Hainanese Chicken Rice
"Poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken fat and ginger. It's arguably the national dish of Singapore. The chicken should be silky and tender, served with a punchy chili-garlic sauce and dark soy. Pure comfort on a plate."
Logistics
Affordable
Vibe
Essential, silky
Duration
20 minutes
Best For
Lunch
The Backstory
Brought over by immigrants from Hainan, China, it was adapted to local tastes with more garlic and chili. It became a staple in the 1940s-50s as a cheap, nutritious meal for workers and is now a UNESCO-recognized culinary icon.
Local Secret
"Tian Tian is the famous one, but if the line is too long, head to Ah Tai just three stalls away. It's run by Tian Tian's former head chef, tastes nearly identical, and has almost no queue. Always ask for extra chili!"
Gallery
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