Hainan chicken rice is a beloved dish in Singapore, celebrated for its simplicity and rich flavours. Originating from Hainan, China, this dish has been perfected in Singapore, where it has become a national favourite. The tender poached chicken, served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, and accompanied by a trio of sauces, offers a comforting yet flavourful experience. Its popularity is also due to its accessibility; from hawker centres to high-end restaurants, Singapore is home to numerous eateries that serve this delectable dish. The abundance of these establishments ensures that both locals and tourists can easily enjoy authentic Hainan chicken rice, making it a staple in Singaporean cuisine. Here are eight of the best Hainan chicken rice in Singapore that will surely make you fall in love with this dish in an instant.
Note: This list is strictly not in order.
1. Twelve Hainanese Chicken Rice
Twelve Hainanese Chicken Rice is a celebrated eatery known for its authentic and flavourful take on the classic Singaporean dish, Hainanese Chicken Rice. Located in the heart of Singapore, this restaurant prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients to create a delectable meal that captures the essence of Hainanese cuisine. The tender, succulent chicken is perfectly poached and served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, accompanied by a trio of traditional sauces. Additionally, the cosy and inviting atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for both locals and tourists seeking a genuine taste of Singapore. Whether you are a fan of the dish or trying it for the first time, Twelve Hainanese Chicken Rice promises to give you the best Hainan chicken in Singapore.
Customer Reviews:
Giovanni
A hidden gem located near CQ. The chicken meat is really tender and the bones came apart from the meat really easily. The taste is really good. Certainly one of the top chicken rice in Singapore. The service is also top, the lady was very nice.
Donna Gelianie Allanigue
Excellent food, very tasteful! Not really into chicken rice but wow, their roasted chicken is very flavorful! 10/10, with tofu on the side! And I really like conversing with the owner, he’s so patient and helpful for someone like me who isn’t a local. Will come back for sure!
Vin Shen
Ordered ¼ chicken and a separate plate of rice. I must say the rice was exceptionally fragrant and infused with the lovely essence of chicken broth and ginger. The highlight is the chilli sauce! It’s spicy and pairing it with the rice takes you to the next level! The chicken was so tender, easy to eat as the meat detached easily from the bone. The light sauce made the chicken even yummier! Will definitely come back again!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Twelve-Hainanese-Chicken-Rice-Singapore-100093692062327/
Contact: 8268 5000
Location: Kukoh 21 Food Centre, 1 Jln Kukoh, #01-04, Singapore 161001
Opening Hours: Daily Except Thursday 10:30 AM – 6 PM | Closed on Thursdays
2. Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice
Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice is renowned for its authentic and delicious Hainan chicken rice in Singapore. This popular stall, run by Mr. Wong, offers perfectly poached chicken that is tender and juicy, served with fragrant rice cooked in rich chicken broth. Accompanied by traditional sauces, including a tangy chilli sauce and a savoury ginger paste, each plate promises a burst of flavour. The stall has garnered a loyal following for its consistent quality and generous portions, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists. Despite its humble setting, Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice delivers a dining experience that captures the essence of Singaporean street food culture.
Customer Reviews:
Amanda Vijay
This is by far one of the best hawker chicken rice places in Singapore. I came at about 1:30pm and there was only 1 person in front of me compared to the long queue at Tian Tian. I got a $7 portion and the chicken was generous. The sauce they pour over the chicken is tasty with a hint of ginger, and the rice is fragrant with notes of garlic and lemongrass. Their soup is also tasty compared to other places where it can be a bit plain. My husband and I enjoyed this plate so much that we ended up getting some takeaway for our dinner too! We also got the oyster sauce veggies for takeaway and the $4 portion was generous with about 6-7 bok choy halves. I thought the veggies might be a bit bland as I saw them blanching the bok choy before pouring sauce on top, but I was wrong. The bok choy soaked up the flavoursome sauce and was really tasty.
