Ah-Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice 阿仔海南鸡饭 (Maxwell Food Centre) 2nd Post

This marks my second visit to Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice 阿仔海南鸡饭 since its inception, my first since it's license was suspended for two weeks. As I have posted about this before, I shall not dive into it again.

As mentioned, Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice had it's license suspended by NEA for two weeks as it had accumulated 12 demerit points in the last 12 months for issues related to keep the premise pest free and preparation of food. (I wonder who rat on them.. I smell a rat. No rewards for guessing who I suspect.) Since the stall has opened for business, with NEA strict guidelines, checks and hygiene levels, I was confident that the food was safe to eat. As the saying goes, 'the safest place is the most dangerous place'. I am quite sure that the food is very clean and safe for consumption! Anyway, a side note is that this is a hawker centre not a restaurant, what more do you expect?

If you thought that the NEA suspension of Ah Tai would have affected their business, then you are wrong. There was a long queue of more than 10 people queuing to order their chicken rice. One of the other reason for the queue could be because Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice was closed on that day. 

Chicken Rice $3 + Gizzard $0.50

Bean Sprouts $2

Order my usual stuff, Chicken Rice $3 with Gizzard $0.50. In addition, I also ordered a plate of Bean Sprouts that cost $2. The Bean Sprouts served with sliced chillies, shallots and spring onions were drizzled with a combination of light soy sauce mixed with sesame oil.  The Bean Sprouts were  so crunchy and tasty that they were highly addictive. A good match for the Chicken Rice. 

Chicken Rice $3 + Gizzard $0.50

The standard of Ah Tai's Chicken Rice seemed to have improved compared to the version I had on my first visit.

During the previous visit, although the rice was fragrant and flavourful, it was hard and dry. However, during this recent visit, the it was moist and soft. Couple with fact that it had just the right mix of fragrance and flavour, it was easy to indulge the rice on its own.

This time, the meat (chicken) was cut properly and was as tasty and tender as before.

Overall, I would say that the Chicken Rice at Ah Tai has improved! It was delish and certainly tasted much better than before!  

Ah-Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice 阿仔海南鸡饭 (Maxwell Food Centre)

1 Kadayayanallur Street

#01-07 Maxwell Food Centre

Tel: 8137 6559 

Opening Hours: Wed to Mon 11am to 730pm

                         Closed on Tue
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Ah-Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice 阿仔海南鸡饭 (Maxwell Food Centre)

Ah-Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice 阿仔海南鸡饭 is a chicken rice stall set up by Mr Wong Liang Tai, more commonly known as Ah Tai. Ah Tai was actually the former chef of the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and has been working there for the past 20 years. He had differences with the owners' daughter who took over the management of the business in 2010. After several incidents and heated arguments, Ah Tai was sacked in October 2011 (Both Ah Tai and the owners are relatives). Subsequently, he and a partner (who was a key helper in Tian Tian) set up a chicken rice stall just 3 stalls away from his former employer (Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice) at Maxwell Food Centre. 

Chicken Rice is a de facto national dish of Singapore. If you still have doubts, visit Maxwell Food Centre, and you will notice that there are already so many chicken rice stalls. One will be spoilt for choice when it comes to chicken rice as there are more than 6 such stalls in this food centre. With Ah-Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice being the new kid in the block, the chicken rice war at Maxwell has escalated. Several other chicken rice stall owners have expressed their unhappiness as they were concerned about their business. The least they need now is for another strong competitor next to them.  

As mentioned earlier, Ah-Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice 阿仔海南鸡饭 located at Stall No. 7 is located 3 units away from Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice which is located at Stall No. 10.

I visited at around 630pm on a weekday for dinner. There was no queue then. (By the way Tian Tian was closed that day). Anyone knows if there's a queue during lunch hours? 

Chicken Rice $3.00 + Gizzard $0.50

Chicken Rice $3.00 + Gizzard $0.50

What makes a good Chicken Rice? Well, there are three factors; namely the rice, the meat (chicken) and the chilli. I can't help but compare using these three factors to compare Ah Tai's chicken rice to Tian Tian's chicken rice which I had previously. 

In terms of rice, Ah Tai's rice was indeed fragrant and flavourful. However, it was hard and very dry. I prefer Tian Tian's rice as it was softer and more moist. 

