15 best “clucking good” chicken rice stalls in Singapore [2024]
Where’s the best chicken rice in Singapore? I’d like to think that my love for chicken rice is unparalleled. Could I have it for lunch every day? Sure. Dinner as well? You bet I’ll try.
In Singapore, where Hainan-adapted chicken rice is regarded as a national delicacy, there is no shortage of the dish that need not be served hot for enjoyment. Instead, save for the most convenient stall-next-door, it probably is difficult to agree on which cook did it right. As more discerning gourmands today, our idea of perfection can be marred by a snide remark from the waiter, a too-hard seat, or even an unsavoury food delay.
But in the pursuit of perfection, where chefs adapt and innovate, traditional chicken rice has far outgrown the old rice ball techniques (although there are still a few stalls around carrying it) and standard offerings of supplements.
So, we present to you the 15 best “clucking good” chicken rice stalls in Singapore.
1. Mat Noh & Rose Authentic Ginger Fried Chicken Rice
Strange to start this off with a nasi ayam entry, but this is a small ode to show how versatile “chicken rice” can mean. Mat Noh & Rose Authentic Ginger Fried Chicken Rice at Whampoa has my Editor’s stamp of approval.
Sprinkled with crunchy batter, the halal stall’s Standard Chicken Rice (S$4.50) features a fleshy piece of chicken breast (you may opt for chicken wing too) resting atop a massive mound of basmati rice that is richly infused with ginger, just like its name.
Feeling peckish? Adorn your plate with sides like Begedil (S$1), Stir-fry Vegetables (S$1) and more.
91 Whampoa Drive, Whampoa Food Centre, #01-27, Singapore 320091
+65 8400 2206
Tue to Sat: 9am – 3pm
Closed on Sun & Mon
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2. Zi Jing Cheng Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
Selling only Steamed Hainanese Boneless Chicken (S$3.50/ S$9/ S$13.50), Zi Jing Cheng Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice at Bukit Merah is according to the Michelin Guide, a stall that you can “expect to queue anytime.”
Although they have set menus that accommodate 1 to 3 customers, they are unsurprisingly popular for their 1-Person Meal (S$3.50). Of course, the best things in life are hassle-free. These tender deboned chickens are served in a pool of soy sauce that complements the soft rice grains.
As they are renowned for being sold out around 1pm, come early to avoid the disappointing sight of bare chicken bones hanging behind a glass-fronted counter.
120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Alexandra Village Food Centre, #01-15, Singapore 150120
Wed to Sat: 10.30am – 2.30pm
Closed on Sun to Tue
3. Hup Hong Chicken Rice
Crowned as “one of the best chicken rice in Jurong,” Hup Hong Chicken Rice has solidified an infamous reputation for unshakable long queues during lunchtime. Regardless, Michelin says that they are “worth the wait”.
This is probably because of that handmade crisp achar which is added to their
Chicken Rice (S$3.50), Chicken + Char Siew Rice (S$4.50) and more. While I would normally go for the latter, the chicken itself is generally well-cooked with no pinkish areas within.
Aside from the non-greasy rice, the complimentary bowl of cabbage soup deserves a shout-out too.
254 Jurong East Street 24, Yuhua Village Market and Food Centre, #01-51, Singapore 600254
Tue to Sun: 10.30am – 3pm
Closed on Mon
4. Margaret Drive Sin Kee Chicken Rice
Unless you live under a rock, Margaret Drive Sin Kee Chicken Rice at Holland Drive does not need further introduction. Dishing out plates of steamed chicken rice since 1978 (roasted chicken lovers take note), the establishment has impressively retained its place in the Michelin Bib Gourmand List since 2018.
Drizzled with a layer of oil before serving, the Chicken Rice (S$4.50/ S$5.50) is an unpretentious fare with thinly sliced cucumber and bouncy chicken breast that is drenched in an ice bath before poaching.
If you are still sceptical, hear it from The Office Chef who claimed that “every chicken rice establishment should use their rice as a benchmark.”
40 Holland Drive, Chang Cheng Mee Wah Coffeeshop, #01-39, Singapore 270040
+65 8428 7865
Tue to Sun: 11am – 8pm
Closed on Mon
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5. Nam Kee Chicken Rice Restaurant
Having close to 60 years of experience under its belt, the pioneering Nam Kee Chicken Rice Restaurant at Upper Thomson is probably one of the oldest chicken rice stalls in this list and Singapore. Touted to serve “the most authentic and traditional Hainanese Chicken Rice you can find”, the family-run restaurant uses the same recipe from its late founder who is a Hainan Island native.
Aside from zi char dishes that are perfect for family dinners, be sure to try their proprietary Hainanese Steamed/ Roasted Chicken (S$16/ S$32).
As reflected by their no-frills interior, the juicy Hainanese Chicken is said to evoke nostalgia once enjoyed. To complete your meal, opt for an additional Fragrant Rice (S$1.20).
201 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574343
+65 9637 9168
Daily: 10.45pm – 8.30 pm
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6. Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
Michelin Bib Gourmand Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice at Tiong Bahru serves Steamed/ Roasted Chicken Rice (S$3.50/ S$4.50) that yields up to a 40-minute wait time. While the Steamed Chicken features a gelatinous skin with the model meat-to-fat ratio, its Roasted counterpart maintains ample moisture.
Apparently, regulars swear by their pickled vegetables and the rice that is perfumed with turmeric.
Other than Chicken Rice, feel free to explore complementary sides like Visceral (S$2/ S$3) and Chicken Feet (S$3.20).
