.

For more eats around Odeon 333, check out 5 Senses, a new eatery serving up Hainanese and local fare, as well as Treasure Toast, from the team behind the popular Bao Er Cafe.

Han’s, Hanis and Han’s Union are on the GrabFood delivery service and offer free delivery (up to S$3 off) with GrabUnlimited. 

Enjoy up to 50% off when you dine with GrabFood Dine Out.  

You can also book a ride to Han’s at Odeon 333 to try its famous Hainanese pork chop.