Craving the ultimate comfort food that Singapore has to offer? Look no further than Hainan Chicken Rice, a dish that tantalises taste buds and beckons food enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.
But with so many options scattered across the island, where can you find the absolute best?
Fear not, as we embark on a gastronomic journey to uncover the 12 best Hainan Chicken Rice spots in Singapore, serving up flavours that will leave you craving for more. Get ready to indulge in tender chicken, fragrant rice, and mouth-watering sauces as we explore the top picks guaranteed to satisfy your culinary cravings!
Note: This list is strictly not in order.
1. Boon Tong Kee
If you’re looking for the best Hainan Chicken Rice in Singapore, Boon Tong Kee is the undisputed champion.
Once a humble stall nestled in Chinatown, Boon Tong Kee blossomed into the epitome of Hainan Chicken Rice excellence, establishing its flagship restaurant in Balestier back in 1983. Through meticulous attention to flavour and quality, Boon Tong Kee has transformed this beloved local dish into a culinary masterpiece fit for any dining occasion. Today, boasting six additional outlets, including three expansive venues ideal for family gatherings, the legacy of Boon Tong Kee remains rooted in its original Balestier roots. Renowned for its signature boiled chicken, prepared with a cherished recipe, every succulent bite embodies perfection. Complemented by a tantalising chicken sauce and glossy rice, each dish is a symphony of flavours that captivates the palate.
Customer Reviews
Paul Chen
One of the classic chicken rice outlets in Singapore. Been around for eons, unlike some of the recent market entrants. Great poached chicken, nice and lean yet still moist inside. The texture of the skin is the best part!
Lawrence Leong
Love the white chicken 10/10 here. Ordered a whole chicken, served in 2 plates of half. Once served, soy sauce is being poured on the chicken making it look more appetizing. The meat is soft and tender, goes perfectly well with its garlic chili. Rice is flavorful and not too oily. Also order some side dishes like king of pork rib 8/10 and chinese spinach with assorted eggs 7/10. Will keep coming back for more.
Abdullah Khatib
Met a few friends here for dinner and this place did not disappoint. The chilli sauce is so good and the chicken rice here really stood out to me! Highly recommend!
Website: | https://boontongkee.com.sg/ |
Contact: | Balestier – 6254 3937 Whampoa West – 6299 9880 River Valley – 6736 3213 Bukit Timah – 9296 9104 Ang Mo Kio – 6457 2696 Century Square – 6260 1218 Compass One – 6242 1207 Vista Exchange Green – 6334 0360 |
Location: | 399, 401 & 403 Balestier Road, Singapore 329801 Blk 34 Whampoa West #01-93, Singapore 330034 425 River Valley Road, Singapore 248324 18 Cheong Chin Nam Road, Singapore 599742 Blk 233 Ang Mon Kio Ave 3, #01-1194, Singapore 560233 2 Tampines Central 5, #B1-18, Century Square, Singapore 529509 1 Sengkang Square, #01-34, Compass One, Singapore 545078 1 Vista Exchange Green, #B1-07/41, Singapore 138617 |
Opening Hours: | Differs for each location |
2. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
Nestled within the bustling Maxwell Food Centre, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice has reigned as a beloved culinary gem since 1987, earning international acclaim for its tantalising flavours.
At Tian Tian Chicken Rice, tradition is revered, with the chicken meticulously blanched to perfection before a refreshing cold water bath seals in its succulence. Generous portions of meat and rice grace each plate, accompanied by the signature in-house sauce, a hallmark of Tian Tian’s culinary mastery that sets it apart from the competition. For the best Hainan chicken rice experience in Singapore, Tian Tian Chicken Rice stands as an unrivalled destination!
Customer Reviews
Miranti Vidyasari
Super tasty chicken rice by far. It’s tender, juicy. The rice itself has big portion, and super well seasoned, can taste the ginger and garlic too. Which i like. Nice stir vegetable. The dipping chilli sauce is really compliment and perfect for overall chicken rice. We come twice in a row during our visit in Singapore. Be prepared for super long queues, but the line goes fast tho.