Derek Neo
Among the five chicken rice stalls in Maxwell Food Centre, all within a stone throw away from each other. Very good , super tender chicken with fragant rice as well as well made chilli. Definitely did well in all three areas. The queue is not too long compared to the famous one beside it.
Mat Lit
So delicious. Pure chicken flavor in the rice, broth and the chicken itself. Wish I got the larger size! Line was not as long as the more famous one and the same plaza. Honestly, for something as simple as this, can’t imagine anything being better. Maybe different, but not objectively superior.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/AhTaiChickenRice/
Contact: –
Location: Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur St, #01-07, Singapore 069184
Opening Hours: Daily Except Tuesday 11 AM – 7:30 PM | Closed on Tuesdays
3. Haigeji Chicken Rice
Haigeji Chicken Rice is another beloved spot for those craving authentic Hainan chicken rice in Singapore. Known for its tender, succulent chicken and aromatic rice cooked in rich chicken broth, Haigeji offers a delightful culinary experience. Each plate is accompanied by traditional sauces, including a zesty chilli sauce and a fragrant ginger paste, enhancing the overall flavour. Over the years, the stall has also earned a loyal following for its consistent quality and generous portions, making it a favourite among both locals and tourists. Overall, Haigeji Chicken Rice captures the essence of Singaporean street food, providing a satisfying and memorable meal for all who visit.
Customer Reviews:
Syafiq Asyraf
My team and I had a wonderful dinner here. Service was top notch and prompt. ✨❤️ The rice was flavourful and the steamed chicken was a winner for the whole team. Portion sizes were generous and the restaurant was very clean. Thank you to the owners for providing suggestions and being very hospitable. It was definitely a treat for a rainy evening. Would definitely recommend this place and can’t wait to come back!
YN Yeo
Both Steamed and Roasted Chicken meat are equally fantastic. Rice is non oily and nicely favored. Soup goes well with the rice and meat. Happily filled Belly. ☺
Xaira Gaznavi
The chicken rice was so yummy! Very delicious, with generous portions. The staff members were very friendly and easygoing. Had the pleasure of meeting the owner too, who is so down to earth and kind! Nice, clean and convenient location. Overall a great experience. Definitely recommend. Can’t wait to be back for more!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Haigeji-Chicken-Rice-61561299123518/
Contact: 9478 2070
Location: 783 N Bridge Rd, Singapore 198751
Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 9:30 PM Daily
4. Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice
Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice, established in 1987, is a renowned restaurant celebrated for its dedication to quality and culinary heritage. Located in Singapore, it offers a delectable version of the iconic Hainanese chicken rice. The chicken is gently simmered in chicken bone stock, resulting in tender, succulent meat, while the rice is infused with the rich flavours of pandan leaves, garlic, and ginger. Accompanied by house-made chilli and ginger sauces, each dish promises a burst of authentic taste. Wee Nam Kee’s commitment to excellence has earned it a loyal following and numerous accolades. With franchise outlets in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, it continues to share its beloved recipe with a wider audience.
Customer Reviews:
Ramesh N
Our go to place for Chicken rice. Rice was flavoured well and roasted chicken was tender. Great chili sauce too. Service was fast and efficient. Lots of family with kids and can get noisy during peak hours on weekends.
Jonas Tan
Awesome chicken rice here. Both roasted and white chicken are really delicious and tasty. Rice is nice and fragrant.
Louis Chua
Great food at very reasonable prices. The condiments are fresh and compliments the chicken very well. The set meals are value for money and the portions are generous. The staff are generally very fast in their service and do not compromise on their service. As it is a popular place for lunch, may need to wait but generally the turnover is quite fast.
