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Lifestyle Singapore Singapore

Types of Chicken Rice and Where to Eat Them

A trip to Singapore wouldn’t be complete without a taste of Singapore’s national dish – Hainanese Chicken Rice. There’s just something incredibly satisfying about digging into this simple dish of chicken and fragrant rice that has captured all our hearts.

Sadly, not all chicken rice dishes are created equal. In fact, there are quite a few different spins on this seemingly basic dish. From the dish in its most original form to creations like chicken rice risotto, here are Singapore’s many types of chicken rice, and places to try them.

The Original Singaporean-Style Chicken Rice

How it’s done:

The original version of chicken rice involves steeping chicken in boiling water and blanching until fully cooked. Soak it in cold water immediately to cool it down so the meat doesn’t continue cooking, but remains soft and tender. Instead of just water, the rice is cooked with chicken stock, chicken fat, pandan leaves, ginger, fried garlic and shallots. This myriad of aromatics is what gives the rice its distinct, complex fragrance that has taken the nation (and the world) by storm.

While seemingly simple, this dish is hard to perfect. Some places in Singapore however, have managed to fine-tune their recipes, attracting throngs of people hungry, eager customers daily.  

Get a taste at Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice

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Cr: bbc.com

One of the most popular Hainanese Chicken Rice stalls in Singapore, they’re known for their incredibly tender poached chicken and heavenly rice. According to Anthony Bourdain, the rice is “exceptionally fragrant and flavoursome” and “delicious even on its own”.

The owners don’t just sit back and bask in their glory either! Constantly improving and perfecting their already-amazing recipe, they’ve managed to rack up multiple awards over the years, including a Bib Gourmand. So, if you’re hankering for a plate of their chicken rice, be prepared to queue for it!

Find it at 1 Kadayanallur Street, #01-10/11 Maxwell Food Centre.
Click here for more information on Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.

More Local Favourites

Other common renditions of chicken rice you’ll be able to find in Singapore are Soy Sauce Chicken Rice and Roasted Chicken Rice.

Soy sauce chicken rice is by braising chicken a soy sauce mixture. This way, the meat has the tenderness of poached chicken with the sweet and savoury flavour of soy sauce. Roasted Chicken Rice, as the name suggests, is traditionally made by roasting the chicken in a wood-fired brick oven. The fat drips off and caramelises, giving you crisp, crackly, and deliciously addictive skin.

Besides the usual sliced chicken and flavoured rice, this popular local dish also comes in the form of rice balls! Similar to Japanese onigiri, chicken rice balls are made by packing and shaping steaming hot chicken rice into spheres and then serving with sliced chicken. They’re not as widespread as your usual chicken rice, but we’ve found some shops that serve chicken rice balls!

Get a taste at Hainan Chicken Rice Ball

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Cr: eatbook.sg

This traditional hawker stall opposite Sim Lim Tower has been operating for decades and radiates nostalgia. A set meal here includes two tennis ball-sized chicken rice balls, Hainanese steamed chicken, and braised pork belly. Wash it all down with a bowl of herbal tau pok soup that’s hot and peppery, reminiscent of bak kut teh.

Find it at 3 Dickson Road, Shin Boon Hwa Food Centre, Singapore 209530
Click here for more information on Hainan Chicken Rice Ball.

Michelin Starred Chicken Rice

Who would have thought our humble hawker centre favourite would make it to Michelin-star glory? This molecular gastronomy restaurant at Esplanade proves that with a few innovative modern touches, even the simples of local dishes can become exquisite delicacies.

Get a taste at Restaurant Labyrinth

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Cr: londonwingz.com

At Restaurant Labyrinth, you’ll find chicken rice, but without chicken and rice. Say what? Chef-Owner Han Li Guang has given our local delight an avant-garde spin by extracting the essence of chicken rice and then packing the rich broth into a punchy cube with a texture resembling tofu. It is then served with soy sauce, spicy grated ginger, chopped spring onions, and slivers of cucumber.

Find it at 8 Raffles Avenue, #02-23, Esplanade Mall, Singapore 039802.
Earn 2x Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.
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Fusion Chicken Rice

If you are an adventurous eater, you’ll love what these restaurants have to offer. These creative chefs have given chicken rice an international makeover, fusing it with other cuisines!

