10 great Chicken Rice stalls in Singapore
Chicken Rice is a timeless classic in Chinese cuisine, particularly beloved in Hainanese cooking. At its core, the dish consists of tender chicken, which is either steamed to retain its natural juices or roasted for a crispy skin and smoky flavor. The chicken is accompanied by fragrant rice, cooked in chicken fat, which imparts a rich, savory taste that perfectly complements the mild chicken. Each bite is a comforting balance of flavors, from the tender meat to the well-seasoned rice, creating a satisfying and simple dish that’s both flavorful and filling.
The true magic of Chicken Rice lies in its accompanying condiments. A tangy, spicy chili sauce adds a kick to each bite, while a warm bowl of chicken broth provides a soothing contrast. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—each component is prepared with care, resulting in a meal that feels homey yet indulgent. Popular across Singapore and beyond, Chicken Rice is not only a staple in local food culture but also a dish that unites people through its hearty, unpretentious charm. Whether enjoyed at a hawker center or a fine dining restaurant, it continues to be a favorite for anyone seeking a comforting, delicious meal.
10 great Chicken Rice stalls in Singapore that you should definitely check out. These stalls offer variations of the iconic dish, with tender chicken, fragrant rice, and the perfect sauces:
1. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (Maxwell Food Centre, #01-10)
Arguably one of the most famous chicken rice stalls in Singapore, Tian Tian has earned both local and international acclaim, including a recommendation from Michelin. The tender, juicy chicken is complemented by perfectly fragrant rice, with a rich and flavorful broth that enhances the dish. Don’t forget to try their zesty chili sauce that perfectly elevates the flavors.
2. Hainan Street Steamboat & Chicken Rice (Golden Mile Food Centre, #01-53)
Located at Golden Mile Food Centre, this stall is known for its tender Hainanese-style steamed chicken served with a choice of steamed rice or chicken rice. The chicken is perfectly cooked, with a delicate flavor that pairs beautifully with their aromatic rice and tangy chili sauce. The rich chicken stock also adds depth to the entire meal.
3. Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice (Royal Plaza on Scotts)
A well-established name in Singapore, Wee Nam Kee serves up a delicious Hainanese chicken rice that’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Known for their consistently high quality, the chicken is served with fragrant rice and a hearty side of chicken broth. The chili sauce here is often lauded for its balance of spicy, tangy, and garlicky flavors.
4. Chatterbox (Meritus Mandarin Singapore, Orchard Road)
Chatterbox offers a premium take on Hainanese chicken rice. The restaurant’s signature Mandarin Chicken Rice features tender, succulent chicken paired with aromatic, fluffy rice, and their house-made chili sauce. The rich flavors and luxurious setting make it a great place for a more indulgent chicken rice experience.
5. Chong Qing Hainan Chicken Rice (Geylang, #01-02)
Located in Geylang, Chong Qing serves a slightly different take on the classic dish by offering their roast chicken rice, where the chicken is roasted to perfection, giving it a slightly smoky and crispy skin. Their rice is well-cooked and flavorful, and the chili paste adds just the right amount of kick to the dish.
6. Sin Kee Chicken Rice (Thomson Road, #01-42)
A hidden gem in Thomson Road, Sin Kee Chicken Rice has been serving delicious and juicy chicken rice for decades. The chicken is tender, and the rice has the perfect balance of savory and fragrant notes. The chili sauce here is especially good, packed with a spicy punch that pairs well with the soft, juicy chicken.
7. Happy Hainanese Chicken Rice (Funan Mall, #B1-58)
Located in Funan Mall, Happy Hainanese Chicken Rice serves a satisfying portion of steamed or roasted chicken, accompanied by their fragrant rice cooked in chicken fat. Their chili sauce is one of the highlights—spicy and tangy, it adds a punch to each bite. The stall is known for its consistency and flavor, making it a popular choice among locals.
8. Koh Samui Thai Chicken Rice (Clementi West Street 2, #01-16)
This stall offers a Thai-style chicken rice with a twist. The roast chicken is infused with Thai herbs and served alongside their uniquely seasoned rice. It’s complemented by a tangy Thai chili sauce, which adds a fresh and spicy flavor to the dish. For those who want to try something a little different, Koh Samui offers an exciting fusion of Thai and Hainanese styles.
9. You Huak Hainanese Chicken Rice (Balestier Road, #01-20)
A family-run stall that has been around for over 50 years, You Huak is well-known for its tender steamed chicken and flavorful chicken rice. The rice here is perfectly fragrant, with a subtle chicken flavor that pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken. Their chili sauce has a perfect blend of heat and tang, making it the ideal complement to the dish.
10. Fei Fei Hainanese Chicken Rice (Jalan Besar, #01-10)
A long-time favorite in the Jalan Besar area, Fei Fei serves up incredibly tender steamed chicken paired with flavorful rice that’s been cooked to perfection in chicken stock. The chili sauce here is spicy but not overwhelming, and they offer a variety of meats, including roast and steamed options. Fei Fei is consistently reliable, making it a go-to choice for chicken rice lovers.
These 10 stalls offer the best of Hainanese chicken rice, with a mix of classic and modern takes on the dish. Whether you prefer steamed or roasted chicken, fragrant rice, or fiery chili sauce, these spots will satisfy any chicken rice craving!
