Hainanese Restaurants in Singapore

A guide to Hainanese restaurants in Singapore

Hainan is a tropical island province in southern China. Hainanese migrants brought their cooking to Singapore, and it is now part of daily life here. Hainanese restaurants in Singapore are best known for one dish: chicken rice. Hainanese cooks are also linked with local coffee shops, kaya toast and a style of local "Western" food. Today, these dishes are loved by Singaporeans of every background.

Hainanese chicken rice: what to order

Chicken rice looks simple but is hard to perfect. The chicken is poached until tender, then often dipped in cold water so the skin turns smooth and silky. The rice is cooked in chicken stock with garlic, ginger and pandan leaves. It should be fragrant and a little oily.

You can usually choose between two types:

• Steamed or white chicken: poached, soft and pale. This is the classic Hainanese style.
• Roasted chicken: darker, with firmer meat and a slightly crisp skin.

Three sauces come on the side: chilli sauce with lime and garlic, crushed ginger and thick dark soy sauce. Our guide Chicken Rice Sauces Explained shows how to use them. For help choosing, read Roasted vs Steamed Chicken Rice.

Where to eat Hainanese food

Famous chicken rice names

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is one of the best-known chicken rice stalls in Singapore. Sin Kee Famous Chicken Rice is in the Dempsey, Tanglin and Holland area. Kampong Chicken Eating House, in Tiong Bahru and Alexandra, takes its name from kampong chicken. "Kampong" means village in Malay. Kampong chicken is a leaner, village-style bird with firmer meat.

More places across the city

Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice is in Newton and Novena. Boon Tong Kee (Balestier) is on Balestier Road, an area known for local food. Chin Chin Eating House serves Hainanese food in the Bugis area. Chatterbox serves chicken rice in Orchard, so it is easy to fit around shopping. Browse Hawker Favourites for more local dishes in each area.

Other Hainanese dishes to try

• Hainanese pork chop: a breaded pork cutlet in a tomato-based sauce, often with peas and potatoes.
• Hainanese curry rice: rice covered in a mild curry gravy, often with pork chop, braised cabbage and egg.
• Kaya Toast: toast with butter and kaya, a coconut and egg jam. Brown Hainanese kaya is darker and more caramel than green Nyonya kaya. Hainanese vs Nyonya Kaya explains the difference.
• Kopi: local coffee, roasted dark and served strong and sweet. See How to Order Kopi.

Tips for eating chicken rice

• Beat the queue. Famous stalls are busiest at lunch. Read Chicken Rice Queue Tips before you go.
• Order like a local. Say how many plates, white or roasted, and which part of the chicken you prefer. How to Order Chicken Rice in Singapore Like a Local walks you through it.
• Add sides. Blanched greens with oyster sauce and braised egg go well with the meal.
• Know the rough cost. A plate at a hawker stall usually costs a few dollars, while restaurants charge more. Prices change, so check the board at the stall.
• Halal options. Some chicken rice stalls are halal-certified. Look for the MUIS certificate on display at the stall.

FAQs about Hainanese restaurants in Singapore

Is Hainanese chicken rice from Hainan?

Its roots are in Hainan, where a similar dish is made with Wenchang chicken. The version known today grew up in the Hainanese communities of Singapore and Malaysia. Read What Is Hainanese Chicken Rice? for more.

Should I order white or roasted chicken?

Try white chicken first for the classic taste. Choose roasted if you prefer firmer meat and more flavour on the skin.

When do locals eat chicken rice?

Locals eat it for lunch, dinner and sometimes as a late meal. Popular stalls can sell out early, so go early if you can.

Is chicken rice spicy?

The chicken and rice are not spicy. The chilli sauce on the side adds heat, so add as much or as little as you like.