Hainanese Chicken Rice is one of Singapore’s biggest food treasures, and it’s not hard to understand why. It is layers of complex flavours brought out by years of training and a recipe that spans generations. We take a look at the the best Hainanese Chicken Rice that you can find in Singapore, so get that notebook ready!
Chin Chin Eating House
Restaurant, Chinese
A truly Hainanese eatery that has been around for more than 80 years, Chin Chin Eating House serves up some truly authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice, with an intense ginger dip to boot! Do give their other menu items a shot too, there is nothing much to complain about at this eatery along Purvis Street.
Located at the discreet Upper Thomson Road is Nam Kee Chicken Rice, yet another authentic Hainanese restaurant that serves up a killer plate of chicken rice that is known for being tender and juicy — and best completed with a sweet-savoury sauce.
If a stall commands a long lunch hour queue, you know it’s good. Located in Maxwell Food Center (just opposite the Red Dot Traffic Museum), Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is loved by both locals and tourists for its fragrant rice, firm chicken slices and delicious sides. The food here is so good that the stall owners even won a Chicken Rice face-off with Chef Gordon Ramsay in a recent competition.
Ming Kee Chicken Rice is no stranger to the locals residing in Bishan. The humble eatery serves up a no-nonsense Chicken Rice menu that also includes chicken gizzards and bean sprouts. To preserve the firmness and flavour of the chicken, the stall owners place them in a cold ice bath right to the point of serving, making this arguably one of the best plates of chicken rice in Singapore.
Chicken House’s Kampung Chicken Rice has won over the hearts of many Singaporeans for it tender, juicy and fatty slices of steamed chicken. Served with an accompanying plate of fragrant rice, you can also order the standard sides like tofu or sprouts. If you’re in a hurry, you’d be happy to know that service is relatively fast here, even on weekdays.
Lauded for its tantalising plates of chicken rice, this local haunt also gets praise for its clean and comfortable air-conditioned restaurant. Step inside and be treated to some of the best chicken rice you’ve ever had or opt for a steamboat dinner instead.
If the idea of standard plates of chicken rice no longer excite you, how about rolled up balls of chicken rice instead? Yes, you read that right. Handful balls of fragrant chicken rice served with a plate of juicy chicken, making this a novel, creative and delicious treat when the craving strikes.
Well hidden amongst a row of motor and car workshops, Yeo Keng Nam Chicken Rice is well worth the hunt once you take the first bite of its famed chicken rice. Cooked in small batches throughout the day to ensure freshness, fans of this place are in love with the succulent and juicy chicken slices that are cooked so well, they simply slide off the bone.
For a stall that has been around for more than 30 years, Hua Kee Chicken Rice seems to be under the radar amongst the locals. Even though it is located in the discreet estate off Redhill, Hua Kee manages to command a queue for at least 30 minutes during lunchtime, with some swearing that the chicken is so tender, it melts in your mouth. As the stall is only open four days a week, a trip to Hua Kee needs some careful planning (and patience).
With over 30 years in the business, Nan Xiang Chicken Rice still remains as a nondescript stall in the streets of Whampoa. The rice here is said to be fried with garlic and oil before being steamed, a traditional (albeit troublesome) method to add flavour to the dish. This stall is also famous for its roast meats, which is always an exciting addition to a simple dish of chicken rice.
