Cover Roasted chicken rice from a hawker stall in Malaysia (Photo: iStock)
Roasted chicken rice from a hawker stall in Malaysia (Photo: iStock)
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Find out where these chefs get their fill of this Malaysian staple
Steamed or roasted, chicken rice is a mainstay in the Malaysian dining scene. It can be found everywhere, from the local kopitiam to upscale restaurants. With its fragrant rice and juicy meat, it is difficult to say no to a plate of chicken rice.
But what makes a good chicken rice? And where do you go for a good one? As with most popular foods in Malaysia, different people have different opinions about this. In fact, something small like the chilli sauce can make or break a plate of chicken rice.
Since we're spoilt for choice, we seek out the help of these five chefs in Malaysia to point us to their favourites. Do you agree with their selections?
Read more: The best char kuey teow in Malaysia, according to chefs
1. Restoran Hin Loong
Ipoh
Above The chicken rice at Restoran Hin Loong in Ipoh is made with age-old recipe (Photo: @kwanchiew/Instagram)
The chicken rice at Restoran Hin Loong in Ipoh is made with age-old recipe (Photo: @kwanchiew/Instagram)
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“Ipoh is famous for its chicken dishes, especially kaisi ho fun (shredded chicken with flat rice noodles soup). But when we talk about chicken rice, it's a completely different conversation. Hainanese chicken rice is one of my favourite dishes.
The best chicken rice shop for me is Restoran Hin Loong in Ipoh, which sells traditional chicken rice that is rarely seen today. The restaurant is more than 40 years old and I was introduced to it by my grandparents. The best part of the meal is the homemade chilli sauce and its ginger purée that pair so well with the rice and the chicken.
I especially love the friendly smiles, passion and spirit of the owners. This is one of the restaurants in Malaysia that has been in business for such a long time but still retains its traditional taste.”
—Lee Choon Boon, Jeff's Cellar
Restoran Hin Loong
Address:
33, Jalan Ali Pitchay, Taman Jubilee, 30250 Ipoh
2. Hainan Chicken Rice
Seri Kembangan
Above Chicken rice with a side of gizzards (Photo: Tuck Seng Leow/Google Reviews)
Chicken rice with a side of gizzards (Photo: Tuck Seng Leow/Google Reviews)
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“There is actually no name for this shop but it is listed as Hainan Chicken Rice in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, on Google. The Seri Kembangan Jalan Besar bus stop is the landmark to look out for. My order here includes steamed chicken with these add-ons, extra rice, gizzard, secret soy sauce to drizzle on my rice, and green chilli sauce.
The best part of the meal is actually the rice that the chefs cook in chicken fat and a secret soy sauce. The chicken is also tender.”
—Daniel Yap, Gooddam
Hainan Chicken Rice
Address:
Kampung Baru Seri Kembangan, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor
3. Restoran Hoe Fong Chicken Rice
Sea Park
Above Hoe Fong Chicken Rice fries its chicken to achieve optimal crispiness (Photo: @fish00fish/Instagram)
Hoe Fong Chicken Rice fries its chicken to achieve optimal crispiness (Photo: @fish00fish/Instagram)
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“I like my chicken rice meal at Hoe Fong Chicken Rice to consist of a quarter leg, rice, and extra soup. I love the soup so much, simple but comforting and delicious. They fry their chicken instead of roasting it. It's the right balance of crispiness, juiciness and flavour, an example of simple things done right. I've been coming here for so long, since I was nine I think, that the staff know my order without me saying a word.”
—Ng Yi Shaun, Hide KL
4. Guang Ji Ho Fun & Chicken Rice
Pudu
Above A hearty plate of chicken at Guang Ji Ho Fun & Chicken Rice (Photo: Xiaoyang Zhou/Google Reviews)
A hearty plate of chicken at Guang Ji Ho Fun & Chicken Rice (Photo: Xiaoyang Zhou/Google Reviews)
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“The chicken at Guang Ji Ho Fun & Chicken Rice is smooth and flavourful, and it's my favourite. Aside from its chicken rice, I love to order the ho fun and slow braised chicken feet. This shop has been around for 40-50 years and is on my way to work. It's my top comfort food place.”
—Raymond Tham, Beta KL and Skillet KL
Guang Ji Ho Fun & Chicken Rice
Address:
38, Jalan San Peng, Pudu, 55200 Kuala Lumpur
5. Restoran Wong Mei Kee
Pudu
Above A whole feast at Restoran Wong Mei Kee (@foodandtravelwithselly/Instagram)
A whole feast at Restoran Wong Mei Kee (@foodandtravelwithselly/Instagram)
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“My favourite chicken rice is from Restoran Wong Mei Kee in Pudu. Its roast pork might take most of the spotlight but I think its chicken is really good too. It has crispy skin and juicy meat, and served with really fragrant rice. It only serves roasted chicken, and I usually order a whole or half chicken because I love savouring every part of the chicken!”
—Johnson Wong, Gēn 根
6. Wong Kee Chicken Rice
Petaling Jaya
Above A selection of dishes at Wong Kee Chicken Rice (Photo: Instagram / @wongkee.chickenrice)
A selection of dishes at Wong Kee Chicken Rice (Photo: Instagram / @wongkee.chickenrice)
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“Wong Kee Chicken Rice is a convenient alternative to Restoran Wong Mei Kee. The old man who owns the shop walks in and out of the kitchen to bring our a single chicken every time a new order comes in, so each of the chickens stay warm and moist, in comparison to them being hung out to dry for hours.”
—Chong Yu Cheng, Terra Dining
Wong Kee Chicken Rice
Address:
931, Jalan 17/38, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
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