Brandon Choong
Lives up to its Michelin Gourmand reputation. Succulent chicken, fragrant and fluffy rice. Chilli sauce acidity and spiciness compliments both the rice and chicken perfectly. The line length can be a little confronting but service is surprisingly fast and efficient.
David Athan
This places was phenomenal. One of the best Hainanese Chicken Rice places I have tried. Classic cooking style, braised chicken, chicken rice, cucumbers and sauce, with chilli on the side. Just so tender chicken and the rice so flavourful. A must try on visiting Singapore. And all for less than $8.
Website: | – |
Contact: | 9691 4852 |
Location: | 1 Kadayanallur Street, #01-10/11, Maxwell Food Centre, Singapore 069184 |
Opening Hours: | Tuesday – Sunday: 10 AM – 7.30 PM | Closed on Mondays |
3. Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
Located within the vibrant Tiong Bahru Market, Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice has been one of the best Hainan Chicken Rice stalls in Singapore since its inception in 1988. Praised for its succulent boneless chicken, this revered stall offers a unique appeal with its slightly richer cuts, boasting impeccably smooth skin and tender, juicy meat. Whether opting for the classic steamed chicken or indulging in the aromatic flavours of roasted chicken, each bite is a delightful fusion of taste and texture. However, with the stall closing promptly upon selling out, early arrival is recommended to savour every mouth-watering moment of this culinary delight.
Customer Reviews
Ivan Teh
Chicken Rice (SGD $4.50) @ Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice. Hawker Cheong Weng Wah still helms this brand, known for being among the earliest pioneers (since 1988) of the ice blanch technique which renders optimal tenderness of the chicken meat and silkiness of the skin. Both poached and roasted versions are equally popular, having clean meaty sweet savoury flavour, with the tender moist succulent texture of the chicken. The gravy lends a light salty savoury herbal taste, yum. The fluffy rice is fragrant with grainy sweet herbal spice notes, having been infused with ginger, garlic, red onions, and spring onions. A duo of vegetables, juicy cucumbers and crunchy pickled mustard greens, with vegetal salty sweet earthy herbal flavour, are served alongside. Completed with the trio of dipping sauces.
Minh Le
Favourite hainesse chicken (so far) in Singapore. Do not go to the restaurant, but come to the Hawker stall as the meat is fresher and hence way tastier.
Henry Cheng
Fragrant delicious chicken rice, worthy of the Michelin Bib Gourmand title. Drizzled with sesame oil and their special soya sauce, each piece of chicken is deliciously coated. The rice is cooked to almost perfection, each grain absorbing the chicken stock from the poached chicken. Absolutely a must try at Tiong Bahru market.
Website: | – |
Contact: | – |
Location: | 30 Seng Poh Road, Tiong Bahru Market, #02-82. Singapore 168898 |
Opening Hours: | Wednesday – Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM | Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays |
4. Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice
Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice is one of the best Hainan Chicken Rice stalls in Singapore, renowned for its exquisite rendition of Hainanese Chicken Rice since its establishment in 1987.
At the heart of their culinary mastery lies a commitment to quality, evident in the meticulous selection of the freshest chickens to ensure optimal texture and flavour. Each chicken is lovingly simmered in a fragrant chicken bone stock, alongside carefully curated ingredients, resulting in tender, succulent, and flavourful poached chicken that embodies the essence of perfection. Complementing this culinary masterpiece is the fragrant rice, cooked to perfection in a blend of chicken stock and oil infused with aromatic pandan leaves, garlic, and ginger, exuding an irresistible aroma that tantalises the senses. No dish is complete without Wee Nam Kee’s signature in-house chili and ginger sauce dips, adding an extra layer of depth and flavour to each bite.
Customer Reviews
Smawee C
2nd time visiting this main outlet, still like the vibe , the foods and the friendly staffs. My favorite is still the blend of chili , garlic , dark sacue, and most importantly, the chicken. l will be back again.
