Looking for Singapore’s best chicken rice? With countless options across hawker centres and restaurants, this list breaks down the top 10 spots—from Michelin-awarded stalls to heritage brands. Here’s where to go, what to expect, and how much it’ll cost you.
1. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
Location: Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur St, #01-10/11, Singapore 069184
Price: Around S$5 (medium)
One of the most iconic names, Tian Tian draws long lines daily. Its rice is fragrant, fluffy, and rich with chicken stock—once praised by Anthony Bourdain for being good enough to eat alone. The poached chicken is tender with a special sauce. The chili sauce brings a tangy heat that completes the dish.
2. Boon Tong Kee
Location: Balestier Rd, #399 401 & 403, Singapore 329801
Price: S$5–9.95++
Started as a stall in 1979, Boon Tong Kee has grown into a polished restaurant chain. Their chicken is silky, juicy, and known for its collagen-rich skin. Rice is aromatic and sometimes shaped into pyramids. The air-conditioned space makes it ideal for hosting out-of-town guests.
3. Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
Location: Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Rd, #02-82, Singapore 168898
Price: Varies by outlet
With a Michelin Bib Gourmand nod, this stall serves boneless, juicy chicken with a gelatinous skin. The rice is aromatic, and some outlets offer a turmeric-infused yellow version. Expect consistency in taste and texture across its multiple locations.
4. Hawker Chan Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle
Location: Chinatown Complex, 335 Smith St, #02-126, Singapore 050335
Price: From S$3.50 at the original stall
The first hawker stall to earn a Michelin star, Hawker Chan is known for its glistening soya sauce chicken. The meat is flavorful, tender, and served with either rice or springy noodles. The vinegar-forward chili adds heat, and portions remain generous for the price.
5. Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice
Location: 342 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329774
Price: Around S$7–9 for a set
Operating since 1953, Loy Kee delivers both poached and soy sauce chicken options. The rice is fluffy, grains separate cleanly, and the chili leans traditional. The Balestier outlet offers marble tables and air-conditioning for a classic dining setup.
6. Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice
Location: 191 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428897
Price: Varies
Five Star uses kampung (free-range) chicken, known for firmer texture and deeper flavor. Their rice is lighter, less greasy, and chicken skin stands out for its smoothness. A tangier chili sauce and fragrant ginger purée complement the natural meat flavor.
7. Katong Mei Wei Chicken Rice
Location: Katong Shopping Centre, 865 Mountbatten Rd, Singapore 437844
Price: From S$7.70
Formerly Delicious Boneless Chicken Rice, this stall pairs well-cooked chicken with flavorful rice and achar. Each set includes a bowl of savory soup. It’s an air-conditioned space with solid hawker standards, though service can be abrupt.
8. Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice
Location: Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur St, #01-07, Singapore 069184
Price: S$4–5
Founded by Tian Tian’s former head chef, Ah Tai offers a strong alternative. The poached chicken has springy texture, juicy meat, and a jelly-like layer under the skin. Rice is less oily but flavorful, and the vinegary chili provides a bold kick. You get more meat here for less money.
9. Chatterbox Restaurant
Location: Hilton Singapore Orchard, 333 Orchard Rd, #05-03, Singapore 238867
Price: S$25++ to S$27
A luxury take on hawker fare, Chatterbox serves chicken rice with aged jasmine rice, shallots, and pandan leaves. The poached chicken is expertly portioned and the chili is fragrant with consistent heat. Ideal for those wanting a high-end version of the local staple.
10. Nam Kee Chicken Rice Restaurant
Location: 201 Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574343
Price: From S$8.50
Nam Kee retains an old-school vibe with booth seating and retro tiles since opening in 1968. Their chicken can be a bit dry, but the homestyle feel and comforting zi char dishes like braised beancurd or sweet and sour pork round out the visit. The soup here often outshines the rice.
Each of these spots brings a different take on Singapore’s most beloved dish. Whether you want something old-school, Michelin-recognized, or hotel-grade, this list covers the full range—chicken tender, rice fragrant, chili fiery.
