Tian Xiang Chicken Rice: Roadside stall with chicken rice from RM4.50, featuring succulent chicken & aromatic rice
If you’ve been following my articles, you’ll notice that I’ve been exploring Taman Midah a lot. During a recent outing, I was intrigued by the sight of the long queue outside Tian Xiang Chicken Rice, leaving me curious about the food’s quality. The eatery has also gained online popularity for its Chicken Wing Rice, priced at just RM4.50.
Tian Xiang Chicken Rice operates from a modest roadside stall, a 5-minute walk from Taman Midah MRT. The stall lacks any conspicuous signage, with only a banner that blends into the vibrant surroundings on the inner side road. I almost missed it entirely since I arrived before the lunch rush, and there was no queue.
The stall only has 3 tables for dine-in; the majority of their customers opt for takeout. I was lucky to secure the last available seat.
Despite arriving ahead of the crowd, we were bummed to discover that the stall had already run out of most of its ingredients, leaving only 2 chickens hanging at the counter. This, clearly, was a testament to the stall’s popularity! Without hesitation, I placed my order with the staff.
What I tried at Tian Xiang Chicken Rice
My dining partner and I decided to order the Chicken Thigh Rice (RM6.50) and Drumstick Rice (RM7). Captivated by the bustling crowd and favourable online reviews, I had built up high expectations for the chicken rice. However, when it was served, I noticed that the rice seemed slightly too moist (as shown in the image) with a clump of rice. While its appearance was a let down, I reminded myself not to judge a book by its cover.
And there it was— a surprise twist! The rice was cooked to perfection with just the right amount of moisture; it wasn’t overly wet. Its flavour was subtle and I relished the delicate aroma of the rice spreading gradually in my mouth.
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As far as I know, chicken thighs typically boast a plump, succulent texture. As expected, the chicken here didn’t disappoint. The skin had a slight bounce, almost as if it had been given a quick cold-water bath after cooking. But what truly impressed me was the meat itself— it was exceptionally tender and juicy. I enjoyed it a lot.
The drumstick was also just the right size for a single serving. I won’t go into detail about its texture as I found it to be consistent. However, I must throw some light on the soy sauce— it was delicately light and easy to enjoy! It complemented the chicken well without overpowering it, creating a harmonious combination.
We decided to include a plate of Bean Sprouts (RM4 for small) to our order. It was a pleasant addition, with none of the raw taste that might detract from the dish. The bean sprouts offered a satisfying crunch, accentuated by the gentle saltiness of the soy sauce.
Usually, I skip the chilli with my chicken rice because I’m not fond of its garlic flavour. But this time, I decided to give it a try, and it surprised me! Instead of garlic, the chilli had a strong lime flavour, adding a refreshing touch to the chicken rice.
The soup served with the dish had a subtle taste, but it still retained all the essential flavours. It offered yet another lively addition to the meal.
Final thoughts
I found that all the dishes there have a subtle flavour, which I enjoyed. Usually, when dining out, I anticipate dishes to have robust flavours, some even overpowering. So, I was pleasantly surprised by the nuanced yet impressive flavours at Tian Xiang Chicken Rice.
An additional advantage is its budget-friendly pricing. RM4.50 for a substantial portion of chicken rice in KL is a great deal. I’ll certainly be revisiting the stall for their tasty and economical chicken rice.
Expected damage: RM4.50 – RM8 per pax
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