Cerise
This is the place remind me how much I love Singaporean. the chicken rice is tasty and the service is warm and friendly. love all the dish we ordered and the uncle who service us was excellent !! You have to try their chicken rice here… you won’t regret it.
Dawn Lim
Excellent chicken rice. I would say that Wee Nam Kee is even better than Tian Tian (Maxwell Food Centre). Succulent chicken, tasty rice. Their zichar dishes are very good too. We ordered half a steamed chicken, a side of chicken gizzard and liver, a stir fried beef with ginger and onions, a sambal kangkong and 3 rice, as well as 4 hot chrysanthemum tea. All these for around $58. Reasonable pricing.
Website: | https://wnk.com.sg/ |
Contact: | United Square – 6255 6393 Jurong Point – 6251 8236 Changi City Point – 6443 6800 |
Location: | 101 Thomson Road, United Square, #01-08, Singapore 307591 63 Jurong West Central 3, Jurong Point, #B1-60/61, Singapore 648331 Changi Business Park Central 1, Changi City Point, #B1-35, Singapore 486038 |
Opening Hours: | Differs for each location |
5. Hainan Chicken Rice Ball
With a rich history dating back to World War 2, Hainan Chicken Rice Ball is a cherished culinary gem passed down through generations. Serving the finest chicken rice balls in the city, it is no wonder that this is one of the best Hainan Chicken Rice in Singapore.
What exactly are chicken rice balls, you may wonder? Picture a meticulously crafted ball of rice, hand-packed with precision and served alongside tender meat, akin to the beloved Japanese onigiri. The result? A harmonious blend of flavours and textures that promises satisfaction with every bite.
Renowned for its tender and slightly saltier meat, this stall offers a delightful culinary experience reminiscent of a nostalgic era.
Customer Reviews
Maureen Ow
The Chicken with Double Ball comes with two very well shaped hand-rolled rice ball, a seemingly small but large portion of boiled chicken and the signature herbal soup.
Gladys Tan
Unlike conventional chicken rice, Hainanese Chicken Rice Ball is known for their chicken rice that is shaped into a ball, steamed chicken that is lightly drizzled in dark sauce, braised pork belly instead of roasted pork and herbal soup instead of chicken soup. The portion is not a lot but the food is not bad. The steamed chicken and braised pork are very tender and go very well with the dark sauce and chilli, which is quite spicy. The herbal soup is sweet and earthy, and the soft taupok soaked up the flavours thoroughly. The chicken rice grains are shorter than usual and quite fragrant, though the rice was a little undercooked when I went, which is not their norm. Our meal was $18 for 3 pax. Good to have this again after a long time!
Joyz X
Best Hainanese chicken rice ball in Singapore!
Website: | – |
Contact: | 9790 1008 |
Location: | 1002 Jalan Bukit Merah, Maddox Canteen Bar, #01-3752, Singapore 159456 |
Opening Hours: | Monday – Saturday: 10.30 AM – 2.30 PM | Closed on Sundays |
6. Hoe Kee Kitchen
At Hoe Kee Kitchen, renowned for its array of delectable offerings including char siew and roasted pork rice, the Hainanese chicken rice stands out as a signature specialty. Prepared with simplicity and precision, the chicken is delicately steamed with a hint of seasoning, resulting in a dish that captivates the palate from the first bite.
With a reputation for excellence, this stall draws crowds eager to savour its flavourful creations. However, visitors must act swiftly, as Hoe Kee Kitchen operates only during the morning hours, with doors closing promptly once the day’s provisions are exhausted. To ensure a taste of culinary perfection, it’s advisable to arrive early and indulge in the timeless charm of the best Hainan Chicken in Singapore at Hoe Kee Kitchen.
Customer Reviews
Ngoc B Khuong
My favorite chicken tice, have been eating here for 2 years now. They are good at the steamed chicken one, very tender and juicy.
