Singapore’s Chicken Rice is a culinary gem that speaks to the heart and soul of this vibrant city. Picture succulent, poached chicken embracing fragrant rice infused with the warmth of ginger and sesame oil. It’s not just a dish; it’s a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
Whether you’re at a bustling hawker stall like Tian Tian or a classy spot like Chatterbox, every bite tells a tale of meticulous preparation and cultural richness. Dip the chicken in chili sauce, savor the soy-based magic, and you’ll understand why this dish is a beloved national treasure. Beyond the simplicity of its ingredients, Hainanese Chicken Rice is an experience, a reflection of Singapore’s diverse food culture that continues to captivate locals and visitors alike.Â
In this gastronomic journey, we explore 15 of the best chicken rice destinations in Singapore, each with its unique charm and flavors.
-
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre:
Nestled in the heart of Maxwell Food Centre, Tian Tian enchants diners with its succulent chicken, revealing the soulful essence of Hainanese comfort in every flavorful bite.
- Speciality: Tender chicken with fragrant rice and a side of tangy chili sauce.
- Price: Starting at SGD 5 per plate.
- Address: 1 Kadayanallur Street, #01-10/11 Maxwell Food Centre, Singapore 069184.
- How to Reach: Take the MRT to Chinatown Station and walk to Maxwell Food Centre.
-
Nam Kee Chicken Rice:
Nam Kee beckons with tender chicken served with fragrant rice, creating an exquisite dining experience that showcases the artistry of Hainanese culinary craftsmanship.
- Speciality: Tender chicken served with fragrant rice.
- Price: From SGD 4.50 per plate.
- Address: 201 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574343.
- How to Reach: Take a bus or drive to Upper Thomson Road.
-
Boon Tong Kee Chicken Rice (Balestier):
At Boon Tong Kee, a symphony of savory soy sauce chicken and aromatic rice beckons, promising a delightful escape into the rich tapestry of Hainanese culinary artistry.
- Speciality: Savory soy sauce chicken with fragrant rice.
- Price: Starting at SGD 5 per plate.
- Address: 399 Balestier Road, Singapore 329801.
- How to Reach: Alight at Novena MRT Station and take a short bus ride to Balestier Road.
-
Yet Con Hainanese Chicken Rice:
Step into the quaint Yet Con and savor traditional Hainanese chicken rice in a charming, historic setting, where every plate tells a story of culinary heritage.
- Speciality: Traditional Hainanese chicken rice in a charming, historic setting.
- Price: From SGD 6 per plate.
- Address: 25 Purvis Street, Singapore 188602.
- How to Reach: Walk from City Hall MRT Station.Â
-
Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice (United Square):
Wee Nam Kee invites diners to relish succulent chicken and fragrant rice in a modern setting, blending tradition with contemporary flair for a delightful dining experience.
- Speciality: Succulent chicken with fragrant rice, served in a modern setting.
- Price: Starting at SGD 6 per plate.
- Address: 101 Thomson Road, #01-08 United Square, Singapore 307591.
- How to Reach: Alight at Novena MRT Station and walk to United Square.
-
Chin Chin Eating House:
Chin Chin Eating House, nestled in the historic Purvis Street, beckons patrons with classic Hainanese chicken rice that resonates with the time-honored flavors of Singaporean comfort.
- Speciality: Classic Hainanese chicken rice with a side of tangy chili sauce.
- Price: From SGD 5 per plate.
- Address: 19 Purvis Street, Singapore 188598.
- How to Reach: A short walk from City Hall MRT Station.
-
Five Star Hainanese Chicken Rice:
Embark on a culinary journey at Five Star, where flavorful chicken rice and a rich chicken broth converge, offering a symphony of tastes that captivates the senses.
- Speciality: Flavorful chicken rice with a rich chicken broth.
- Price: Starting at SGD 4.50 per plate.
- Address: 191 East Coast Road, Singapore 428897.
- How to Reach: Take a bus or drive to East Coast Road.
-
Pow Sing Hainanese Chicken Rice:
Pow Sing delights diners with fragrant rice and succulent chicken, complemented by a side of ginger paste, creating a harmonious melody of flavors that lingers on the palate.
