The quest for the best chicken rice in Singapore is a delicious adventure that takes you from iconic hawker stalls to hidden gems tucked away in unassuming corners.
This guide brings you the very best, with each restaurant offering something special for the true lovers of this dish.
1. Mat Noh & Rose
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 91 Whampoa Drive, Whampoa Food Centre, #01-27, Singapore 320091 | Ginger Fried Chicken Rice, Begedil, Stir-fried Vegetables |
Mat Noh & Rose is a bold expression of how chicken rice can evolve without losing its soul. Their signature ginger fried chicken, paired with basmati rice infused with aromatic ginger, delivers a burst of flavor that leaves you craving more.
The chicken is crispy and tender, a delightful contrast to the soft, fragrant rice. Their sides like begedil add depth, making this spot a favorite among those seeking a meal that’s hearty and unforgettable.
2. Zi Jing Cheng
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Alexandra Village Food Centre, #01-15, Singapore 150120 | Steamed Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice, 1-Person Meal |
Zi Jing Cheng keeps things authentic and uncomplicated, letting the quality of its ingredients speak for itself. The boneless chicken is steeped in a soy-based sauce that enhances its natural succulence, while the rice is soft, fragrant, and cooked to perfection.
The 1-person set is a testament to their efficiency, delivering a plate that’s satisfying and true to tradition. Arrive early to avoid missing out on this crowd-favorite.
Their chicken rice is so good that it is listed in the Michelin guide.
3. Hup Hong
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 254 Jurong East Street 24, Yuhua Village Market and Food Centre, #01-51, Singapore 600254 | Chicken Rice, Chicken + Char Siew Rice, Cabbage Soup |
Hup Hong draws in queues with its dedication to quality and consistency. Their chicken is cooked to tender perfection, complemented by rice that’s light yet flavorful.
The handmade achar adds a tangy touch, while the complimentary cabbage soup rounds out the meal beautifully.
4. Margaret Drive Sin Kee
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 40 Holland Drive, Chang Cheng Mee Wah Coffeeshop, #01-39, Singapore 270040 | Steamed Chicken, Roasted Chicken |
Margaret Drive Sin Kee embodies the spirit of timeless chicken rice. With decades of history, their plates showcase perfectly poached chicken, cooled in an ice bath for a tender and refreshing bite.
The rice is soft, aromatic, and widely praised as a benchmark for others to follow. It’s a place where tradition meets excellence, creating a meal that’s both nostalgic and undeniably satisfying.
5. Nam Kee
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 201 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574343 | Hainanese Steamed Chicken, Roasted Chicken, Fragrant Rice |
Nam Kee Restaurant stands as a living legacy of traditional Hainanese flavors, with nearly six decades of history behind it. The steamed chicken is tender and juicy, bringing a nostalgic comfort that feels like a taste of the past.
Their no-frills fragrant rice, cooked with chicken stock and infused with subtle aromatics, pairs perfectly with the rich and savory flavors. It’s a simple yet timeless experience, rooted in authenticity.
6. Tiong Bahru
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 30 Seng Poh Road, Tiong Bahru Market, #02-82, Singapore 168898 | Steamed Chicken Rice, Roasted Chicken Rice, Pickled Vegetables |
Tiong Bahru is an institution in its own right, serving glistening, tender chicken that strikes the perfect balance between silky skin and juicy meat. The rice is subtly fragrant, with a touch of turmeric for an added layer of depth.
Complemented by their signature pickled vegetables, each bite offers a harmony of flavors that has earned them loyal fans over decades. Be sure to visit early, as this stall often sells out before closing time.
7. Katong Mei Wei
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 865 Mountbatten Road, Katong Shopping Centre, #B1-85/87, Singapore 437844 | Steamed Chicken, Roasted Chicken, Achar |
Katong Mei Wei brings a unique zest to the game with its vibrant achar that delivers a tangy crunch alongside their tender chicken. Whether you opt for the steamed or roasted version, you’re guaranteed a satisfying portion of succulent meat that pairs beautifully with their aromatic yellow-tinted rice.
This spot proves that even the most classic dishes can have a refreshing twist while staying true to their roots.
8. Tian Tian
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 1 Kadayanallur Street, Maxwell Food Centre, #01-10/11, Singapore 069184 | Signature Chilli Sauce |
Tian Tian is synonymous with perfection, gaining global fame after visits from culinary icons. Their chicken is poached to tender perfection, then paired with a luscious homemade sauce that adds depth without overpowering the meat’s natural flavors.
