In Singapore’s ever-changing culinary scene, food trends come and go faster than you can say “salted egg yolk.” We’ve had the rise of salted egg everything, the bubble tea frenzy, and the sudden takeover of mala hotpot. But through all the noise and viral trends, one dish has always stood its ground: Hainanese Chicken Rice.
For me, chicken rice isn’t just a meal—it’s the edible soul of Singapore. It will never be overrated because it’s fundamentally perfect. Let me explain why.
The genius of chicken rice lies in its deceptive simplicity. At first glance, it’s just poached chicken on rice. But when you taste it, you realize it’s actually a masterclass in texture and subtlety. Perfecting it takes years. The chicken has to be tender and gelatinous, cooked to just the right point where it’s silky but not underdone. Then there’s the rice—fried in chicken fat and aromatics before being steamed in rich stock. It’s so good, it could easily stand on its own.
Here’s where chicken rice stands out: you can’t hide bad technique. If the chicken is overcooked or the rice is bland, it shows. That’s why chicken rice will always be a staple—it demands honesty from the cook.
Another reason I believe chicken rice will never go out of style is its versatility. It’s the great equalizer of Singaporean dining. It’s soft enough for a toddler’s first solid meal and comforting enough for an elderly grandparent. It’s affordable for students on a budget, yet dignitaries and celebrities seek it out when they visit. It doesn’t matter your age, class, or ethnicity—everyone loves chicken rice.
For me, chicken rice also reflects the Singaporean spirit of efficiency and excellence. It’s a complete meal—protein, carbs, soup, and vegetables (okay, maybe just a few cucumber slices)—and it’s served in minutes. It’s simple, satisfying, and gets the job done without any fuss.
Some critics argue that the dish is overrated because it gets so much media attention, but I couldn’t disagree more. The attention is just a testament to how high we’ve set the bar. In a country where thousands of hawker stalls compete to make the same dish, the standard keeps rising. That’s not “overrated”—that’s excellence.
For me, Hainanese Chicke n Rice is a culinary anchor. In a city that’s constantly changing and modernizing, that familiar plate of oily rice and tender chicken feels like home. It’s comforting, it’s timeless, and it’s a piece of our heritage. As long as Singaporeans crave comfort, connection, and craftsmanship, chicken rice will remain the undisputed king of the hawker centre.