You can't help but agree that Hainanese Chicken Rice, which can be found in practically any kopitiam, hawker centre, or coffee shop, is one of Singaporeans' favourite dishes. Additionally, it came in at number 45 on CNN Go's 2011 list of the World's 50 Most Delicious Foods.
Here's a compiled list of 10 Places where we think you can get the Best Hainanese Chicken Rice at. Starting off with Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice.
1. Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice
[Image credits : @weenamkee_sg]
Wee Nam Kee has more than 30 years of experience in serving authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice in Singapore. Founded in 1987 by the late Mr. Wee Toon Ouut.
[Image credits : @weenamkee_sg]
Three factors contributed to Wee Nam Kee's renowned Chicken Rice. To begin with, only the freshest chickens were used to ensure that only the best was served. Another essential to Wee Nam Kee's success was the aromatic rice. Garlic, pandan leaves, chicken stock, and a variety of other ingredients were incorporated to infuse flavour into the chicken rice. Last but not least, their homemade dips deserve a shout out. The combination of hot chilli sauce, ginger that is pasty yellow, and smooth, thick, and less salty black soy sauce really gives the Hainanese Chicken Rice the ideal finishing touch.
[Image credits : @weenamkee_sg]
At Wee Nam Kee, a single plate of chicken rice costs S$5.60. A quarter chicken costs S$8.50 while a half chicken costs S$16.
Wee Nam Kee has expanded to 7 locations around Singapore and has outlets in countries such as Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, thanks to a solid foundation and expertise, as well as superb cuisine and customer satisfaction. Check out the Full List of stores HERE.
Address: 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square #04-102B, Singapore 039594
Opening Hours: Daily 1030am - 10pm
2. Chatterbox
[Image credits : @chatterboxsg]
Chatterbox is home to Singapore’s most expensive Chicken Rice. Famous celebrities like Jackie Chan, Jay Chou including former presidents Tony Tan and S.R. Nathan. Oh, have all tried their hands on this “atas” version of the Hainanese Chicken Rice. Chatterbox was established in 1971. Chatterbox, which is now located on level 5 of Mandarin Orchard, a 5-star hotel in the center of Orchard, offers a high-end dining experience for Asian Cuisine. It is a venue where foreign visitors may have a traditional feast in a luxurious setting.
[Image credits : @chatterboxsg]
Chatterbox may not be your typical spot to go for Chicken Rice, but if you're feeling "atas" and still want to try local delicacies like Chicken Rice, Chatterbox is the place to go. Chatterbox, in addition to Hainanese Chicken Rice, serves Lobster Laksa, another popular local delicacy. Despite being passed down for decades, this highly guarded secret Chicken Rice recipe was only known by six chefs throughout Chatterbox's history. Liew Tan Heong, 61, Executive Chef at Chatterbox for almost three decades, was one of them. He stated that the recipe has stayed unchanged!
[Image credits : @chatterboxsg]
The individual Mandarin Chicken set at Chatterbox costs S$25, while the half and whole chicken cost S$38 and S$72, respectively. (All before GST and Service Charge :”)
Check out Chatterbox’s Lunch Menu HERE and Dinner Menu HERE.
Address: 333 Orchard Rd, 05-03 Hilton, Singapore 238867
Opening Hours: (Sun to Thu) 11am– 1am, (Fri, Sat & PH) 10am – 2am
3. Golden Mile Thien Kee Steamboat
[Image credits : Golden Mile Thien Kee Steamboat]
Golden Mile Thien Kee Steamboat, a renowned Hainanese establishment known for its authentic steamboat and chicken rice, was established in 1952 and has 70 years of expertise in the Chinese Gourmet Culture.
[Image credits : Golden Mile Thien Kee Steamboat]
Thien Kee, a Hainanese restaurant, has been a family favourite of mine since I was a child. The flavour has been consistent till now! It was the classic combination of tender and juicy chicken breast meat and flavorful chicken rice cooked in a thick and rich chicken broth. In addition to the traditional chicken soup steamboat. There's also Hainan sweet and sour pork chop. Each slice is thick and crispy and is served with a tomato-based sweet and sour sauce and peas, which pairs wonderfully with the chicken rice. Aside from Hainan delicacies, they also catered to Singaporeans' tastes by offering satays. It was another must-order when we were there. The chilli and garlic sauce was my family’s favourite as they loved to compliment every single dish with it. Unfortunately, you must always arrive early before the food runs out!