The rice is the true hero—each grain infused with chicken stock, ginger, and pandan, making every bite rich and satisfying. Tian Tian lives up to the hype as a must-visit for anyone seeking the pinnacle of Hainanese chicken rice.
9. Yishun 925
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 146 Potong Pasir Ave 1, Singapore 358474 | Steamed Chicken, Roasted Chicken, Chicken Wing Rice |
Yishun 925 is a name synonymous with consistency and value. Known for their generous portions, each plate features tender chicken served with a fragrant, slightly oily rice that hits all the right notes.
Their steamed chicken is particularly popular, offering a perfect balance of juicy meat and smooth skin.
10. Xing Yun
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 310 Orchard Rd, b1, Singapore 238864 | Steamed Chicken Rice, Chicken Thigh Rice, Tomato and Pineapple Garnish |
Xing Yun keeps it simple yet satisfying. Their steamed chicken is a crowd-pleaser, featuring soft, juicy meat complemented by a lightly savory dressing. The rice is fluffy and fragrant, with just the right amount of flavor.
A touch of creativity comes in the form of tomato and pineapple slices on the side, adding a refreshing burst to the dish. This spot is perfect for those seeking comfort food with a thoughtful twist.
11. Kampung
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 255 Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574382 | Kampung Chicken, One-Person Meal, Complimentary Soup |
Kampung, fondly known as Chicken House, delivers a leaner and healthier alternative with their signature kampung chicken. The natural flavors of the chicken shine through, while the accompanying rice is fragrant yet light.
The complimentary soup adds a homely touch, making the meal feel wholesome and satisfying. This is where simplicity meets excellence, and every bite feels like a comforting hug.
12. Ming Kee
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 511 Bishan Street 13, Kim San Leng Food Centre, #01-522, Singapore 570511 | Beansprouts with Chicken |
Ming Kee is renowned for its silky, crystal-like chicken skin, a testament to their meticulous preparation. The chicken is dunked in ice water post-cooking, ensuring tender meat with a smooth texture.
Their rice is consistently well-cooked and aromatic, pairing perfectly with their homemade sauces. The long queues are a testament to the stall’s well-earned reputation for delivering one of the finest chicken rice experiences.
13. Qi Lin Xuan
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 422 Jurong West Avenue 1, #01-758, Singapore 640442 | Chicken Rice Balls, Steamed Chicken, Soya Sauce Chicken |
Qi Lin Xuan stands out by serving traditional chicken rice balls, a rare and nostalgic find in Singapore. Each ball is compact yet soft, delivering a unique texture that complements their tender steamed or soya sauce chicken.
This is one of the last few places in the country keeping this cultural culinary heritage alive, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of tradition.
14. Chin Chin Restaurant
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 19 Purvis Street, Singapore 188598 | Chicken with Garlic and Pandan |
Chin Chin Restaurant is an unpretentious eatery that delivers on all fronts. Their steamed chicken is poached at just the right temperature, creating juicy, tender meat with a delicate layer of flavorful skin.
The rice is infused with garlic and pandan, offering an aromatic base that enhances the entire meal. With its nostalgic charm and expertly crafted flavors, Chin Chin is a standout in Bugis for chicken rice enthusiasts.
15. Boon Tong Kee
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| Multiple outlets, notably 399, 401, 403 Balestier Road, Singapore 329801 | Signature Boiled Chicken, Paper-Wrapped Chicken, Spring Chicken |
Boon Tong Kee has grown from a humble stall to a household name for chicken rice enthusiasts. The signature boiled chicken is delicately cooked, retaining its juiciness and tenderness, and served with a glossy, fragrant rice that’s perfectly seasoned.
The menu also offers standout items like paper-wrapped chicken for those looking to explore beyond the classic. With its consistent quality and well-loved recipes, Boon Tong Kee remains a favorite across its outlets.
16. Five Star Kampung
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 191 East Coast Road, Singapore 428897 | Kampung Chicken, Aromatic Rice, Homemade Chili and Ginger Sauce |
Five Star Kampung offers a healthier take on the classic dish with its kampung chicken, known for being leaner and richer in flavor. The meat is tender yet firm, and the accompanying aromatic rice is light but satisfying.