Website: https://wnk.com.sg/
Contact: 6255 6396
Location: United Square Shopping Mall, 101 Thomson Rd, #01-08, Singapore 307591
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 9 PM Daily
5. FiveStar Kampung Chicken Rice & Kitchen
FiveStar Kampung Chicken Rice & Kitchen is renowned for its authentic Hainanese-style kampung chicken, celebrated for its exceptional freshness and quality. Prepared with meticulous care, the chicken is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender, aromatic, and flavourful meat. Accompanied by savoury rice and house-made chilli and ginger sauces, each bite offers a delightful balance of taste and texture. The restaurant prides itself on using less oil, ensuring a healthier yet delicious dining experience. With a menu that includes a variety of signature dishes, such as roasted or white kampung chicken, and a selection of vegetables, FiveStar Kampung Chicken Rice & Kitchen promises a wholesome and satisfying meal. Their commitment to quality and tradition makes them a standout choice for those seeking genuine Hainanese cuisine.
Customer Reviews:
Kinescape
The food was great! Chicken was served cold as their signature style. Has indoor and outdoor area. A must try place to eat at Katong area.
Alvin Wong
Kampung chicken rice, what else could be better? The chicken was pretty good. The salted egg pork ribs was good but portion was tiny. The star of the show has to be the sweet potato leaves! This was incredible! Will be back just to eat this! Price wise it’s slightly higher then a usual chicken rice joint but it’s worth it I would say. The drumstick chicken rice was $7.50 so not too bad.
Shihui Koh
Went for dinner on a Sunday evening. The place was crowded but there was just a short wait for a table. Used to frequent this shop quite often in the past and have not been back for a few years. The standards have not dropped and the chicken is still as good as in the past. The small portion of rice is really quite small, so I would recommend getting the regular portion unless you are not a carbs person. The fried mushroom was pricey but surprisingly delicious and addictive. Fish maw soup is more like seafood soup, with very strong ginger taste.
Website: http://fivestarchickenrice.com/
Contact: 6344 5911
Location: 191 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428897
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 2 AM Daily
6. Weng Hua Yuan Hainanese Chicken
Weng Hua Yuan Hainanese Chicken is a cherished dining spot, famed for its traditional Singapore Hainanese chicken rice. The restaurant meticulously prepares its chicken to ensure it is succulent and flavourful, paired with aromatic rice that perfectly complements the dish. Diners here can enhance their meal with a selection of house-made sauces, including chilli, ginger, and dark soy, each adding a unique touch to the experience. The inviting and cosy atmosphere of Weng Hua Yuan also makes it an ideal choice for both everyday meals and special gatherings. With a steadfast commitment to quality and authenticity, Weng Hua Yuan Hainanese Chicken remains a favourite among locals and visitors, offering a genuine taste of Hainanese cuisine.
Customer Reviews:
JianLai Zhao
A preferred stall for traditional authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice (either roasted or white chicken)in this food centre. Cheap and nice. 🤗
Arvind Lalwani
Favorite chicken rice place. I rate it higher then alot of more famous chicken rice place. Owner has been here for 20 years and I can say the standards has always remained. Been patronizing them since I moved into the area at 2006! Fully recommend roasted chicken rice. Solid!
M Junior
Smooth experience. The chicken is tender no effort at all to chew. The rice portion is good.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Weng-Hua-Yuan-Hainanese-Chicken-100054529386263/
Contact: –
Location: Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Rd, #01-119, Singapore 390051
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 7 PM Daily
7. Shin Mei Hainanese Chicken Rice
Shin Mei Hainanese Chicken Rice is a popular eatery in Singapore, celebrated for its delectable Hainanese chicken rice. The restaurant is known for its succulent and flavourful chicken, which is expertly prepared to ensure tenderness and taste. Each serving is paired with fragrant, perfectly cooked rice and complemented by a variety of house-made sauces, including chilli, ginger, and dark soy, enhancing the overall dining experience. In addition to their signature chicken rice, Shin Mei offers a range of other delicious options, such as char siew rice, roast meat, and roast duck. The warm and welcoming atmosphere also makes it an ideal spot for both casual meals and special occasions. To this day, Shin Mei Hainanese Chicken Rice continues to be a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Customer Reviews:
Wilfred Loy Yong Kang
Chicken rice was not bad! Sauce was nice and rice was fragrant! But chicken not the most tender I’ve eaten. Still a good plate of chicken rice thou if you like the firm kind of chicken!