Get a taste at Stateland Cafe

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This hearty local-Italian Hainanese Chicken Rice Risotto comprises of soy braised chicken, ginger risotto, sriracha chilli vinaigrette, leafy vegetables, fried shallots, spring onions, and chicken skin to top it all off. It may be a modern take towards our iconic dish but it still retains the key flavours. The stock in the risotto has a gingery kick and the chilli vinaigrette imparts some heat. And of course, we never say no to some sinful chicken skin!

Find it at 30 Bali Lane, Singapore 189866.
Earn 2x Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
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Get a taste at ROOST

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Cr: eatbook.sg

Chicken rice and sushi all in one bite? Sign us up! These tasty morsels feature slices of their signature soy sauce chicken atop a small pillow of rice. The moreish teriyaki sauce glaze adds a final touch of Japanese flavour. Basically, everything we love about chicken rice and chicken teriyaki in one bite. Just one sushi won’t be enough!

Find it at 176 Orchard Road, The Centrepoint #B1-17/18/19, Singapore 238843.
Earn 2x Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
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Categories
Lifestyle Singapore Singapore

6 Asian Dishes to Revisit in Memory of Anthony Bourdain

Truth be told, we couldn’t believe it either when the world’s most revered gourmand Anthony Bourdain shocked the world with his passing. While we continue mourning the loss of everyone’s favourite bad boy chef, join us as we look back at some of his favourite Asian dishes which he helped put onto the global map.

Thank you for everything, Tony. This one’s for you.

 

1. Hainanese Chicken Rice – Singapore

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Cr: BBC.com

If there’s one dish Singapore is famous for, it’s Hainanese Chicken Rice, hands down. This humble dish is simple and straightforward – steamed or roast chicken breast or thighs chopped up and drizzled over with a soy sauce and sesame oil, served with a side of rice cooked in chicken broth – and it’s a plate of comfort locals turn to.

We all know and love Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, which many gourmands such as Anthony Bourdain and Gordon Ramsay have sung praises for. But don’t stop there; take things up a notch with special chicken rice dishes with a twist. From Hainanese Chicken Pasta from Froth to Hainanese Chicken Rice Risotto from Stateland Cafe, let these innovative creations tantalise your taste buds in more ways than one.

2. Char Kuey Teow – Singapore

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Anthony Bourdain loved this local delight, so much so that it almost made it onto the menu of his street food hall (if the plan had fallen through). I mean, what’s NOT to love about this plate of tender flat rice noodles stir-fried in a concoction of sweet dark soy sauce, crispy pork cracklings, beaten egg, Chinese sausages, and bean sprouts?

Relive his memory by tucking into one of the meanest plates of char kuey teow you will ever find in Singapore at Xiao Ya Tou. The generous amounts of ingredients like plump oysters and Chinese sausages and the unmistakable ‘wok hei’ will win you over, period.

 

3. Sarawak Laksa – Malaysia

laksa
Cr: Food Vibrations

Fragrant, spicy, and overall satisfying, it’s pretty difficult to not fall in love with this heartwarming bowl of goodness. Deemed Breakfast of the Gods on Bourdain’s Instagram, Sarawak Laksa is essentially rice noodles topped with shredded egg and whole prawns, served in a spicy coconut broth that will have you hooked after the first spoonful. Don’t neglect that calamansi on the side; squeeze a hit into your bowl to brighten up the flavours before you proceed to indulge.

If this all seems too hyped up to be believable, try it for yourself. For the most authentic experience, pop by 林玉梅 Sarawak Kolo Mee (stall #01-33) at Haig Road Market. When Sarawakians swear by it, you know you’re golden.

Find it at #01-33, 14 Haig Rd, Singapore 430014.
Click here for more information.

 

4. Sisig – Philippines

People probably wouldn’t have given this dish a second thought if it were not for Bourdain who anointed it as THE Filipino dish to rule them all. Chopped up pig’s face may not sound extremely appetising but trust us, it is.

