There are many dishes that are very much representative of Singapore, and one of the most iconic of them is, of course, chicken rice. Loosely referred to as Singapore's national dish, the ubiquitous Hainanese chicken rice requires a meticulous preparation process. To make this classic chicken rice dish, the chicken is first scalded until cooked through before it is dipped in ice-cold water to keep the meat soft and tender. Served with chicken broth, ginger sauce, black soy sauce, and chilli, the highlight is the rice that has been cooked with the chicken's oils. The end-product may look deceptively simple, but it is very delicious. Singapore's offerings also go beyond the traditional Hainanese chicken rice. There is also kampung-style chicken rice where the poultry used is leaner. Soya sauce chicken rice is also a popular choice, as well as salt-baked chicken. With the diversity presented in a single dish, Singapore's chicken rice definitely draws in curious diners to uncover more of the Lion City's chicken rice culture. Being equally fascinated with Singapore's chicken rice, the MICHELIN Guide inspectors share with us where to get the best ones in Singapore, so read on below!
Popular with locals, Boon Tong Kee (Balestier Road) which opened in the 1980s started out as a small stall and has now expanded to a number of branches. The signature boiled chicken that they serve is made with a treasured recipe. The meat is delicately cooked and tender; and to accompany it is a special chicken sauce and glossy chicken rice — everything comes together perfectly. Paper-wrapped chicken and spring chickens are also available.
Located at Yishun's Chong Pang Market and Food Centre, Ji De Lai Hainanese Chicken Rice's fare comes in various portions. Set meals are also available and add-ons such as vegetables cooked in oyster sauce, egg, chicken innards, and bean sprouts.
In addition to serving char siew and roasted pork rice, the Hainanese chicken rice at Hoe Kee Kitchen is also one of the shop's signature specialties. The chicken here is simply steamed with a bit of seasoning, and it is transformed immediately into a mouthwatering meal. The stall is only open from morning till noon and is known to close once the food runs out, so come early!
Located in the Maxwell Food Centre, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is a popular Hainanese chicken rice stall has been around since 1987 and is well-known overseas. There is always a long queue, so one can only imagine how enticing the chicken rice here is. The meat is tender and is drizzled with a secret sauce to enhance its umami. Don't forget to enjoy it with the fragrant rice!
Located next to the Chinatown MRT Station, the People's Park Complex Food Centre along New Market Road offers a plethora of local delights, and the Hainanese chicken rice here at People's Park Hainanese Chicken Rice is not to be missed. Serving both poached and roasted chicken rice, the latter comes with crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. Definitely worth a try.
Tucked away in Redhill Market, Hua Kee Chicken Rice opened in the 1970s and is famous for its steamed chicken rice. The chicken is simply seasoned with ginger and onion, but it is delicious. The stall is only open from morning to noon, and there are often long queues during lunch-time, so it is recommended to come early.
Located at the Tiong Bahru Market, Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice has been a stalwart chicken rice stall since 1988. The chicken here is on the fattier side, with the skin glistening smooth and the meat cooked tender and juicy. Roasted chicken is an available option. The stall closes once all the chickens are sold out, so it is advised to come early to enjoy it.
A household brand that's popular both in Singapore and overseas, Hawker Chan Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle's soya sauce chicken is well-known far and wide. The chicken is cooked in the chef's secret sauce for several hours, and it yields tender and flavourful meat. First-time diners are recommended to try the signature soya sauce chicken rice to experience its charming qualities.
A popular stall in Yuhua Market & Hawker Centre in Jurong East, Xing Yun Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice prides itself in its chickens' soft and succulent texture, with the rice here served with a lot of aromatic flavours. Enjoy it with the ginger sauce and chilli oil for more flavour. Hot chicken soup is served with every order of chicken rice for diners to try.