Singapore is a food paradise with a rich culinary culture that has been influenced by different cultures from all over the world. One of Singapore’s most famous dishes is chicken rice, a simple yet delicious dish made of fragrant rice cooked with chicken broth and served with succulent poached or roasted chicken, accompanied by a tangy chili sauce and refreshing cucumber slices. With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to find the best chicken rice in Singapore. In this article, we will highlight 18 of the most popular chicken rice stalls in Singapore that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
History of Chicken Rice
Chicken rice is a dish that has its origins in Hainan, China, but it has become a quintessential Singaporean dish. The dish is believed to have been brought to Singapore by Hainanese immigrants in the early 20th century. Since then, chicken rice has become a staple in Singaporean cuisine and is loved by both locals and tourists alike.
What Makes Good Chicken Rice?
To make good chicken rice, several factors come into play. First, the rice must be cooked to perfection, using chicken broth instead of plain water to give it an added fragrance and flavour. The chicken must also be cooked correctly, either poached or roasted, so that it remains tender and juicy. Finally, the chili sauce that accompanies the dish must have the perfect balance of spiciness, tanginess, and sweetness to complement the flavours of the chicken and rice.
18 Popular Chicken Rice Stalls in Singapore
- Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is located in the Maxwell Food Centre and is one of the most famous chicken rice stalls in Singapore. They have been featured in numerous food guides and a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for their tender and succulent chicken and fragrant rice, which is cooked to perfection.
- Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice – Founded in 1987, Wee Nam Kee is a popular chain of Hainanese chicken rice stalls in Singapore, with several locations throughout the city. They are known for their flavourful chicken and fragrant rice, which is cooked with chicken broth and pandan leaves. Wee Nam Kee also offers other dishes such as prawn paste chicken and hotpot, making it a great option for families.
- Boon Tong Kee Chicken Rice – Boon Tong Kee is a household name in Singapore and has multiple outlets across the island. This stall has been serving up delicious Hainanese chicken rice since 1979. The restaurant is known for its signature white chicken and fragrant rice, which is cooked to perfection – their chicken is tender and juicy, and their rice is fragrant and fluffy, making them a popular choice among locals and tourists.. The restaurant also offers other dishes such as fish soup and fried rice, making it a great option for groups with diverse tastes.
- Chatterbox Chicken Rice – Chatterbox is located in the Mandarin Orchard Hotel and is known for its luxurious take on chicken rice. Their chicken is poached in a rich chicken broth, and the rice is cooked with chicken fat and pandan leaves, giving it a rich flavour. The chili sauce is also a highlight, made with a secret blend of chili, ginger, and garlic. The restaurant’s signature dish is the Mandarin chicken rice. The dish is on the pricier side, but the quality is unmatched.
- Five Star Hainanese Chicken Rice – Five Star Chicken Rice is a family-owned business that has been serving up delicious chicken rice for over 40 years and is known for its traditional cooking methods.. Their chicken is poached to perfection, and their rice is cooked with chicken broth and pandan leaves, giving it a fragrant aroma. The stall is located in the Chinatown Complex and is popular among locals and tourists alike.
- Loy Kee Chicken Rice – Loy Kee Chicken Rice has been serving up Hainanese chicken rice for over 60 years and is known for its tender chicken and fragrant rice. Their chili sauce is also a highlight, made with a secret blend of chili and garlic.
- Sin Kee Famous Chicken Rice – Sin Kee Famous Chicken Rice is a hidden gem located in the heart of Bukit Merah and has been serving up delicious chicken rice for over 30 years and is known for its tender chicken and flavourful rice. Their chili sauce is also a must-try, made with a secret blend of chili, garlic, and ginger. The stall also offers other dishes such as roasted pork and char siew, making it a great option for those who want variety.
- The Orange Lantern – The Orange Lantern is a popular Vietnamese restaurant that also serves up delicious chicken rice. Their chicken is roasted to perfection, and their rice is cooked with chicken broth and pandan leaves, giving it a fragrant aroma.
