Nong Geng Ji Orchard Road – Fiery Hunan Flavours Hit Somerset
Welcome to Nong Geng Ji – Orchardgateway’s Spicy Star
📍 277 Orchard Rd, #B1-13, Orchardgateway, Singapore 238858
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| “Step inside and get ready — the spice hits you before the menu does. Nong Geng Ji is Orchardgateway’s fiery welcome mat.” |
If Orchard Road is all about indulgence, Nong Geng Ji (农耕记湖南土菜) is here to bring the fire. This Hunan-style restaurant, famous across China, has landed in Somerset with a bang — offering fiery stir-fries, sizzling pots, and bold flavours that are unapologetically oily, spicy, and homestyle.
The Orchardgateway outlet even comes with private dining rooms — a first for the brand in Singapore — making it perfect for groups who want to go all out on authentic Hunan feasts.
If you’d rather cool off with something icy, check out our review of Shiroyama Orchard Road – Japanese Snow Ice Bliss Awaits.
The Stars of the Show – What’s Cooking
Nong Geng Ji Orchardgateway keeps things true to its Hunan roots, with dishes that pack a punch:
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Stir-Fried Pork with Abalone and Chilli – A crowd favourite, rich and fiery, coated with flavourful oil.
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| “This pork and chilli stir-fry? Basically rice’s best friend. Warning: you’ll need more napkins than you think.” |
- Dry Pot Pork Intestine with Sauerkraut – A textural adventure, not for the faint of heart.
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Braised Beef Brisket with Potatoes – Slow-cooked comfort with spicy undertones.
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Spicy Marinated Pork Trotters – Chewy, savoury, and a beer snack dream.
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Sauerkraut Fish – One Instagrammer raved it’s “so yummy!!! goes really well with the rice” (Instagram).
✨ Orchard Foodies Take: We couldn’t resist the pork with abalone and chilli — the wok hei, the heat, and yes, the oil. Let’s just say rice was not optional. By the second spoonful, we were alternating between “ouch, spicy!” and “one more bite.”
Hits & Misses – The Honest Scoop
👍 What People Love
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Authentic Hunan spice, unapologetically fiery.
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Generous portions made for sharing (Janelku Blog).
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Quick service and flavourful dishes — “prompt and appetizing” said one Lemon8 foodie.
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Private rooms at Orchardgateway make it group-friendly (Instagram).
👎 Where It Slips
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Food is on the oilier side — standard for Hunan, but not for everyone.
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Tables can feel tight and close during peak hours.
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Prices can creep up — $19–20 for signature stir-fries, so it’s not exactly hawker-level.
Prefer a sweeter fix instead? Don’t miss our guide to Whiskdom Orchard Road – Gooey Cookies & Brownies in Somerset.
The Vibes – Loud, Fiery, and Group-Ready
Forget quiet cafés — this place is bustling. Expect sizzling woks, clattering plates, and groups sharing big bowls of spicy goodness.
As one Lemon8 reviewer put it: “Food is on the oilier side but it wouldn’t be called Hunan food if it is not spicy and oily.” Another added, “prompt service … tables are very close … food is flavourful and appetizing.”
✨ Orchard Foodies Take: We loved the chaos. It’s not a quiet brunch spot — it’s a spice-fuelled feast with friends, beers, and tissues on standby.
Prefer something a little less fiery but still stylish? Our review of French Fold Orchard – Chic Crêpes & Galettes in Somerset has you covered.
Prices – What to Expect
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Signature Stir-Fried Pork Belly with Chilli Pepper: ~$19.80
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Dry Pot & Specialty Dishes: ~$20–30
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Cold Plates & Starters: ~$10–15
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Rice (essential, trust us): ~$2–3
Not the cheapest, but fair for Orchard Road. And portions are generous — as Janelku Blog noted, it’s “great for sharing.”
What People Are Saying (Fresh 2025 Voices)
Love ❤️
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“Generous portions and great for sharing … food came out promptly.” (Janelku, 2025)
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“Private dining rooms … spacious and welcoming setting, ideal for groups.” (Instagram, 2025)
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“Sauerkraut fish … so yummy!!! goes really well with the rice.” (Instagram, 2025)
Meh 👀
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“Overall, the dishes were pretty good but all were really oily.” (Eggy Toast Life, 2025)
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“Tables are very close … food is flavourful but space is tight.” (Lemon8, 2025)
Who Should Visit Nong Geng Ji?
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🌶 Spice Lovers – Authentic Hunan heat, unapologetically fiery.
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👯 Group Diners – Private rooms + big portions = squad approved.
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🍚 Rice Heroes – Every dish begs for rice, and lots of it.
Skip it if: you want delicate flavours, light cooking, or a quiet solo bite.
Orchard Foodies Hot Tips
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Always order rice — the dishes are rich, spicy, and oily.
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Go with friends; portions are big and sharing makes it fun.
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Try the sauerkraut fish — it’s a standout with rave reviews.
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Book a private room if you’re in a group; Orchardgateway outlet offers this unique perk.
The Verdict – Is Nong Geng Ji One of the Best Orchard Road Restaurants?
Nong Geng Ji Orchardgateway brings authentic Hunan firepower to the Orchard Road food scene. Bold, spicy, oily, and loud — it’s the opposite of subtle. But that’s exactly the appeal.
Yes, prices lean Orchard Road, and yes, it’s not for the faint of tongue. But if you crave unapologetic heat, generous sharing plates, and a lively group atmosphere, Nong Geng Ji deserves a spot in your Somerset restaurant rotation.
It also earns its place in our roundup of the Best Orchard Road Restaurants You Must Try.
Final Word: Come with friends, come hungry, and come ready for spice.
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