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Top 5 Chicken Rice Restaurants in Singapore Foodies Can’t Stop Clucking About
Chicken rice is more than just a meal in Singapore—it’s a cultural treasure and a dish that has stood the test of time.
On a recent food hunt, I set out to uncover some of the best chicken rice in the city. The journey took me from buzzing hawker centers to quiet corners filled with the aroma of chicken broth and ginger.
Each spot I tried told a story of care and pride as some stalls focused on keeping things traditional, while others experimented with modern interpretations. The one thing they all had in common? They were unforgettable in their own way.
So, after countless plates and plenty of chili sauce, here are the top picks for chicken rice in Singapore that you absolutely need to check out.
1. Boon Tong Kee
Media credit: @boontongkee_sg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boontongkee_sg/?hl=en
Website: http://boontongkee.com.sg/
Address: Balestier Rd, #399 401 & 403
Phone: +6562543937
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 3PM; 5 PM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 10:30 PM
Must-have: Chicken Rice and Bean Curd Set
Boon Tong Kee started as a humble chicken rice stall on Balestier Road in 1983 and has since expanded into multiple outlets across Singapore.
Their signature boiled chicken is expertly cooked, resulting in silky, tender meat drizzled with light soy sauce. The accompanying rice is fragrant, with subtle hints of garlic and chicken stock, making it a delicious standalone dish.
Aside from chicken rice, Boon Tong Kee’s menu boasts a variety of zi char dishes, such as Paper-Wrapped Chicken, Crispy Bean Curd, and Sweet and Sour Pork. Each dish complements the chicken rice beautifully, making it a great option for group dining.
The restaurant’s relaxed yet polished atmosphere is perfect for both casual meals and family gatherings. And you’ll find their stall with ease thanks to their colorful neon sign.
Queues are also common during peak hours, so plan accordingly to enjoy a seamless dining experience.
| Pro Tip: Ask for their homemade ginger sauce. It’s the perfect addition to the chicken rice and adds a fresh, zesty kick to the meal. |
2. Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice
Media credit: @weenamkee_sg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weenamkee_sg/?hl=en
Website: http://wnk.com.sg/
Address: 101 Thomson Rd, #01-08 United Square Shopping Mall
Phone: +6562556396
Hours: Daily – 11 AM to 9 PM
Must-have: Hainanese Chicken Rice
Wee Nam Kee is a celebrated name in Singapore’s food scene, renowned for serving chicken rice in three distinct styles: poached, soy sauce, and roasted.
The poached chicken is tender and juicy, highlighting the natural flavors of the meat. Soy sauce chicken offers a slightly richer taste with its caramelized glaze, while the roasted version delivers crispy skin with a satisfying bite.
The rice here is fragrant, fluffy, and cooked with chicken broth. Side condiments, especially their chili sauce, bring a bright and spicy kick to the dish. The light chicken soup accompanies the meal, providing a warm and comforting element.
Locals appreciate the restaurant’s consistency, while travelers find it an excellent introduction to Hainanese chicken rice.
The restaurant’s spacious and air-conditioned outlets make it an excellent choice for families and large groups. Its menu also features home-style cooked dishes like dumplings and tofu soup, providing variety for diners.
| Pro Tip: Ask for a mix of all three chicken styles in one serving for a varied and satisfying meal. |
3. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
Media credit: @tiantianchicken
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiantianchicken/?hl=en
Website: https://tian-tian-chicken-rice.com/menu/
Address: 1 Kadayanallur St, #01-10/11 Maxwell Food Center
Phone: +6596914852
Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 7:30 PM
- Monday – Closed
Must-have: Roasted Chicken Rice
Found in Maxwell Food Center (maxwell food centre), Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is an iconic hawker stall that gained global fame after Anthony Bourdain declared it the best he’d ever had.
Their chicken is poached to perfection, resulting in juicy, tender meat enhanced by a splash of light soy sauce. And the rice is cooked in chicken fat and pandan leaves. The combination of flavors and textures makes each bite truly memorable.
The dishes also include their chili sauce that adds a zesty, spicy dimension to the meal, while the dark soy sauce introduces a subtle sweetness, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Recognized by the Michelin Bib Gourmand, the stall’s popularity is well-earned, attracting long queues of eager diners. Thankfully, the fast-paced service ensures that these lines move swiftly, making the wait more bearable.
The setting at Maxwell Food Center adds to the charm, creating an authentic and lively backdrop for enjoying this national dish. Tian Tian’s reputation as a culinary gem remains unmatched, making it a must-try for anyone visiting Singapore.
| Pro Tip: Arrive before 11:30 AM to beat the lunch crowd and secure a shorter wait time. |
4. Nat’s Chicks/ Cuisine Better Days
Media credit: @eat.natschicks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eat.natschicks/?hl=en
Website: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dD1LpLC3c_j9l-vxvTwb6jlEPVieJTHp/view?
Address: 101 Upper Cross St, #01-01 People’s Park Center
Email: [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Must-have: Kampong Chicken Rice
Nat’s Chicks is more than just a spot for chicken rice; it’s a testament to passion, resilience, and innovation in Singapore’s hawker scene.
Helmed by Natalie Lee, daughter of the founder of Five Star Chicken Rice, the eatery reflects a blend of heritage and modernity. After running Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice with her brother, Natalie decided to chart her own path, opening Nat’s Chicks.
The shop operates with a personal touch, offering traditional Hainanese dishes alongside creative options from her cheekily named “Chick’s & Chill” menu.
Natalie’s use of kampong chicken—a pricier choice due to its distinct yellow hue and leaner texture—demonstrates her commitment to quality. The chicken, tender and aromatic, pairs well with her bold chili sauce and zesty ginger dip, both made in-house.
Her attention to detail extends beyond the food; the cozy space reflects her desire to create a welcoming environment.
| Pro Tip: Try the kampong chicken for its firmer texture and richer flavor—a favorite among traditionalists. |
5. OK Chicken Rice & Humfull Laksa
Media credit: @okchickenrice
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okchickenrice/?hl=en
Website: https://okchickenrice.oddle.me/
Address: 721 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, Foodloft Coffeeshop
Phone: +6590267051
Hours: Daily – 10 AM to 8:30 PM
Must-have: Roast Chix Rice
OK Chicken Rice & Humfull Laksa at Ang Mo Kio provides a variety of halal-certified meals that have earned a loyal following.
Among their highlights is the roast chicken rice is straightforward yet well-executed, featuring tender chicken with golden skin served over aromatic rice infused with chicken fat and ginger.
If you’re in the mood for something crispy, the Fatbulous Chicken Cutlet Rice delivers with its crunchy breading and mildly seasoned chicken. For a lighter option, the Steamed Chicken has a softer, juicier texture and comes in a larger portion.
Their signature chili sauce is loaded with garlic and a hint of heat, adding ma ore robust taste to the dish.
With affordable pricing and welcoming service, this stall has become a favorite for those seeking hearty meals in a more relaxed setting.
| Pro Tip: Try their Fatbulous Chicken Skin for a crunchy treat. It’s not served in every branch, so ask about availability! |