Shiro Tan
Ordered on Foodpanda. Food delivered was warm and nicely packed. The chicken was big and juicy. The rice was unique, it was fragrant and you can eat it on its own. The chilli looked diluted but it was good and spicy! This stall has the same name as the one at 505 Jurong West St 51. And the rice and chilli are similar! Are they from the same owner?
Website: | – |
Contact: | 9669 2544 |
Location: | 85 Redhill Lane, #01-03, Redhill Food Centre, Singapore 150085 |
Opening Hours: | Wednesday – Monday: 8.30 AM – 7 PM | Closed on Tuesdays |
7. Ji De Lai Hainanese Chicken Rice
Situated within Yishun’s vibrant Chong Pang Market and Food Centre, Ji De Lai Hainanese Chicken Rice offers an extensive menu to cater to diverse preferences. Customers can choose from individual portions or opt for set meals, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Enhancing the traditional Hainan Chicken Rice experience, the eatery also provides a range of enticing add-ons. These include delectable vegetables cooked in oyster sauce, flavourful eggs, chicken innards, and crispy bean sprouts. Whether dining alone or with company, Ji De Lai Hainanese Chicken Rice guarantees a satisfying culinary journey filled with diverse flavours and culinary delights.
Customer Reviews
Tan Soon Chua
Very nice chicken and rice price reasonable.
CJ
Not so special kind of chicken rice. But I have to say their chicken is very tender. 👍 The seller is also friendly and service was fast. We ordered and they prepared the food right up, no waiting time. Their chilli sauce also taste nice. Price wise, still not very expensive also. I just rated 4 for the atmosphere since Chong Pang Hawker Centre is a bit cramp and not very easy to go around. Haha.
Stevez Chua
Value for money and the chicken meat is v tender. Cucumber is japanese type. Wondering why the poor rating….seriously worth my money. $12 for half chicken. Picture shown is half roasted and half white. I like the white one as it taste very soft and feel like 冷鸡。Recommended to try and judge yourselves. I enjoy the meal v much.
Website: | – |
Contact: | 9798 8788 |
Location: | 105 Yishun Ring Road, Chong Pang Food Centre, #01-152, Singapore 760105 |
Opening Hours: | Monday – Sunday: 7.30 AM – 7.30 PM |
8. Chicken House
For health-conscious diners seeking a wholesome alternative, Chicken House offers a tantalising option with its kampong chicken rice in Singapore. Sourced from the Malaysian countryside, kampong chicken is corn-fed and free-range, resulting in leaner, less fatty meat.
At Chicken House, this nutritious poultry is expertly prepared using a unique cooking technique, ensuring tender, flavourful chicken despite its reduced fat content. Complementing the dish are perfectly balanced dips of garlic chili and ginger sauces, adding just the right amount of zest without overpowering the delicate flavours. If you’re looking for the best Hainan Chicken Rice in Singapore, don’t forget to check Chicken House out!
Customer Reviews
Rosemary GE
The chicken rice was nice but usually get a long queue during peak hour. Better to take away if you can. Chicken is soft with tender. Can see a layer of gel like texture between chicken skin and meat.😋
Joseph Au Yeung
Recommended by my Singaporean friend, so I went there today at 1:30, the cashier was so friendly to introduce the dishes, so ordered a chicken rice, veggie (Gailan 介蘭) and a homemade Barley drink. The taste of chicken and rice 🍚 are so delicious, and I spent just S$13 for lunch, and I definitely come back when I stopover or layover in Singapore. 👍🏻👍🏻
Ka L
This is a compilation of 2 dinners. We ordered half a chicken ($16++), vegetables ($5), and tried the jellyfish and fried tofu! All very reasonably priced. The chicken was juicy and tender, not dry at all. The sauces were light and fresh. Would come back here regularly.
Website: | – |
Contact: | 6456 0698 |
Location: | 255 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574382 |
Opening Hours: | Monday – Sunday: 10.30 AM – 7.30 PM |
9. Jew Kit Hainanese Chicken Rice
Indulge in the irresistible allure of Hainanese Chicken Rice from Jew Kit, renowned as one of the best Hainan Chicken Rice in Singapore. Featuring succulent poached chicken, fragrant rice, and an array of delicious condiments, every bite is a symphony of flavours that captivates both locals and visitors alike.