A generous drizzle of their homemade chili and ginger sauce elevates the dish with layers of tanginess and spice. This East Coast gem balances tradition with a modern, health-conscious approach.
17. Loy Kee
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 342 Balestier Road, Singapore 329774 | Chicken Porridge, Homemade Garlic Chili and Soy Sauce |
Loy Kee brings decades of tradition to its plates, serving up tender chicken with a side of fragrant, long-grain rice. Their homemade garlic chili and piquant soy sauce add just the right kick to the dish.
Known for their hearty chicken porridge, this spot has carved a niche for itself as a place for both comforting classics and bold flavors.
18. Jew Kit
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 170 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588179 | Sous Vide Chicken, Chicken Feet in Thai Sauce, Bitter Gourd Salad |
Jew Kit brings a contemporary twist to Hainanese chicken rice by sous viding their chicken to ensure melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The addition of chicken feet in Thai sauce and bitter gourd salad offers refreshing accompaniments that balance the richness of the dish.
This stall has managed to strike the perfect balance between tradition and modern innovation, making it a standout in Upper Bukit Timah.
19. Wee Nam Kee
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 101 Thomson Road, #01-08 United Square, Singapore 307591 | Steamed Chicken, Roast Chicken, Soy Sauce Chicken |
Wee Nam Kee gives diners the flexibility to choose their preferred chicken preparation—steamed, roasted, or soy sauce. Each option is cooked to perfection, with tender meat and just the right amount of flavor.
The rice is fluffy and pairs beautifully with their less salty yet aromatic dark soy sauce.
20. Da Ji
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 75 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh, #01-31, Singapore 310075 | Fried Chicken Wings, Steamed Chicken, Roasted Chicken |
Da Ji puts an exciting twist on the traditional dish with their signature fried chicken wings, which are freshly cooked for every order. The wings are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite.
They also excel at the classic steamed and roasted chicken options, ensuring something for every palate. This Toa Payoh spot is a must-try for anyone seeking variety in their chicken rice experience.
21. Hua Kee
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 117 Aljunied Ave 2, Singapore 380117 | Steamed Chicken Rice, Poached Chicken (Half/Whole) |
Hua Kee is a no-frills stall that delivers on quality and flavor. Their steamed chicken is smooth, fork-tender, and bathed in a light soy-based sauce that highlights the natural flavors of the meat.
The accompanying rice is fragrant and pairs beautifully with their signature chili sauce. Despite its simplicity, Hua Kee consistently attracts long queues, proving that great taste always wins.
22. Kim Eng
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 1 West Coast Drive, #01-72 NEWest Mall, Singapore 128020 | Set Meals with Double-Boiled Soup |
Kim Eng is a hidden gem for those who value hearty, well-rounded meals. Their set meals are a standout, featuring tender steamed chicken, flavorful rice, a bowl of nourishing double-boiled soup, and sides like achar and braised peanuts.
The unassuming stall draws loyal customers with its thoughtful approach to crafting meals that satisfy both the stomach and the soul.
23. Bruce Lee
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 396 East Coast Road, Singapore 428994 | Roasted Chicken, Beansprouts, Achar |
Bruce Lee puts its own spin on the classic dish with its roasted chicken, featuring crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. The sides of beansprouts, achar, and braised tofu add variety and balance to the meal.
Known for its generous portions and bold flavors, this stall is a great choice for those who prefer their food with a bit of extra crunch.
24. OK Chicken Rice & Humfull Laksa
| Location | Best Items Sold |
|---|---|
| 721 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8, Foodloft Coffeeshop, Singapore 560721 | Fatbulous Cutlet |
OK Chicken Rice & Humfull Laksa combines affordability with quality, offering a range of options that cater to both traditionalists and those seeking something unique. Their roast chicken is a highlight, featuring crispy golden skin over juicy meat.
For a twist, try the Fatbulous Cutlet, which delivers crispy indulgence with every bite. This halal-certified chain is a reliable spot for a satisfying meal in Ang Mo Kio.
Final Thoughts
Chicken rice is a defining part of Singapore’s food culture. It is simple, satisfying, and done right at these places. Each stall has its own approach, from Hua Kee’s no-nonsense style at Redhill to Bruce Lee with its crispy roasted chicken and generous portions.
What makes this food special is the balance—perfectly cooked chicken, fragrant rice, and sauces that bring it all together. These spots remind us that great food does not have to be complicated. It just needs to be made with care.
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