A Brief History & Background
Located at the heart of the National University of Singapore (NUS) Kent Ridge campus, Yusof Ishak House (YIH) is more than just a canteen — it is the epicentre of student life. Built in 1977, the building has served generations of students as a social, cultural and activity hub, housing student organisations and community spaces.
Named after Singapore’s first President, Yusof Ishak, the building reflects the university’s emphasis on unity, leadership and student development. After undergoing a major redevelopment from 2020–2025, YIH reopened with modern, sustainable features while preserving its heritage structure.
Today, it stands as a vibrant space where students study, eat, relax and connect.
Where Is It Located?
📍 Address: 31 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119078
YIH sits right in the central zone of NUS Kent Ridge campus, making it one of the most accessible spots for students across different faculties.
Which Students Usually Come Here?
YIH is strategically located near several key academic zones, making it convenient for students from:
- Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences (FASS)
- Business School (BIZ)
- School of Computing (COM)
- Central Library & student activity areas
Because of its central location and bus connectivity, it’s also a common meeting point for students across the entire campus.
The Canteen: Central Square @ YIH
The main dining area here is Central Square, a popular student canteen.
Capacity & Size
- Seating capacity: ~314 seats
- Around 6 food stalls + additional kiosks & outlets
Compared to larger NUS canteens, it’s medium-sized but highly central, so it gets busy during lunch hours.
Air-Conditioned or Not?
- The newer YIH redevelopment includes modern cooling systems and indoor dining areas
- Some sections and surrounding eateries are air-conditioned or semi air-conditioned, offering a more comfortable dining experience compared to traditional hawker-style canteens
Operating Hours
Typical Central Square canteen hours:
- Mon–Fri: 8:00am – 8:00pm
- Sat: 8:30am – 2:30pm
- Sun & PH: Closed (varies by stall)
👉 Individual stalls and kiosks may open later or close earlier.
Parking & Accessibility
- 🚗 Nearest carparks: CP4 & CP5
- 🚌 Nearest bus stop: Yusof Ishak House (direct campus bus access)
This makes it easy for both students and visitors to reach.
What Food Can You Find Here?
Despite being a campus canteen, YIH offers a wide variety of affordable food options, including:
Local & Asian Favourites
- Chicken rice, mixed rice (cai fan), mini wok
- Noodles (fishball noodles, beef noodles)
- Malay and Indian dishes (including halal options)
International Choices
- Japanese ramen (e.g. TempuRamen)
- Western food and pasta
- Wraps, fusion rice bowls
Snacks & Drinks
- Bubble tea (e.g. CHAGEE)
- Coffee & dessert kiosks
- Fast bites like fries, skewers, waffles, tim sum
Prices are generally student-friendly, often ranging from $3 to $7 per meal, making it popular for daily dining.
Why Students Love YIH
What makes YIH special is not just the food:
- ✔ Central gathering point for campus life
- ✔ Study + dining + social space in one
- ✔ Modern, refreshed environment after renovation
- ✔ Mix of affordable and trendy food options
It’s a place where students don’t just eat — they hang out, recharge and build memories.
Final Verdict
If you’re visiting NUS, Yusof Ishak House is:
👉 Not the biggest canteen — but the most “central” and lifestyle-focused
👉 Perfect for:
- Campus lifestyle shoots
- Student food culture features
- “Hidden university food spots” content
