We all have our hawker favourites, but for many, Hainanese Chicken Rice places right at the top of the list. Why? It’s convenient, affordable, and has a complex taste, thanks to the accompanying sauce, chilli and oily rice. We could go on but chances are, you already know what we’re waxing lyrical about. And if you’re Singaporean, there’s a high chance that you already have a favourite chicken rice stall in Singapore, and you’ve argued with someone over why it’s the best chicken rice stall in Singapore.
This beloved dish is so popular it can be found in almost every corner of our island and at every type of eatery, from coffee shops and hawker centres to standalone stores, hotel restaurants and even fusion cafes. Everyone has an opinion on where the best chicken rice stall is, so we’ve rounded up our thoughts on the best spots here to indulge in this unofficial national dish.
Jew Kit might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of chicken rice in Singapore, but it’s actually a renowned Hainanese chicken rice stall that has been around for more than two decades. Chicken rice aficionados would approve of the tender chicken meat, fragrant rice, and addictive chilli sauce here. Other than chicken rice dishes, they also have an extensive menu filled with many local zi char favourites.
Jew Kit Hainanese Chicken Rice is at several locations, such as 105 Killiney Road, Singapore 239546, and Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, 170 Upper Bukit Timah Rd #B1-16/17/18, Singapore 588179. Visit jewkit.com.sg
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If you’re heading to Delicious Boneless Chicken Rice at Katong Shopping Centre, remember to go hungry. Like, really hungry. True to its name, the chicken here is really delicious, and the accompanying soup is actually a proper Chinese soup – instead of the usual plain and bland soup that you get at a lot of chicken rice stalls. You’ll also get a serving of achar, which is an unusual accompaniment for chicken rice, but the refreshing pickled vegetables really whet your appetite for the main course.
Delicious Boneless Chicken Rice is at Katong Shopping Centre #B1-85/87, 865 Mountbatten Rd, Singapore 437844.
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Easties will be familiar with Boon Tong Kee on East Coast Road. It’s a classic choice for anyone who stays in the area — what with their great service and of course, delicious chicken rice.
Boon Tong Kee is at 199 East Coast Road, Singapore 428902, tel: 6478 1462 and other outlets. Visit boontongkee.com.sg.
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For those of you who are really particular about the chilli and other accompanying sauces for chicken rice, try Tong Fong Fatt Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice at Bedok South Market. The stall serves up a mean juicy chicken, and the cherry on top will be the scrumptious chilli and ginger garlic sauce. Tip: drench the whole dish in those sauces – you won’t regret it.
Tong Fong Fatt Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice is at 207 New Upper Changi Rd, Singapore 460207.
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Those who reside in Serangoon Gardens would be familiar with the beloved Poh Poh Roasted Chicken Rice. Back in its heyday, when it was still located at a corner coffee shop, there’d be long queues – especially during lunch hour and on weekends. Thankfully, the queue isn’t as long anymore since it shifted to Serangoon Garden Market & Food Centre, but you still get the same great taste. The meat is soft and juicy, the rice fragrant and tasty. And yes, the chilli still packs a strong garlic punch.
Poh Poh Roasted Chicken Rice is at Serangoon Garden Market & Food Centre Stall 15, 49A Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555945.
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Here’s an oldie, but still a goodie. While the queues used to be longer, the baby-bottom-smooth chicken hasn’t lost its oily charm, and the piping hot salted vegetable duck soup (ordered separately) still packs a punch. And the uncles still make you share tables at peak hours.
Hainanese Delicacy is at #05-116, Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228213.
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Five Star Hainanese Chicken Rice is perfect for those who prefer kampung chicken instead. And trust us on this, the roasted version will always be a hit with the kids, thanks to the flavourful and crunchy chicken skin. And added bonus: they deliver too!
Five Star Hainanese Chicken Rice is at 191 East Coast Road, Singapore 428897, tel: 6344 5911 and other outlets. Visit fivestarchickenrice.com
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This one is for the purists who only order steamed chicken for their chicken rice. The supple white chicken meat is served chilled, and you can see the whole birds stored in tubs of cold water in the shop window until you order up.
Ming Kee Chicken Rice is at #01-522, Kim San Leng Food Centre, 511 Bishan Street 13, Singapore 570511.
Text: Joy Fang
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- Boon Tong Kee Chicken Rice
- Chicken
- chicken rice
- coffee shop
- Delicious Boneless Chicken Rice
- Five Star Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Hainanese chicken rice
- hawker food
- Jew Kit Hainanese Chicken Rice
- local food
- Ming Kee Chicken Rice
- Poh Poh Roasted Chicken Rice
- Tong Fong Fatt Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
