The 8 Best Hainanese Chicken Rice Spots in Hong Kong

Chicken rice dishes are popular around the world for their simplicity combined with comfort, and in Hong Kong, the favorite chicken rice recipe is undoubtedly Hainanese Chicken Rice, made with poached chicken, seasoned rice and a bowl of broth rich in chicken fat. , and a traditional trio of condiments: chili sauce, ginger sauce and dark soy sauce.

Although Hainanese chicken rice is considered one of Singapore’s national dishes, it is believed to have originated in Hainan province in southern China. It is also a popular dish in neighboring Malaysia. Regardless of the dish’s true origin, Hong Kongers know they can’t get enough of Hainanese chicken rice, so we’ve rounded up the best places to serve this beloved Southeast Asian recipe.

Hong Kong’s Best Places for Hainanese Chicken Rice

Chatterbox Cafe

Revered for its iconic boneless chicken rice, Chatterbox Café first appeared in 1971 in Singapore’s five-star Mandarin Orchard Hotel, on the island city-state’s busiest shopping street, as a 24-hour cafe. 24. The menu featured specialties from local hawkers served in a very refined setting. The star was – and still is, on the Singapore and Hong Kong sites – the Mandarin Chicken Rice (HKD 138)which is probably the cleanest, least greasy version we’ve tried. The meat remains succulent even though most of the chicken fat has been skimmed off and the rice is cooked with chicken broth instead of traditional chicken fat.

Chatterbox Cafe, multiple locations across Hong Kong

---

Tian Tian Hainan Chicken Rice

Tian Tian made its big Hong Kong debut in 2019 as the outpost of Singapore’s famous Michelin-recommended chicken rice stall, and the queues haven’t let up since. Tian Tian’s plate Hainanese Chicken Rice (HKD 189) features tenderly poached chicken alongside a pile of soft, plump rice glistening with chicken fat. But what’s even better for us is that of the brand. roast chicken rice (HKD 199). Pay just HKD10 more and you’ll get the same fragrant rice and the same silky, flavorful chicken – but this time with crispy golden skin.

Tian Tian Hainan Chicken Rice, multiple locations across Hong Kong

---

Café Chatette

In our not-so-humble opinion, the coveted title for Hong Kong’s most luxurious Hainanese chicken rice goes to the succulent bird at Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s Café Causette, proving that centuries-old tradition reigns supreme. This restaurant started serving its Hainanese Chicken Rice (HKD 368) in 1994, and it has remained one of the establishment’s best-selling dishes ever since. The kitchen team treats the chicken very carefully, turning the chicken every 20 minutes in its poaching liquid. The rice is infused with lemongrass, chicken fat, ginger and secret house-made seasonings. With such a hefty price tag, this chicken rice is definitely a treat – but definitely worth it.

Café ChatetteM/F, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, 2825 4005, book here

---

Aunt MALAY

The Malaysian variety of Hainanese chicken rice is often called nasi ayam (literally “chicken rice” in Malay) and is often served with plain steamed rice rather than the seasoned variety. At contemporary Malaysian restaurant Auntie MALAY in Harbor City, the Hainan Signature Chicken (HKD 188) is fresh, fragrant and generous in portions. The accompanying chicken broth is more soothing than most. You can also get Auntie MALAY’s Hainanese Chicken Rice as part of a dinner service for one person (128 HKD)accompanied by an aperitif and a hot or iced drink.

Aunt MALAYShop 16, G/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbor City, 3-27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2110 3533, book here

---

Grand Cafe

Another mecca for chicken rice hosted in a luxury hotel, the Hainanese Chicken Rice (HKD 335) is THE signature dish on the menu at Grand Hyatt’s all-day dining restaurant, Grand Café, where hanging poached whole yellow chickens are on display for all to see. The chicken, rice and broth are impeccable, with the silky and tender chicken itself exhibiting pleasantly firm skin. The hotel’s viral message is also available on the Grand Hyatt eShop for takeout. Hainanese Chicken Rice Cake (HKD 488/HKD 688/HKD 988)a unique party treat if ever there was one.

Grand CafeG/F, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbor Road, Wan Chai, 2584 7722, book here

---

Cafe Malacca

A hassle-free hotel option, Café Malacca at JEN Hotel in Shek Tong Tsui is a reliable favorite for authentic Malaysian and Singaporean cuisine. Cafe Malacca Hainanese Chicken Rice (HKD 148) contains juicy, tender chicken and aromatic rice, and the price is more reasonable than many others on our list. To accompany your plate of quality chicken rice, we recommend hawker-style dishes like the Fried Carrot and Shrimp Cake (HKD 118) And Penang rojak (108 HKD).

Cafe Malacca2/F, JEN Hong Kong by Shangri-La, 580 Queen’s Road West, Shek Tong Tsui, 2213 6613, book here

---

Yung Kee Hainan Chicken

Yung Kee has two branches in Hong Kong – one on Hong Kong Island and one in Kowloon – and both are modest places that offer excellent food. Hainanese Chicken Rice it’s a staggering price 55 HKD. The founding chef reportedly previously worked at the Grand Hyatt (see Grand Café above), so he leveraged his extensive knowledge to successfully strike out on his own. Yung Kee’s accompanying soup is an intoxicating coconut chicken soup with thick slices of fresh coconut. If your taste buds allow it, you can opt for the spicy chicken rice (55 HKD)) instead, and it is 5 HKD switch from steamed rice to seasoned rice infused with chicken fat.

Yung Kee Hainan ChickenG/F, Kong Ling building, 102 rue Jervois, Sheung Wan, 5500 4556

Yung Kee Hainan ChickenShop 29L, G/F, Loong King Mansion, 23-35H Ma Tau Wai Road, Hung Hom, 5500 4522

---

Mandarin Chicken Rice (Singapore)

The parentheses in this restaurant’s name are confusing as it is based in Hong Kong and not Lion City. Yet this Singapore-inspired chicken rice restaurant is as legit as it gets in the city. Mandarin Chicken Rice Hainanese Chicken Rice (HKD 102) is available in steamed and roasted versions, with the flavorful seasoned rice being particularly sought after here. We suggest adding a side of bak kut teh (+12 HKD)a traditional herby soup made with pork ribs, to complete your Detroit-style feast.

Mandarin Chicken Rice (Singapore)G/F, Ching Wo Building, 17 Chung Wui Street, Tai Kok Tsui, 2301 4266