30 Seng Poh Rd, Tiong Bahru Market, #02-82, Singapore 168898
+65 8809 8334
Wed to Sun: 10am – 4pm
Closed on Mon & Tue
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7. Katong Mei Wei Chicken Rice
Popular among fellow Easties, Katong Mei Wei Chicken Rice at Mountbatten also opened a second outlet last year. Boasting a variety of options that accommodate all appetites, their selection includes A-La-Carte Portions (from S$15.10) and Individual Portions (from S$7.70).
Customise your order by choosing your preferred Steamed/ Roasted Chicken part.
What sets them apart from other chicken rice stalls is their refreshingly tangy-sour achar nestled beside a hearty plate of rice, tastefully flavoured with chicken stock and ginger.
865 Mountbatten Road, Katong Shopping Centre, #B1-85/87, Singapore 437844
+65 9789 6073
Tue to Sun: 11am – 7pm
Closed on Mon
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8. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
You would perhaps know Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice in Chinatown from Gordon Ramsay’s showdown or Anthony Bourdain’s visit to Singapore. Either way, this Michelin Bib Gourmand stall is beloved for its glistening Chicken Rice Sets (1 Pax Serving, S$5/ S$6/ S$9) with velvety chicken on aromatic rice.
Do note that these portions consist of different types of chicken – Roasted, Roasted/ Steamed and Roasted/ Steamed/ Mix respectively. Psst, they have settled at multiple locations now.
For a list of locations, opening hours and contact numbers, click here.
+65 6448 0120
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Nasi Ayam Sungai Buloh: Killer Hainanese chicken rice & crunchy juicy bean sprouts draws lunch crowd
9. Yishun 925 Hainanese Chicken Rice
With countless outlets dotted across the island, Yishun 925 Hainanese Chicken Rice has solid plates of Chicken Rice that are priced as low as S$3.50. This in question is the Steamed/ Roasted Chicken Breast Meat with Rice. As evidenced by the generous amount of skin layered on meaty flesh, they do not skimp on portions, for sure.
Other variations include Steamed/ Roasted Chicken Wing Rice (S$4.20) and Steamed/ Roasted Chicken Thigh Rice (S$5).
For a list of locations, click here.
+65 6924 7742
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10. Xing Yun Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
Who knows, you may just get lucky here. Located at a similar-sounding hawker centre as Hup Hong Chicken Rice (please do not be confused like I was), Xing Yun Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice at Jurong is another Michelin-recommended stall that solely specialises in Steamed Chicken.
Depending on your chosen portion and parts, prices float around S$4 to S$5. Give the Chicken Thigh (S$4) a try. It is extremely succulent and has notes of sesame oil.
347 Jurong East Avenue 1, Yuhua Market & Food Centre, Singapore 600347
Wed to Mon: 7am – 2pm
Closed on Tue
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11. Kampung Chicken Rice (Chicken House)
After establishing its first outlet at Upper Thomson, Kampung Chicken Rice (otherwise known as Chicken House) went on to open its second outlet at Upper Bukit Timah. Distinguished from its yellowish tint, the kampung chicken is said to be leaner and healthier.
The same goes for their One Person Meal (S$6.50) which also fares exceedingly well for its complimentary rice and soup. While the savoury carb is not clumpy, the comforting broth will make you feel at home.
255 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574382
+65 6456 0698
Daily: 10.30am – 7.30pm
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12. Ming Kee Chicken Rice
According to the previous author, the highly-raved Ming Kee Chicken Rice at Bishan was Seth’s pick for one of the best chicken rice in Singapore. Stepping away from Set Meals that include Beansprouts (S$7) or Vegetables (S$8) accompanied with the usual Chicken Rice, the stall also has 1 pax portions like Steamed Chicken Rice (S$5).
Fun fact, customers usually come here for the steamed chicken’s crystal-like skin. To achieve this, the chicken is prepared a la minute from an ice bucket.
511 Bishan Street 13, Kim San Leng Food Centre Bishan, #01-522, Singapore 570511
Wed to Mon: 9.30am – 8pm
Closed on Tue
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13. Qi Lin Xuan Chicken Rice
Congrats, you found one of the last few stalls that specialises in Chicken Rice Balls which are commonly found in Melaka and also a part of Hainanese culture. Primarily operating as a zi char stall, Qi Lin Xuan Chicken Rice at Jurong has moulded chicken rice that encases a soft interior within.
These withstanding balls are also served with your choice of protein: Steamed/ Roasted/ Soya Sauce Chicken (S$3.50) which are all satisfyingly fork-tender.
422 Jurong West Avenue 1, #01-758, Singapore 640442
+65 6569 2540
Daily: 7am – 2pm
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14. Chin Chin Restaurant
I have not heard about Chin Chin Restaurant at Bugis. After eyeing at their extensive Hainanese-style menu though, I think that I am sold. Allegedly, they serve up “the best Hainanese Chicken Rice in Singapore.” This is fortunately synonymous with reviews here and there.
The popular Chicken Rice for 1 Pax (S$6) features a hearty amount of Steamed Chicken poached at sub-boiling temperatures. Excess chicken fat is then used to prepare the chicken rice which is also cooked with garlic, ginger and pandan leaves.
19 Purvis Street, Singapore 188598
+65 6337 4640
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Website
15. Boon Tong Kee
I asked my dad to choose between Boon Tong Kee or another well-loved chicken rice brand, and he chose the first. Rightfully so. Despite having numerous outlets under its name, quality has been pretty consistent among the various outlets.
While we would naturally gravitate to what is more affordable, the restaurant’s Signature Boiled Kampung Chicken (S$7) is a good shareable that does not miss. Prefer eating alone? The Kampung Chicken 1 Pax (S$5.80) is for you.
For a list of locations, opening hours and contact numbers, click here.
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Well then, have a clucking good time.
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