I love chicken. No matter how different it is cooked and prepared, I would still order and eat it. Moreover, I can eat it both as a snack and a meal. But, among all the chicken dishes in Singapore this chicken rice from a popular restaurant will always be my favourite.
How I Become Fond of Chicken Rice
Before I moved to Singapore for work, I wasn’t fond of eating chicken. I like pork better since back in my home country, my mom would always add bits of pork on stir-fried vegetables. But, when I came to Singapore, I now prefer chicken over pork.
One of my old friends who is already living in Singapore for years introduced me to one of the country’s best chicken rice. He and his family took me out for a quick tour around CBD or the Central Business District. We ended up visiting River Valley and had a chicken rice meal at one of the restaurants there. At first, I was hesitant to try it out since personally, I’d like anything that has pork in it. But, since they went through the trouble of touring me around and paying for my meal, I didn’t complain. I just ate it. I was surprised by how savoury the chicken rice is. Most of the chicken meals that I had before were so dry because they were always deep-fried. But, here in Singapore, the chicken is so soft and flavourful. Even the meat inside was delicious. Usually, when you order a chicken meal, only the skin of the chicken is tasty. So, I was so impressed with the chicken rice that I tried at River Valley.
I asked my friends what’s in it, and why it’s so tasty. They told me that it’s Hainanese Chicken. It’s different from the usual chicken recipes because the chicken is first boiled in a broth full of garlic cloves and ginger. This is the secret why the meat inside isn’t bland. After that, they will rinse the chicken in cold water. This will help make the meat more dense and soft. I was so amazed at this new chicken meal that I also asked them to eat another one later at dinner.
The Branch at Ang Mo Kio
When I started working in Singapore, I lived around Ang Mo Kio. It’s quite far from the Central Business District, but I still chose to live at Ang Mo Kio because the office is near this residential town. I felt sad knowing that I had to stay here since I won’t be able to buy that good chicken rice at River Valley. Although I did find some restaurants that are also selling the same chicken dish, I still liked the ones that were sold at the restaurant in River Valley. I don’t know why, but they have a more delicious version of chicken rice.
Fortunately, I eventually knew that they had a branch at Ang Mo Kio! Ordering their chicken rice is now easier than I thought! I don’t have to go to the CBD anymore! So, whenever I had the opportunity to leave at least an hour for lunch, I made sure to go sometimes to their branch at Ang Mo Kio. Their chicken rice is simply the best that it became my favourite comfort food. I would always look for it and order a plate whenever I feel down and upset.
Late-Night Meals
Since work can be so hectic sometimes, I often forgot to eat dinner. I’d stay up late in the office, trying to finish all the piled-up tasks. This happens whenever I take a leave of absence for a week. It’s surprising how I don't feel hungry whenever I’m busy. But, when it’s already 10 pm or 11 pm, I suddenly feel my stomach grumbling. Plus, I feel extra tired, so I need to eat for a quick boost of energy. Luckily, I can still order from my all-time favourite chicken restaurant and have it delivered in our office. They are a real life-saver during these times. Even though I can buy a quick rice meal from the convenience store, I’d rather not to. I don’t like the taste of packaged and reheated food. I’ll lose my appetite whenever I try to order one. So, I was so glad that I can still get a hold of the chicken rice that I loved the most.
Sometimes, when I am not at work, I’d even order it as a late-night snack. I just felt a strong craving for it whenever I stay up late and binge watch some shows at Netflix.
Recommended Chicken Restaurant in Singapore
If you want to get to taste authentic chicken rice, then you should try Boon Tong Kee’s chicken rice meals now! They truly have one of the best chicken rice in Singapore!
