Chicken Rice — affordable and found almost everywhere in Singapore but what makes a good Chicken Rice? Some may argue that the very essence lies in the rice while others may debate on the chicken. If you’re ever as picky as me, it even boils down to the finest detail of how the cucumbers are sliced or what vegetables are served along with it. So, with all these factors considered, here are some of our top favourite spots for the best Chicken Rice in Singapore.
13 Stages (Halal)
Where do I even begin with this one? I’d travel all the way to the East for this if I am ever craving for their generous portions and fragrant rice. I discovered this place by accident while I was running errands at Kallang Wave Mall. The store was tucked away at the far end of the mall and it was also hard to spot due to the walls blocking its name but I am so glad that I decided to venture in here. 13 Stages functions similar to a coffee shop so patrons would have to order and pay first before collecting their meals. Their plump and juicy chicken leg is served on a bamboo steamer to constantly keep the chicken warm and moist makes it such a big win by itself already. The rice on a separate note is incredibly fragrant and flavourful so no matter what flavour of chicken you order, their chicken along with the rice is sure to complement each other perfectly. I personally recommend the Imperial Ginger Chicken!
Address: Kallang Wave Mall, Stadium #01-41
Guoco Tower, Tanjong Pagar #B2-30
Opening Hours: Daily from 11am to 8:45pm
Contact: 6384 0502
925 Yishun Hainan Chicken Rice
Personally, I have never been a fan of steamed chicken on my Chicken Rice but this one is the exception I would accept. Though steamed chicken would naturally be healthier than the roasted ones, I often feel that steamed chicken often lacks texture and flavour but I am so glad that 925 Yishun Hainan Chicken Rice changed my mind. I visited the Yishun outlet on a crowded weekend during dinner time and despite this, they managed to serve us immediately. The steamed chicken is placed on a bed of vegetables which includes cucumbers and tomatoes with a side of pickled vegetables over a flood of soy sauce. Despite this, the vegetables still managed to remain crisp — everything just comes together perfectly.
Address: Multiple outlets
Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 8:30pm
Contact: 6924 7742
139 Hainan Chicken Rice
Before arriving at this stall, you would already be greeted with a long line of hungry customers who are just eager to get a plate or two of Chicken Rice for their lunch. The best thing about this humble hawker stall is their low prices but high quality taste. So, it’s not very uncommon to see bosses and families purchasing packets over packets of their Chicken Rice to share. Fortunately for this family-owned business, they sell both steamed and roasted chicken but personally, I prefer their roasted chicken. Due to the long queues and unpredictable amount of orders, you would have to get there early just to get a single plate but luckily for me, I managed to grab half a chicken to share (for just $9). They serve their succulent chicken on a bed of bean sprouts and cucumbers and provides customers with a large bowl of soup that has pieces of tofu inside. On a rainy day, eating the soup itself is insanely comforting but all together, a single plate from 139 Hainan Chicken Rice would instantly make my day.
Address: 254 Jurong East St 24, #01-39, Singapore 600254
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:30am to 7pm
Evertop Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice (halal)
The first time I have ever visited this place, I was just a primary school student. So to see this place still standing strong and constant in their quality and service warms my heart. This Chicken Rice is definitely on the pricier side compared to the rest I’ve mentioned but I promise you that every bite is your money’s worth. Their sets start from $10.80 and this includes a plate of Chicken Rice with sides. Customers get the option to pick either wontons, braised egg, oyster sauce kailan, liver and gizzard or ngoh hiang. Usually when I come here, I’ll get their fried wontons but their liver and gizzards are worth giving a try too. They also offer other delicacies that are akin to zi char’s menu.
Address: Blk 354 Clementi Ave 2 #01,259, Singapore 120354
Opening Hours: Daily from 11am to 10:30pm
Contact: 6774 1353
Hup Hong Chicken Rice
Located in the same compound as 139 Hainan Chicken Rice, this competitor also has crazy snaking queues that could populate the entire coffee shop. Many food bloggers have visited this place just to get a taste, including international food blogger, Mark Wien. You can watch his food review here! Hup Hong has various meat parts to accompany their fragrant rice but I would highly recommend going traditional and getting their classic roasted chicken. Their skin is crisp, full of sweet and saltiness and goes extremely well with their side of soy sauce. So, if 139 Hainan Chicken Rice happens to be sold out, at least you know you have the next (or equal) best thing right next to you.
Address: #01-51 Yuhua Village Market and Food Centre, 254 Jurong East St 24, 600254
Opening Hours: Daily except Mondays from 11:30am to 5:30pm