- Lucky Chicken Rice – Lucky Chicken Rice is a popular chicken rice stall located in the Clementi Market and Food Centre. The stall is known for its succulent chicken and fragrant rice, which is cooked with chicken broth for added flavour. Lucky Chicken Rice also offers other dishes such as roasted pork and char siew, making it a great option for those who want variety.
- Nam Kee Chicken Rice & Restaurant – Nam Kee Chicken Rice & Restaurant has been serving up delicious chicken rice for over 30 years and is known for its tender chicken and flavourful rice. Their chili sauce is also a highlight, made with a secret blend of chili and garlic. Nam Kee also offers other dishes such as fried noodles and tofu, making it a great option for vegetarians.
- Hua Kee Chicken Rice – Hua Kee Chicken Rice has been serving up Hainanese chicken rice for over 50 years and is known for its tender chicken and fragrant rice. located in the Redhill Food Centre, Their chili sauce is also a must-try, made with a secret blend of chili, ginger, and garlic. The stall also offers other dishes such as roasted pork and char siew, making it a great option for those who want variety.
- Liao Fan Hawker Chan – Liao Fan Hawker Chan is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves up affordable chicken rice. The stall is located in the Chinatown Complex and is known for their chicken is roasted to perfection, and their rice is cooked with chicken broth and soy sauce, giving it a unique flavour. The stall also offers other dishes such as roasted pork and char siew, making it a great option for those who want variety.
- Chiew Kee Noodle House – Chiew Kee Noodle House is a popular spot for chicken rice, located in the heart of the city. Their chicken is poached to perfection, and their rice is cooked with chicken broth and pandan leaves, giving it a fragrant aroma.
- Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle – Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle is a famous Michelin-starred restaurant that serves up affordable chicken rice. Located in Chinatown, their chicken is poached to perfection and served with a tangy soy sauce.
- Ah Tai Chicken Rice – Ah Tai Chicken Rice is a popular spot in the Maxwell Food Centre and is known for its tender juicy chicken and flavourful rice. Their chili sauce is also a must-try, made with a secret blend of chili and garlic. The stall has a long history and is a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
- Chuan Kee Boneless Braised Duck and Chicken Rice – Chuan Kee is a popular stall located in the Ghim Moh Market and Food Centre. The stall is known for its boneless braised duck and chicken rice, which is a unique twist on the classic dish. The chicken is cooked to perfection and the rice is fragrant and flavourful.
- Chicken House – Chicken House is a popular chicken rice stall located in the East Coast Lagoon Food Village. The stall is known for its succulent chicken and fragrant rice, which is cooked with chicken broth for added flavour. Chicken House also offers other dishes
- The Rice Table – The Rice Table is a popular restaurant located in the Orchard area. The restaurant offers a variety of Indonesian dishes, but its signature dish is the ayam panggang or grilled chicken. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, making it a must-try for chicken rice lovers
If you’re a fan of chicken rice, Singapore is the place to be. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. From famous hawker stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, we’ve highlighted 18 of the most popular chicken rice stalls in Singapore that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
FAQs
- What is chicken rice? Chicken rice is a dish made from poached or roasted chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth and often served with chili sauce and cucumber slices.
- What makes Hainanese chicken rice special? Hainanese chicken rice is special because of the way the chicken is prepared and the fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth and pandan leaves, which gives it a unique aroma and flavour.
- Are there vegetarian options available at these chicken rice stalls? While the focus is on chicken rice, many of these stalls offer vegetarian options such as tofu or vegetable dishes.
- Can I find these chicken rice stalls outside of Singapore? Some of these stalls have expanded to other countries, but for the most authentic experience, it’s recommended to try them in Singapore.
- How much does chicken rice typically cost at these stalls? Prices vary depending on the location and the type of stall, but generally, chicken rice can be found for around $3 to $10 SGD per plate.
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal in Singapore, be sure to try some of these popular chicken rice stalls. With their tender chicken, fragrant rice, and flavourful chili sauce, it’s no wonder why they have become such beloved culinary destinations in Singapore. And remember, if you can’t decide which one to try, why not try them all? Check out also Singapore Hawker Culture.