[Image credits : Golden Mile Thien Kee Steamboat]
The price at Thien Kee was S$40 for the Steamboat, S$10 for a plate of Hainanese Chicken, S$11 for the Hainanese Pork Chop, S$0.80 for each stick of Satay and S$1 for each bowl of chicken rice.
Address: 6001 Beach Road, #B1-20 Golden Mile Tower
Opening Hours: Daily 11am -10pm
4. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
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Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, located in the Maxwell Food Centre, is a prominent Hainanese chicken rice stall that has been established since 1987 and is well-known globally. The chicken rice here is extremely popular, so one can only imagine how appealing it is. The chicken is tender and coated in a special marinade to boost its umami. Remember to consume it with aromatic rice!
[Image credits : @tiantianchicken]
Local Singaporeans picked Tian Tian as the best chicken rice hawker in Singapore. Tian Tian's chicken rice is cooked to perfection with flavorful chicken stock. It has exactly the right amount of oil and flavour, just like authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice should.
[Image credits : @tiantianchicken]
Tian Tian's popularity can be traced back to endorsements from worldwide culinary superstars such as Anthony Bourdain and Gordon Ramsay. Where Gordon Ramsay, who has received 16 Michelin stars over his career, was unable to defeat Tian Tian in a 1v1 cook-off.
Each plate of Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice costs $5. Check Out More from Tian Tian HERE.
Maxwell Food Centre
Address: 1 Kadayanallur Street, #01-10/11 Maxwell Food Centre
Opening Hours: (Tue to Sun) 11am – 8pm
Bedok
Address: 12 Jalan Pari Burong, Singapore 488678
Opening Hours: (Tues to Sun) 11am - 9pm
Clementi
Address: 450 Clementi Ave 3, Singapore 120450
Opening hours: (Tue to Sun) 10am - 8pm
5. Boon Tong Kee
[Image credits : @hidetaka_furuya]
The first Boon Tong Kee restaurant can be traced back to 1983. Boon Tong Kee is a full-fledged restaurant, unlike other chicken rice hawkers which translate to higher prices for the chicken rice. Each plate of chicken rice cost $7. Check Out the Boon Tong Kee Menu HERE.
[Image credits : @widjaja.peter]
Boon Tong Kee chicken rice was flavorful, light, and less greasy, with undertones of pandan, ginger, and a healthy dose of chicken fat. Every bite of the chicken was firm yet smooth and tender.
[Image credits : @jorriglyfats]
Boon Tong Kee is open till 3am to 4.30am which means it's perfect for those who are craving a late-night supper.
Boon Tong Kee currently has 8 locations in Singapore. Check out the Full List of outlets HERE.
Address: 399 /401 /403 Balestier Road, Singapore 329801
Opening Hours: (Mon to Sat) 11am - 4.45pm, 5.30pm - 4.30am | (Sun) 11am - 4.45pm, 5.30pm - 3am
6. Xing Yun Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
[Image credits : @my_world_travel_2021]
With the reopening of Chatterbox, locals were debating the topic of "expensive vs. affordable chicken rice." Chatterbox serves a plate of chicken rice for S$25, compared to Xing Yun, who still offers a plate of chicken rice for S$3.50.
[Image credits : @almeric7]
[Image credits : @sniki1954]
Xing Yun Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice is a well-known vendor at Jurong East's Yuhua Market & Hawker Centre. Xing Yun Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice, takes pride in its boneless chickens' soft and succulent texture, and the rice is prepared with a range of fragrant spices. It's perfect for those who dislike chewing on bones! Drizzle with ginger sauce and chilli oil for a flavour boost.
Check Out More from Xing Yun HERE.
