Maxwell Food Centre is home to many iconic names, but Tong Fong Fatt Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice has earned its place with a story that goes beyond the plate. It isn’t just another stall competing for attention near the famous Tian Tian. Tong Fong Fatt brings decades of dedication, family-driven evolution, and consistent offerings that have built a loyal following.
From Sugarcane to Chicken Rice
Tong Fong Fatt didn’t start with chicken. Its roots trace back to sugarcane juice sold in Chong Pang Village. The pivot came when Augustine Koh, son of the original founder, saw opportunity in Hainanese chicken rice. Teaming up with his brother-in-law, Augustine launched their first chicken rice operation at ABC Brickworks Food Centre in the mid-nineties. His goal was simple—chicken rice that would win over younger palates.
The result? Tender, boneless chicken with a signature sauce. This move wasn’t just about taste but structure—offering convenience, texture, and consistency. It worked. The brand now has multiple outlets across Singapore, including a halal offshoot known as My Nasi Ayam.
Location and Hours
Address:
1 Kadayanallur Street, #01-17 Maxwell Food Centre, Singapore 069184
Opening Hours:
10:30 AM to 8:30 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Customers should still check updated hours online or on delivery platforms like Deliveroo, where variations may appear.
What to Expect from the Menu
Tong Fong Fatt keeps its focus tight but delivers it well. The star is their boneless chicken rice, offered in two main styles:
- Steamed Chicken: Soft, moist, and silky skin
- Roasted Chicken: Slightly crisp skin, deeper flavor profile
Accompanying each plate is their 12-ingredient special sauce, often poured over the chicken before serving. It’s this sauce—subtly sweet with a rich soy base—that sets the dish apart. Diners also receive:
- Fragrant rice cooked in chicken oil
- Garlic chili sauce on the side
- Cucumber slices to refresh the palate
Some reports mention additional Hainanese classics such as pork chop, Wenchang chicken, and herbal soups. However, not all items appear consistently at the Maxwell stall. A few diners noted occasional offerings like:
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Tofu-based dishes
- Hainanese prawns and fish
These may rotate based on demand or availability.
What Customers Say
✅ Positive Reviews
- Tender, Slippery Chicken: The texture is one of Tong Fong Fatt’s strongest assets. The deboned presentation also makes it more appealing for quick dining.
- Flavorful Rice: Cooked in chicken oil with hints of ginger. It’s fluffy, aromatic, and not greasy.
- Balanced Sauces: The sweet soy drizzle doesn’t overwhelm. When mixed with their garlic chili, it adds heat without burning the palate.
- Faster Queues: A practical alternative to Tian Tian. Many locals say they head to Tong Fong Fatt when the lines next door are too long.
- Familiar Faces: Some customers have been following the stall since its early days, a testament to consistent quality.
Photographs of prominent leaders like Lee Kuan Yew and PM Lee Hsien Loong displayed at the stall suggest a stamp of recognition.
❌ Negative Feedback
- Mild Fragrance: Some reviewers felt the chicken lacked punch compared to Tian Tian.
- Chalky Texture: A few found the meat occasionally dry or lacking juiciness.
- Small Portions: Isolated complaints around serving size.
- Service Variation: Experiences seem to fluctuate depending on the staff working that day.
Despite this, many still choose Tong Fong Fatt over its neighbors for its faster service and approachable flavor profile.
How It Compares at Maxwell
Maxwell Food Centre is a hotspot for chicken rice lovers, making comparisons inevitable. The three biggest names include:
1. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (#01-10/11)
Globally known and featured by celebrity chefs. Long queues are standard. The rice is intensely flavored, and the chicken is smooth.
2. Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice (#01-07)
Run by a former Tian Tian head cook. Some say it delivers a nearly identical taste with shorter wait times.
3. Tong Fong Fatt Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice (#01-17)
Reliable, quicker service, good for those who want a softer taste without long lines. It appeals to regulars who prefer consistency and balanced flavor.
Why It Works
Tong Fong Fatt doesn’t rely on hype. Its growth came from understanding the preferences of a changing generation. By removing bones, dialing in the softness, and crafting a sauce that complements rather than overwhelms, the stall built its own lane.
They didn’t try to outdo others—they focused on doing their version well. And for many, that’s what makes the trip to Maxwell Food Centre worthwhile.
Final Notes for Diners
If you’re deciding where to eat at Maxwell, here are a few quick takeaways:
- Want global-fame chicken rice? Go to Tian Tian.
- Want something similar with shorter queues? Ah Tai is an option.
- Want boneless convenience with a light, steady taste? Tong Fong Fatt fits the bill.
Bring cash, arrive early to avoid lunch rush, and take a moment to notice the photos on the wall. They tell a story that began with sugarcane and grew into a chicken rice brand many locals trust.
Craving more chicken rice experiences? While Tong Fong Fatt holds its own with heritage and flavor, you might also enjoy our roundup of the 10 Best Chicken Rice Stalls in Singapore. Don’t miss the full list—your next favorite plate might be just around the corner.