Jew Kit’s Signature Steamed Chicken sets itself apart with a unique preparation method, utilising a proprietary sous vide system to achieve a delicate collagen layer between the skin and flesh of each chicken.
Customer Reviews
Jeroen Yip
Chicken serving was big. Chicken breast meat was able to retain the moisture and not taste dry. Pumpkin Yam dessert was good.
John Chong
One of my favourite Chicken Rice shops in Singapore. The chicken rice is excellent and authentic. The white chicken itelf is soft and tender. They serve it boneless, which is the way I like it. They have a set with meatballs, which are also quite tasty and good. You can also try their other dishes. I like their Hokkien as the beehoon and noodles are not soggy, and in fact firm. Also its not oily, but in fact wet with rich broth. Definitely the right place to get Good Singapore Chicken Rice.
Touristmouse
Visited Jew Kit on a bustling weekday lunch and thanks to our foresight of making a reservation, we snagged the coveted round table for our group of eight. Jew Kit’s chicken rice hits all the right notes.The chicken, even better than I remember from years ago, was a symphony of tenderness and juicy flavour. The collagen layer beneath the skin leaves us all happily clucking for more. Also, the lightly flavoured oil rice perfectly complemented side dishes with bolder notes like Curry Fish Head and Chap Chye. The chicken feet were a pleasant surprise too. Its springy texture is a delightful treat that you won’t want to miss. The restaurant’s recent makeover deserves applause. The space is now more spacious and inviting, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that elevates the entire experience.
Website: | https://jewkit.com.sg/ |
Contact: | Sembawang Shopping Centre – 6570 3328 Bukit Timah Shopping Centre – 6463 2637 Killiney Road – 6733 5578 |
Location: | 604 Sembawang Road, #01-26, Sembawang Shopping Centre, Singapore 758259 170 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, #B1-17/18, Singapore 588179 105 Killiney Road, Singapore 239546 |
Opening Hours: | Differs for each location |
10. Xing Yun Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
Located within the bustling Yuhua Market & Hawker Centre in Jurong East, Xing Yun Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice is a beloved destination renowned for its tender and succulent chicken, accompanied by fragrant rice bursting with flavour. Elevating the dining experience further, patrons can enhance their meal with the aromatic ginger sauce and chili oil provided for an extra burst of taste. Additionally, every order of chicken rice is complemented by a piping hot chicken soup, offering diners a delightful opportunity to savour the full spectrum of flavours. It certainly is one of the best Hainan Chicken Rice in Singapore!
Customer Reviews
Blackcoupe
This boneless chicken rice stall attracts a crowd. They are usually sold out around lunch time. So it is advisable to come slightly earlier, before noon if possible. Taste is great and the chilli is fantastic. Price is reasonable and the hawkers are friendly. By 1pm you are probably stretching your luck, as most days they could be sold out by then or favourite parts of the chicken are no longer available.
Stephen Lim
Great and deliciously good Chicken Rice The prices are reasonable. For half a Chicken with 4 plate of rice, it costs you less than $15. They friendly family business. Worth to eat! Very fragrant rice too.
SG Food Travel
Chicken rice is tender with a pineapple slice. Add vinegar, chilli and dark soya sauce for enhanced layer of taste.
Website: | – |
Contact: | – |
Location: | 347 Jurong East Ave 1, #01-202, Singapore 600347 |
Opening Hours: | Wednesday – Monday: 7 AM – 2 PM | Closed on Tuesdays |
11. Ming Kee Chicken Rice
Ming Kee Chicken Rice is more than just one of the best Hainan Chicken Rice stalls in Singapore; it’s a testament to three generations of dedication and culinary excellence. With granddaughter Grace poised to carry on the family legacy, Ming Kee boasts a remarkable 40-year heritage that has earned it widespread acclaim. Their innovative ice bath technique sets them apart, ensuring the utmost freshness for their signature steamed chicken.