Address: Blk 347 Jurong East Avenue 1, Yuhua Market and Food Centre, Singapore 600347
Opening Hours: (Mon & Thu to Sun) 7am – 2pm | Closed on Tue & Wed
7. Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
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Tiong Bahru Boneless Hainanese Chicken Rice, is a hidden gem that deserves a visit at Tiong Bahru Market. Other than Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice which was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand Singapore, Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless CHicken Rice was a surprising entry considering Tian Tian was renown internationally.
[Image credits : @ann.5im]
The chicken at Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice is smooth and not too greasy yet maintains its juiciness when compared to some of Singapore's more well-known brands. Similar to other steamed chicken dishes, the one at Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice is similarly devoid of the typical jelly-like skin.
[Image credits : @cyeatyumz]
Each plate of Hainanese Boneless Chicken rice at Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice cost S$3. Roasted Chicken Rice and Lemon Chicken Rice is available in the S$3 or S$4 option. The fluffy rice had a more delicate flavour and was less oily than the typical stall, but the flavours might have been more nuanced. Chicken stock, garlic, spring onions, ginger, and onion were used to make it.
Address: 5 Changi Village Road, #01-2037, Singapore 500005
Opening Hours: Daily 10.30am – 9pm
8. Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice
[Image credits : @gastronaughty]
Mr Lee Tai Keng, who has been selling chicken rice for 60 years, established the business. Mr Lee is a genuine Hainanese who began working in a chicken rice shop at the age of 20.
[Image credits : @hippokathy88]
Unlike other chicken rice vendors, Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice used kampung chicken, and free range chickens, which meant the meat was leaner and more costly. Fans, however, prefer its firm skin and robust flavour.
[Image credits : @kaekae_adventures]
The chilli's consistency was superb. It wasn't too coarse and had a strong blast of spice. The garlic overtones were quite prominent, leaving a tint even after the meal.
A single plate of Standard Chicken Rice Set (White/Roasted) at Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice costs S$6.40.
Check Out Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice’s Full Menu HERE.
Address: 191 East Coast Road, Singapore 428897
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 2am
9. Loy Kee
[Image credits : @misshangrychic]
In Singapore, Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice, which was founded in 1953, is revered as the purveyor of authentic Hainanese chicken rice. Loy Kee presently has two locations, having started as a modest vendor at Raymond Market. The first is on Balestier Road, while the second is on Woodlands Avenue.
[Image credits : @_chefjill]
Loy Kee's chicken rice was perfectly cooked and did not clump together. It had the propensity to be dry, but it was also somewhat greasy. However, it also had a strong chicken flavour and was tasty.
[Image credits : @darr3n0ng]
At Loy Kee, a plate of chicken rice special set which came with vegetables and soup cost S$7 while half a chicken was S$15 and the whole chicken was priced at S$28.
Check Out Loy Kee’s Menu HERE.
Address: 342 Balestier Road, Singapore 329774
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 9:30pm
10. Hua Kee Chicken Rice
[Image credits : @tengcckc]
Many of us might not have heard of Hua Kee Chicken Rice Stall compared to the famous Tian Tian Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre. It is an underrated stall, which recently have been included in the same list as Tian Tian Chicken Rice, the Michelin Guide.
[Image credits : @melvinlhl]
Hua Kee Chicken Rice tucked away in Redhill Food Centre, began as a humble trishaw stall in the 1970s and has around 50 years of history. It's well-known for its steamed chicken rice. Madam Tan, 77, and her son, Mr Jay Lim, run the stall.
[Image credits : @katsukennyeats]
Although the chicken is simply seasoned with ginger and onion, it was splendid. However, the stall only operates for half a day, from morning to noon, and there are sometimes lengthy queues during lunchtime, so it is best to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
At Hua Kee Chicken Rice there are only two items on the menu. The original plate of chicken rice is available in the S$4 or S$5 option and the poached chicken is priced at S$15 for half and S$28 for the whole chicken.
Address: 85 Redhill Lane, #01-72, Redhill Food Centre, Singapore 150085
Opening hours: (Tue-Thurs) 8am to 3pm | (Fri-Sun) 6am to 4pm