If there’s one dish synonymous with Singapore’s vibrant food scene, it’s Hainanese Chicken Rice. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or visiting Singapore for the first time, this iconic dish is a must-try. The city’s hawker centres and Michelin-starred stalls have perfected the delicate balance of tender, juicy chicken and aromatic rice, making it an absolute favourite among locals and tourists alike.
In this blog, we’ll explore five of the best chicken rice spots in Singapore that are guaranteed to leave you craving more. And if you want to experience these culinary gems without the hassle of long lines and decisions, why not join us on our Michelin & Local Hawker Food Tour? It’s the perfect way to dive into Singapore’s hawker culture with a small, intimate group while savouring the best chicken rice the city has to offer!
1. Tian Tian Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre
Address: 1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184
Opening Hours: 10am – 7:30pm daily
(Photo credits The Straits Times)
You can’t talk about chicken rice in Singapore without mentioning Tian Tian Chicken Rice. Located in the bustling Maxwell Food Centre, this humble hawker stall has earned international acclaim and even a Michelin Bib Gourmand nod. From celebrity chefs like Anthony Bourdain to the locals who swear by its flavour, Tian Tian is a must-visit for chicken rice lovers.
Their Hainanese chicken rice is nothing short of perfection. The chicken is poached to tender, silky smoothness, and the rice—oh, the rice! Each grain is infused with a savoury broth that packs so much flavour, it could be a meal on its own. Top it off with their signature garlic-chilli sauce and dark soy, and you’ve got a dish that’s worth every bit of the hype.
Pro tip: The lines can be long, but if you join our Michelin & Local Hawker Food Tour, you can skip the wait and dive straight into this iconic dish!
2. Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice
Address: 101 Thomson Road, United Square, Singapore 307591
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 10pm daily
Next on our list is Wee Nam Kee, a household name when it comes to chicken rice. Located at United Square, this family-run establishment has been serving up plates of mouth watering chicken rice for over three decades. Their traditional recipe strikes the perfect balance between the tenderness of the chicken and the fragrant rice, keeping locals and tourists coming back for more.
What sets Wee Nam Kee apart is their variety—whether you like your chicken poached, roasted, or soy-braised, you’ll find something to suit your palate. Their rice is equally exceptional, with just the right amount of garlic and ginger infused into every bite. Pair it with their tangy chilli sauce for that extra kick!
Recommended Dish: Go for the half-and-half option to enjoy both poached and roasted chicken!
3. Boon Tong Kee
Address: 399, 401 & 403 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329801
Opening Hours: 11am – 4am daily
If you prefer a more upscale chicken rice experience, look no further than Boon Tong Kee. What began as a humble stall in Chinatown has grown into a renowned chain of restaurants across Singapore, and it’s easy to see why. Boon Tong Kee’s chicken is famed for its incredibly soft, silky texture and beautifully seasoned rice.
Their rice, cooked with rich chicken fat, is aromatic and fluffy—just how it should be. The chicken is served boneless, making it easier to enjoy, especially if you’re not into the bones-and-all approach of traditional hawker-style chicken rice. The elegant presentation and quality make Boon Tong Kee a favourite for family dinners and late-night feasts alike.
4. Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice
Address: 342 Balestier Road, Singapore 329774
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm daily
Loy Kee has been a stalwart of the chicken rice scene since 1953, serving generations of Singaporeans and visitors alike. Nestled in the heart of Balestier, this restaurant offers an authentic, no-frills chicken rice experience that remains true to tradition.
Their Hainanese chicken is tender and served with a robust chicken broth, rice that's delicately flavoured with garlic and ginger, and an array of dipping sauces. But what makes Loy Kee stand out is the heartiness of their portions and the comfort-food vibe of the restaurant. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a satisfying, simple meal that hits the spot.
5. Five Star Hainanese Chicken Rice
Address: 191 East Coast Road, Singapore 428897
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm daily
Located along the famous East Coast Road, Five Star Hainanese Chicken Rice is well-known for its kampong (free-range) chicken. This gives the dish a unique flavour—slightly firmer and leaner than the typical chicken rice, yet equally delicious.
The rice at Five Star is fragrant and light, complementing the more robust texture of the chicken perfectly. Their sauces, particularly the ginger paste, are the stars of the show, adding a zing that brings everything together. This is a great spot to visit if you want to try a different, yet authentic version of Singapore’s favourite dish.
Recommended Dish: Go for the kampong chicken set and add a side of stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
The Ultimate Singapore Chicken Rice Adventure
Singapore’s chicken rice is more than just a dish—it’s an experience steeped in culture, tradition, and flavour. From the Michelin-starred Tian Tian at Maxwell Food Centre to the heartwarming plates at Loy Kee and Five Star, each of these places offers a unique take on the iconic dish.
If you want to experience the very best of Singapore’s chicken rice (and avoid long queues!), join our Michelin & Local Hawker Food Tour. You’ll get the chance to try the most famous chicken rice stalls, along with other delicious hawker centre favourites, in a fun and relaxed small-group setting. Let us take you on a delicious journey through Singapore’s most authentic food culture—one plate at a time!
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