Unlike traditional stalls, Ming Kee’s storefront doesn’t showcase hanging chickens but rather employs the ice bath method, a strategy devised by Grace’s father to preserve the meat’s quality in Singapore’s tropical climate. While their menu focuses solely on steamed chicken, Ming Kee offers a tantalising array of sides including chicken feet, gizzards, beansprouts, and oyster sauce vegetables.
Customer Reviews
Darren Chan
Would say this is one of the best chilled chicken places I’ve had thus far. The chicken was tender and packed full of flavour. The rice was light, fragrant and fluffy on its own, although it was frequently overpowered by the sauces (chicken sauce, chili, dark soy sauce). It was so good that I had 1.75 plates of the rice to myself. The vegetables were well seasoned with a sufficient amount of oyster sauce. This coffeeshop (Kim San Leng) is frequently packed, so I would recommend coming earlier if you wish to avoid the queue. Will definitely be back again!
Jeremy Lim
Unique white chicken rice that is still good years later. Taste still good.
Bill
One of the best chicken rices I have ever had. The meat is tender, soaked in the sauce, very juicy 😋😋 gizard and liver have no smell and having good texture. Overall recommended! The queue may seems long but it’s moving quite fast😉 go and try yourself.
Website: | – |
Contact: | – |
Location: | 511 Bishan Street 13, #01-522, Kim San Leng Coffee Shop, Singapore 570511 |
Opening Hours: | Wednesday – Monday: 9:30 AM – 8 PM | Closed on Tuesdays |
12. Hainanese Delicacy
When it comes to the best Hainan Chicken Rice at Far East Plaza, one name stands out above the rest: Hainanese Delicacy on the 5th floor of the shopping centre. Renowned for its exquisite flavours and meticulous preparation, Hainanese Delicacy’s chicken rice is a culinary delight not to be missed. The steamed rice, cooked to perfection with chicken stock and a touch of stir-fried ginger, that complements the succulent and juicy poached chicken impeccably. Drizzled with light soy sauce for an added burst of flavour, each bite is a symphony of savoury goodness. And no chicken rice experience would be complete without the perfect chili sauce, and Hainanese Delicacy delivers on all fronts with its flavourful and aromatic accompaniment.
Customer Reviews
Wei Tan
Been years since I last had this chicken rice and tbh I’ve forgotten how good it is. I ordered the white chicken breast and it was so tender and succulent, and the sauce that came with the dish really enhanced the tastiness of the chicken. I also like the rice a lot (almost wanted another serving) – it wasn’t too dry or too oily, and the flavours were strong and aromatic, and the texture was a little soft/sticky which was really appealing to me. Lastly I like their chilli too which was not too spicy and tangy with a good consistency. Overall I think it’s certainly amongst my top three choices if I’m craving for chicken rice. 😋
Michele Pressley
This is my favourite go to place for Hainanese Chicken Rice every time I visit Singapore. My sister’s family frequents this place regularly and she would bring me here at every visit. Our favourites are the chicken livers and gizzards, roast and steamed chicken, roast pork and the salted veggy duck soup. Glad I got my cravings cured!
Kevin Tan
Legendary chicken rice that has been here forever has stood the test of time. It’s still very crowded at lunch time, and food is decent. Not the best chicken rice to me in SG, but definitely pretty good. Love the chicken and chilli!
Website: | – |
Contact: | 6734 0639 |
Location: | 14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza, #05-116, Singapore 228213 |
Opening Hours: | Tuesday – Sunday: 10.30 AM – 8 PM | Closed on Mondays |
Conclusion
In conclusion, exploring the 12 best Hainan chicken rice spots in Singapore has been a culinary journey filled with diverse flavours, rich heritage, and unparalleled quality. From iconic establishments like Tian Tian Chicken Rice to hidden gems like Ming Kee Chicken Rice, each venue offers a unique take on this beloved dish, showcasing the creativity and passion of Singapore’s vibrant food scene.