The best Hainanese chicken rice in Singapore, according to local chefs

Ace Tan, group executive chef of Labrador House, Asu

“It used to be Yet Con at Purvis when it was still open. These days, I go to Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice on Seng Poh. Rice is the heart of this iconic dish, much like shari in sushi; a foundation that brings everything together. From perfectly poached chicken and the richness of innards to vibrant chilli sauce, house soy sauce and even preserved vegetables, the dish doesn’t rely on complexity but rather precision on each component, resulting in the ultimate balance. I grew up in the area and family meals are often centred around meals of chicken rice hence it holds a special place in my memories. When foreign friends visit, I would brave the queues with them; I think it’s worth exposing them to quintessential Singapore culture, where a long queue is the ultimate seal of approval for great food.”

Yew Eng Tong, executive chef of Alma by Juan Amador

“This has been my regular Hainanese chicken rice spot for over 25 years. The two building blocks of the dish are perfectly poached chicken and rice cooked till soft and fragrant; they tick those boxes. The unfussy achar on the side lends a refreshing edge to the dish while the chicken broth, albeit simply prepared, is comforting. My favourite part of Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice is their ethos. The chicken rice is kept inexpensive so that the elderly and the needy of the community can always afford a meal.”

Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
Address: 30 Seng Poh Road, Tiong Bahru Market, #02-82, S(168898)

Eric Neo, director of culinary of Capella Singapore

“Boon Tong Kee at Balestier Road is hands down my favourite Hainanese chicken rice in Singapore. First, the rice is cooked perfectly, with no broken grains. It is not too oily yet there is that inimitable fragrance of chicken fat and ginger coating each bite. Secondly, the chicken is expertly poached to result in silky tender meat while the skin remains smooth and bouncy. Lastly, the accompaniments of savoury soy sauce and garlic chilli do just enough to tick all the boxes for what good chicken rice is supposed to taste in my books.”

Boon Tong Kee Restaurant
Address: 399/401/403 Balestier Road, S(329801)

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Paul Liew, third-generation owner of KEK Seafood

“This stall has been around for over 20 years, and I grew up with it. I enjoyed it since I was a kid, helping out at KEK when we were previously situated in the hawker centre. The flavour remains the same today, and regulars like myself still frequent it. Even in this economy, the price is kept below four dollars for a plate. What stands out most for me is the hawker’s deft deboning skills. He debones even the smallest bone in the chicken wing and presents it with the skin intact; a skill we don’t see very often in hawkering today. The dish itself is the complete package: rice, light and dry yet fragrant; chicken, soft and moist; chilli sauce, tangy and appetising; achar, refreshingly sour; and the complimentary chicken soup, comforting yet flavorful.” 

Zi Jing Cheng Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
Address: 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Alexandra Village Food Centre, #01-15 S(150120)

Eugene See, head chef of Birds of a Feather

“I frequent Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice & Kitchen on River Valley Road as I enjoy the steamed kampung chicken and the aromatic chicken stock-infused rice. The texture of the kampung chicken is firmer than usual which I particularly enjoy and the savoury sauce blend that is drizzled on the chicken is heavenly. Brownie points for the tangier version of chilli sauce. One of my favourite memories is taking my daughter here when she was only a year old for her first chicken rice experience. She has loved the taste of steamed chicken ever since, which is heartwarming for me to see her grow and develop her preferences. This mutual love for Hainanese chicken rice has created a special bond between us.”

Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice & Kitchen
Address: 419 River Valley Road, S(248318)

Zor Tan, chef-owner of Born

“What I like most about Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice is their rice. It’s soft, fluffy, moist, and full of flavour from the chicken fat; delicious enough to eat on its own. Rice is an everyday staple for me, and it is of utmost importance that the rice component is to my liking whenever I enjoy my favourite dishes. My usual order is the poached chicken thigh, no extra topping, and just extra chilli sauce. What’s best is that Maxwell Food Centre is right across the street from Born, so whenever my craving hits, I go there. Sometimes when the restaurant is busy preparing for an event, we would make a large order for staff meal as my team enjoys it as much as I do.”

Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice
Address: 1 Kadayanallur Street, #01-07, Maxwell Food Centre, S(069184)

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