Sean Chiu
Excellent! Echoing the other sentiments here – got the $4.8 white chicken rice. Everything is seasoned strongly with very strong flavours if you like this style. Rice is super fragrant, chicken is perfectly steamed with the shiok gelatinous skin, and the accompanying soup is genuinely yums rather than a random add on. Rich, peppery, comforting, definitely a better than average soup. Chilli also perfect to accompany the dishes. Worth a try for sure. Do note the sauce is a thick goopy one rather than the standard lighter liquid one. Not a bad thing but the first time I’ve had it this way, shiok in its own right.
Wilson Foo
Ordered their Sesame Roast Chicken, normal roasted chicken, roast pork and Thai spicy deep fried tofu. The Sesame Chicken had a unique nutty flavour that beats comprehension. The rice is of a deeper colour than normal chicken rice but just as delicious as it is grainy and not mushy. The roast pork lost most of the crispiness in the cackling because we came late and literally last customer of the day. Overall very delicious.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ShimeiRoast
Contact: 9386 8986
Location: 371 Bukit Batok Street 31, #01-326, Singapore 650371
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 7 PM Daily
8. Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice
Completing this list of the best Hainan chicken rice in Singapore is Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice. The restaurant offers a variety of options, including individual and family-sized portions, ensuring there is something for everyone. Each dish features tender, flavourful chicken paired with fragrant rice, complemented by house-made sauces, such as chilli, ginger, and dark soy. Loy Kee also provides an array of side dishes, from braised eggs to crispy roast pork, thereby enhancing the dining experience. Additionally, their cosy atmosphere and commitment to quality make them a popular choice for both locals and visitors. With convenient island-wide delivery and pickup options, Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice continues to delight customers with its dedication to traditional flavours and excellent service.
Customer Reviews:
Elijah Tan
I do love my chicken rice and they definitely did a great job with both steam and roasted chicken rice. Their condiments and soup served as excellent complements to the dish. Service could be improved slightly, but nothing to worry about. Highly-recommended!
Shamini Chandhru
We celebrated my nephew’s birthday and had a wonderful celebration thanks to the team in LoyKee especially Angeline who took extra care of us. She even bought my nephew and niece ice creams. We loved the food and everything was of great quality and satisfactory quantity. Definitely one of the best traditional chicken rice at least for me! Loved it! Thank you Loy Kee for keeping the authentic touch. For sure to return.
Drunken Pea
Authentic and the best chicken rice in singapore. We visited between 12:00 and 13:00, there were no lines but people constantly walked in for casual dining and the place were pretty much full most of the time. The best part of the dining was obviously the chicken rice; chicken was tendor and flavorful, and the rice itself had a savory flavor to it which makes the meal more enjoyable. Also try hainanese beef stew too!
Website: https://order.loykee.com.sg/
Contact: 6252 2318
Location: 342 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329774
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM Daily
Conclusion
Hainan chicken rice has firmly established itself as a staple in Singaporean cuisine, cherished by locals and visitors alike for its comforting and flavourful profile. The dish’s widespread availability across the island, from bustling hawker centres to upscale dining establishments, ensures that everyone can savour its deliciousness. The consistent quality and authentic taste found in numerous eateries highlight Singapore’s dedication to preserving and perfecting this culinary gem. As a result, Hainan chicken rice remains a quintessential part of Singapore’s food culture, reflecting the nation’s rich culinary heritage and its passion for good food. Whether you are a resident or a tourist, the abundance of excellent options for Singapore Hainanese chicken rice guarantees a satisfying and memorable dining experience.