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Happy Joy Restaurant

3.6(251)on Googlechinesenovena

36 Newton Rd, #02-01 Hotel Royal Singapore, Singapore 307964

Dine-inTakeoutWheelchair accessible

Opening Hours

Today (Monday)11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM

STAMPEDE Score

Moderate confidence
C+Worth a visit

Score: 65 / 100

Atmosphere75
Queue wait85
Food quality70
Value for money60

Based on 5 data points · Updated 9 days ago

Editor’s Note

Last updated 29 May 2026

Our take: Happy Joy Restaurant offers a classic Chinese dining experience, often described as an 'old school banquet setting' within Hotel Royal.

We've noted consistent praise for specific dishes like the Coffee Ribs, which are highlighted for their fragrance, and the crispy, dry-style Sweet and Sour Pork.

The Crispy Roast Chicken and Mayonnaise Prawns also receive positive mentions.

While some find the food 'not bad' or 'pretty decent', others report that some dishes are 'average' or 'below expectation', suggesting an inconsistent quality across the menu.

Service appears to be a mixed bag; while some diners experienced fast and attentive service, especially during quieter periods, others reported slow service and issues with dishes not being served during buffet sessions.

The restaurant is generally not crowded on weekday evenings or Sunday lunch, making it a good option for those seeking a quieter meal.

Pricing is on the higher side, averaging $40-50 per person, depending on selections.

We'd recommend Happy Joy for company dinners or family gatherings, particularly if you focus on their well-regarded signature dishes like the Coffee Ribs.

It's best for a relaxed meal when you're not in a rush, especially during off-peak hours.

Signature

Coffee Ribs

Best time

Weekday evenings or Sunday lunch

Wait time

No wait time on weekdays/Sunday lunch

Price

$$ ($40-50/person)

Score: 65 · 5 sources

What customers say

Happy Joy Restaurant in Novena is generally seen as a hidden gem for authentic Chinese cuisine, offering a quiet and spacious dining experience, particularly on weekdays.

While some dishes like coffee ribs, sweet and sour pork, and wasabi prawns receive high praise, other items are considered average or below expectation, with the ala carte buffet variety being decent but not extensive.

Service quality is inconsistent, with some staff being friendly and efficient, while others are slow or even rude, especially during busy periods.

inconsistent food quality (some excellent, some average)quiet and spacious ambiance (especially weekdays)variable service qualityvalue for money (ala carte buffet)classic/old-school restaurant design
50% positive30% neutral20% negative

Google Reviews

★★★★★William Tan· 3 months ago

Date: 24 Feb 2026 Time: Dinner time Event: Company dinner Crowded: No crowded even for restaurant downstairs, probably is due to weekday I come here quite often, for birthday dinner or company dinner…

★★★★★lim chin tat· 2 years ago

Hidden gem, pleasant surprise. Was having reservations of eating here as it has only garnered 3.7 stars. Came on a Sunday lunch. The restaurant is empty except for my table. Ordered sweet and sour po…

★★★★★FIVE-A-DAY· 3 years ago

I was there with my family for the dinner ala carte buffet. The variety of dishes though not considered extensive, was pretty ok as the dishes were Chinese tzi char type and you won't aim to eat every…

★★★★★cse1217· 2 years ago

Happy Joy Restaurant is a place where you can get pretty decent chinese food for a value price. It's very spacious on weekday evenings. The food is served fresh and we had a good time there. I like…

★★★★★Alwayshangry· 3 years ago

Nearest MRT station to get here is Newton station. You can either walk or take a bus there. Restaurant is kinda like old school banquet setting. They are currently having promotion, free 1 diner with…

Reviews from Google

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