While you can probably find a slew of local eateries available at Lucky Plaza that serves this delicacy, a household name that ensures quality is Gerry’s Grill. Order this bad boy (or maybe even three!) and tuck in – you’ll devour this in minutes. Even if your friends aren’t ready to join you in your adventurous endeavour, there are other lip-smacking selections that will win their hearts (and stomachs).

Find it at 51 Cuppage Road, #01-12 Starhub Centre, Singapore 229469.
Click here for more information.

 

5. Sushi – Japan

Bourdain named Sukiyabashi Jiro the place to have his last meal if he only had 24 hours to live, and we totally get it – who could ever resist a good Japanese meal?

Sukiyabashi Jiro has gotten so popular that it’s close to impossible to get a spot (they only accept arrangements made by hotel concierges), but the closest experience you can have in Singapore would probably be at the two Michelin-starred Shoukouwa Sushi Restaurant. Much like Jiro’s 10-seater establishment, Shoukouwa’s intimate 14-seater restaurant serves top-notch omakase that will pamper your taste buds silly.

 

6. Bún chả, phở, and more – Vietnam

“Vietnam. It grabs you and doesn’t let you go. Once you love it, you love it forever.” – Anthony Bourdain

Like many other Southeast Asian cuisines, Vietnamese food rose to fame fairly recently. Singapore hopped onto the bandwagon shortly after, and this saw a rise of numerous pho houses and Vietnamese restaurants setting up camp across Singapore.

To curb your cravings, Little Saigon is your best bet. From heartwarming bowls of beef broth and rice noodles to the grab-and-go baguettes stuffed with cold cuts and pâté, this little eatery proves that satisfaction doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s quite simple, really.

Categories
Lifestyle Singapore Singapore

Fancy Local Flavours Worth Splurging On

If you’ve got friends from faraway lands coming to visit, where should you bring them for lunch? The nearest hawker centre would be an obvious choice, but there’s just one problem: the sweltering Singapore heat doesn’t really help when you’re eating a spicy bowl of laksa.

Beat the heat and grab some local classic dishes at these upscale, air-conditioned restaurants! They offer mouth-watering, uniquely Singaporean hawker foods that have gotten an atas makeover. We’re also exploring two levels of fancy, so you don’t have to burn a hole in your wallet… unless you want to, of course.

Chicken Rice

Privé Asian Civilisations Museum

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Our mums and dads will love the chicken rice served at Privé Asian Civilisations Museum ($17). The chicken is slightly pink – trust us, it’s completely safe to eat – just the way it was in the good old days. You can be sure you’re getting quality chicken too, as the chickens are from Toh Thye San Farm, where they are raised without hormones or antibiotics and allowed to roam freely. The result is flavourful and succulent meat that makes this dish a resounding hit with both locals and tourists. Pro tip: there are only 20 portions prepared daily, so call ahead to avoid disappointment.

Find it at 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
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Town Restaurant

Town Restaurant

Located in the majestic Fullerton Hotel near the mouth of the historic Singapore River, Town Restaurant’s menu of local delights features their take on an iconic dish: the Fullerton’s Boneless Hainanese Chicken Rice. For $29, you’ll get a bowl of rice bursting with the fragrance of pandan and lemongrass, silky and tender chicken, and a flavourful soup with cabbages, tofu, and wolfberry. Trust us, it’s worth every cent. Best enjoyed at the breezy al fresco waterfront terrace.

Find it at 1 Fullerton Square, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Singapore 049178.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
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Laksa

Beast & Butterflies

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You’ll never have a boring meal at Beast & Butterflies, a bold fusion restaurant with an adventurous take on the classic Laksa. The laksa ($16) features mee tai mak noodles in a creamy yet piquant broth, served with prawns, fishcake, and tau pok. Instead of cockles, cherrystone clams are used instead, giving a sweeter, less briny flavour. Another welcome twist is the deep-fried tau pok, which is delightfully crispy and makes for an enjoyable variation in texture.

Find it at 90 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238259.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
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Straits Cafe

Straits Cafe

Offering buffets showcasing cuisine from the Straits Settlement, the delectable spread at Straits Cafe features their award-winning laksa that is too good to be missed! The star of this dish is undoubtedly the laksa broth, which is rich, satisfying, and overflowing with classic Peranakan flavours. Be prepared to splurge a little as lunch starts at $42++, while dinner starts at $50++. On the bright side, you’ll get to stuff your face with as many local treats as you can handle, so the buffet’s definitely worth the price tag.

