THE Singapore dish: Chicken rice! (Credits: Chatterbox)
One of Singapore‘s most recognisable national dishes, there’s no way you can the city without trying a plate of this traditional Hainan-originated dish. Served with roasted or steamed chicken atop fragrant rice that is cooked in chicken broth, garlic, ginger, and pandan leaves, this local meal is eaten best with its special, garlicky chilli. Here, we list our favourite eateries for the best chicken rice in Singapore
Bong Tong Kee chicken rice has been around since 1979
Boon Tong Kee Chicken Rice
Chicken rice at 3am – why not? Boon Tong Kee’s Balestier outlet closes late (or rather, early) for nocturnal creatures to get their decent chow, which includes a variety of zi char dishes.
Boon Tong Kee, #01-93, 34 Whampoa West, Singapore 329801, p. 6299 9880.
Tian Tian Chicken Rice
With a stamp of approval by American celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain in his TV show No Reservation, it’s no surprise that there is always a long, snaking queue at this hawker stall. Famous amongst both locals and tourists alike, Tian Tian is generous with their portions and serves their silky, smooth chicken in a secret sauce that’s thicker in consistency as compared to the normal soya-sauce seasonings found in other stores.
Tian Tian Chicken Rice, #01-10/11, Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069184.
Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice
Wee Nam Kee boasts over 25 years of experience and had won top hawker at Asiaone People’s Choice Award back in 2010.
Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice, United Square, 101 Thomson Road, #01-08, Singapore 307645, e. info@wnk.com.sg.
Tong Fong Fatt
Amoy Street Food Centre is a treasure trove brimming with stellar (and affordable) local flavours, including one of the yummiest chicken rice in the CBD. Take on the crowd and be rewarded with authentic Hainanese boneless chicken rice (only $2.50!) at Tong Fong Fatt.
Tong Fong Fatt, #01-43, Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069111.
We love our chicken rice! (Credits: Chinatown Food Street / Soshiok)
Five Star Hainanese Chicken Rice
You can’t argue about the best chicken rice in Singapore without Five Star Hainanese Chicken Rice being thrown in as a contender. With three outlets around the island, Five Star’s East Coast outlet is the answer to all easties’ chicken rice cravings.
Five Star Hainanese Chicken Rice, 191 East Coast Road, Singapore 428897, p. 6344 5911.
Hainan Chicken Rice Ball
Housed in Shin Boon Hwa Food Centre, Hainan Chicken Rice Ball serves up succulent white chicken doused in black sauce, together with two tennis-ball sized mounds of fragrant rice – similar to the ones found across the causeway.
Hainan Chicken Rice Ball, Shin Boon Hwa Food Centre, 43 Jalan Besar (Dickson Road), Singapore 8133 8287.
Chatterbox
Chicken rice in a swish setting? Chatterbox is your answer. Located on level 5 of Meritus Mandarin, the posh restaurant serves an impressive plate of chicken rice ($27) that has been on the menu since the restaurant first opened in 1971.
Chatterbox, Level 5, Mandarin Orchard Singapore, 333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867, p. 6831 6288 / 6291.
Lepark
Want to try chicken rice with a twist? Head up to hip tapas restaurant and bar Lepark for chicken rice sushi. Rice is hand-compressed into a sushi base, then topped with garlic, chilli, and a slice of fatty chicken. The unique dish packs a punch and will please even the most difficult Hainanese Chicken Rice critic.
Lepark, People’s Park Complex, Level 6 Rooftop Carpark,1 Park Road, Singapore 059108.