- Speciality: Fragrant rice and succulent chicken with a side of ginger paste.
- Price: From SGD 5 per plate.
- Address: 63/65 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555961.
- How to Reach: Alight at Serangoon MRT Station and take a short bus ride.
-
Sin Kee Famous Chicken Rice:
Sin Kee Famous Chicken Rice, located in the heart of Holland Drive, invites patrons to savor crispy chicken skin and well-seasoned rice, promising an indulgent treat for the taste buds.
- Speciality: Crispy chicken skin and well-seasoned rice.
- Price: Starting at SGD 3.50 per plate.
- Address: 40 Holland Drive, #02-01 Holland Drive Market & Food Centre, Singapore 270040.
- How to Reach: A short bus ride from Commonwealth MRT Station.
-
Chatterbox (Mandarin Orchard):
Indulge in luxury at Chatterbox, where a contemporary twist on Hainanese chicken rice offers a lavish culinary experience against the backdrop of the iconic Mandarin Orchard.
- Speciality: Luxury chicken rice with a contemporary twist.
- Price: SGD 27 per plate.
- Address: 333 Orchard Road, Mandarin Orchard Singapore, Singapore 238867.
- How to Reach: Walk from Orchard MRT Station.
-
Hainanese Delicacy Chicken Rice:
Hainanese Delicacy captivates with generous portions of chicken and fragrant rice, delivering a delectable experience that pays homage to the traditional flavors of Hainan.
- Speciality: Generous portions of chicken and fragrant rice.
- Price: Starting at SGD 4.50 per plate.
- Address: 111 East Coast Road, #01-02, Singapore 428801.
- How to Reach: Take a bus or drive to East Coast Road.
-
Loy Kee Chicken Rice:
Loy Kee, nestled in Balestier, presents smooth chicken with flavorful rice and a special dark sauce, inviting diners on a journey through a symphony of rich, aromatic tastes.
- Speciality: Smooth chicken with flavorful rice and a special dark sauce.
- Price: From SGD 5 per plate.
- Address: 342 Balestier Road, Singapore 329774.
- How to Reach: Alight at Novena MRT Station and take a short bus ride.
-
Hock Wong Chicken Rice:
Discover the essence of Hainanese chicken rice at Hock Wong, where classic flavors take center stage, offering a taste of tradition in the heart of Telok Ayer.
- Speciality: Classic Hainanese chicken rice with a homemade touch.
- Price: Starting at SGD 4.50 per plate.
- Address: 122 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068591.
- How to Reach: A short walk from Telok Ayer MRT Station.
-
Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre:
Ah Tai’s Hainanese chicken rice, a tantalizing dance of smooth chicken skin and fragrant rice, is a nostalgic journey back to the basics of authentic, heartwarming flavors.
- Speciality: Smooth chicken skin and aromatic rice paired with ginger paste.
- Price: From SGD 4.50 per plate.
- Address: 1 Kadayanallur Street, #01-07 Maxwell Food Centre, Singapore 069184.
- How to Reach: Follow the same directions as Tian Tian.
-
Kampong Chicken Eating House:
Transport yourself to a kampong-style feast at Kampong Chicken Eating House, where every plate tells a nostalgic tale of timeless flavors and heartwarming culinary memories.
- Speciality: Kampong-style chicken rice with a nostalgic flavor.
- Price: Starting at SGD 5 per plate.
- Address: 5 Lorong 3 Toa Payoh, Jackson Square, Singapore 319579.
- How to Reach: Alight at Toa Payoh MRT Station and take a short bus ride.
As our chicken rice expedition through Singapore comes to a close, we’ve not just savored the delectable flavors of Hainanese culinary mastery but also embraced the stories embedded in each plate. From the bustling markets of Maxwell to the cozy corners of Balestier, these eateries aren’t just places to eat; they’re the heartbeats of shared moments, culinary legacies, and the warmth of tradition. So, the next time you savor a plate of Hainanese Chicken Rice in Singapore, remember, it’s not just a meal – it’s a delicious tale of culture, community, and the enduring love for good food.