Find it at  9 Bras Basah Road, Lobby Level, Rendezvous Hotel, Singapore 189559.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
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Nasi Lemak

Sinpopo

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There’s only one word that comes to mind when you step into Sinpopo: nostalgia. However, the vintage furniture and retro interior isn’t the real gem of this throwback to the 70s. Sinpopo’s Nasi Lemak for Two ($28; so that works out to be $14 per person) is a masterful dish that will bring back memories of the Singapore of days gone by. Everything is cooked using traditional methods, from the coconut rice steamed in traditional muslin cloth to the homemade sweet onion ikan bilis sambal. Each portion of rice also comes with a soft-centre egg, Har Jeong Kai wings, pork belly marinated in lam yu, deep fried luncheon meat crisps, rojak slaw, and sambal fishballs.

Find it at 458 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427671.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
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Chatterbox

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For a uniquely Singaporean meal with a touch of class, look no further than Mandarin Orchard Hotel’s Chatterbox. The restaurant is a green and earth-toned oasis that offers a respite from the sweltering weather as well as upmarket versions of our local favourites, including a delicious Nasi Lemak ($26). Expect fragrant coconut rice, with crispy fried chicken wing, a fried egg, and an otah. You don’t need to worry about your ang moh friend either, as the sambal has a little less kick than what locals are used to, making it perfect for foreigners.

Find it at 333 Orchard Road Level 5, Mandarin Orchard Hotel Singapore, Singapore 238867.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
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Bak Chor Mee

The Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La Hotel

Lobby Lounge

The Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La Hotel offers an enticing array of local heritage hawker dishes. However the Bak Chor Mee with Fish Maw Soup ($28) stands out as the star of the show. This noodle dish is inspired by the famous Seng Kee Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle, in Serangoon Gardens Market & Food Centre, so expect the noodles to be cooked perfectly al dente and the soup to be rich, filled with umami, and brimming with quality threadfin fish maw. It’s served in delicate porcelain bowls (the kind you can find in your grandmother’s house) as well, to give an extra serving of nostalgia and authenticity.

Find it at 22 Orange Grove Road, Lobby Level, Tower Wing, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, Singapore 258350.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
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Restaurant Labyrinth

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Presenting a feast of atas Singaporean food that’s a treat for all the senses, Restaurant Labyrinth deconstructs Singaporean classics and presents them in delicious, yet innovative ways. The Chef’s Tasting Menu (SGD$118) features Chef LG Han’s unique spin on Bak Chor Mee – the noodles are made from strips of squid while the pieces of fish cake are sliced Hokkaido scallops. With his adventurous expectation-defying dishes, you’ll soon come to realise that nothing is ever as it seems.

Find it at 8 Raffles Avenue, #02-23, Esplanade Mall, Singapore 039802.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
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Roti Prata

Big Street Singapore

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Nestled in a two-storey shophouse, Big Street Singapore is a local heritage restaurant that serves Singaporean staples like roti prata. Their prata sets give you plain or egg prata, with a choice between the fragrant Curry Chicken Thigh ($9) or the moreish Rendang Mutton Mysore ($11). If you prefer to customise your order, you can get two pieces of plain prata for $3, while a murtabak costs $10. They even offer innovative dishes incorporating local favourites like the Chilli Crab in a Prata Bag (market price) and Salted Egg Prata Bom ($6).

Find it at 104/106 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208828.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
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Zaffron Kitchen (East Coast)

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Although roti prata is commonly eaten for breakfast or supper, Singaporeans love their Indian food and can have it anytime. One of the best places to indulge in perfectly executed Indian cuisine is Zaffron Kitchen. The restaurant, awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2017, is a hip, modern space in Katong perfect for large gatherings. The Curry Chicken Prata Set ($12.90) features thick chicken curry with generous servings of meat and flaky prata you can mop up every last drop of curry with.

Find it at 135-137 East Coast Road, Singapore 428820.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
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