In terms of meat (chicken), Ah Tai's version was decent. The timing was grasped nicely as the chicken was tender and tasty, not tough. However, all the good work was undone by.. well the way the chicken was chopped. Yes, the chopping style does makes a difference (ask the older generation or professional chefs on the way to cut meat, be it chicken, duck or pork and you will know what I mean). I have not gotten to the point where by I am such a professional foodie that I can point out this is a wrong cooking style. What makes it so obvious in this case was that it was so terribly cut that there were small pieces of bones protruding out or small pieces of bones that came off and was mixed with the rice and chicken. When I mean small, a comparison will be the size smaller than a half of the rice grain (in the photo above). Seems trivial, but it matters. With that being said, Tian Tian's version was much better as their chopping style was better and their chicken was drizzled in their special sauce that made it more fragrant and tasty. (The gizzards given were hidden below the chicken.) 

In terms of chilli, Ah Tai's version fared better. It was more tangy with a stronger oomph of spiciness.

(For the sake of comparison) In terms of presentation, I am very sure that Ah Tai's version loses out to Tian Tian's. Just take a look at the above picture and compare it to Tian Tian's version. Ah Tai's version was more sloppily done considering the fact that there was no queue... hmm..

Personally, I still prefer Tian Tian's chicken rice. The chicken and rice are better than Ah Tai's version. But despite all these, I still prefer my chicken rice at Golden Mile Food Centre.

For the record, if the taste is good and the presentation is lousy, I certainly do not mind! After all, never judge a book by its cover, appearances can be deceiving. 

Ah-Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice 阿仔海南鸡饭 (Maxwell Food Centre)

1 Kadayayanallur Street

#01-07 Maxwell Food Centre

Tel: 8137 6559 

Opening Hours: Wed to Mon 11am to 730pm

                         Closed on Tue
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Yishun 925 Hainanese Chicken Rice 义顺925海南鸡

Yishun 925 Hainanese Chicken Rice used to be called 'Hainanese (De-Bone) Chicken Rice'. This stall is located at a coffee shop called Yishun 81 Food Court which is a 10 minutes from Yishun MRT station or 5 minutes from Yishun Bus Interchange. 

During meal times (lunch and dinner), there will normally be a queue.But not to worry, all you have to do is to queue up to order and go back to your table. Your orders will be delivered to you. The workers are very efficient, despite the crowded I was served within 5 minutes.

Chicken Rice $3.80 with Gizzard $0.60

There has been a price increase in the chicken rice. They are available now at $2.80 and $3.80. When I asked for the difference between $2.80 and $3.80, all I was told was that there will be more chicken meat for $3.80.

Chicken Rice $3.80 with Gizzard $0.60

The grains of rice were fragrant and well separated. However, some parts of it were hard. The chicken meat was normal, tender and soaked in the soy sauce. I was quite surprised that such a generous serving of gizzard was given. The soup on the other hand was laden with MSG. Personally feel that the standard of the chicken rice has dropped (anyone has the same sentiment as me?). Luckily, the chilli was still as awesome as before, with the right among of spiciness. 

They have recently opened another branch at Ang Mo Kio Central Blk 722.

I still remember that 2 years ago I blogged that the standard has dropped. Still feel the same about this conclusion. But however, I am still unable to find another chicken rice stall in Yishun that can rival this stall. Looks like I am better off sticking to the 928 Yishun Laksa which is 2 blocks away. Until a new kid appears round the block or the standard improves.

And if you are wondering where to go for chicken rice without travelling too far, you may want to try Ming Kee Chicken Rice & Porridge at Bishan.

Yishun 925 Hainanese Chicken Rice 义顺925海南鸡
Yishun 81 Food Court (Behind Yishun Bus Interchange)
Yishun Central 1
#01-249, S760925
Opening Hours: Daily 1030am to 8pm
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Sheng Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice 盛記海南鷄飯 (Bedok Reservoir Road)

Sheng Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice 盛記海南鷄飯 is located along Bedok Reservoir Road under Blk 704 at See Beh Ho Eating House. If this coffee shop sounds familiar, well it could be because you have seen the name in this blog when I posted on 58 Prawn Noodles, Minced Meat Noodle. As its name suggest , Sheng Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice specialises in chicken rice! 

Sheng Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice was one of the food stalls featured in Channel 8 Food Variety Show called 'Buzzing Cashier (抢摊大行动)'. Together with the guidance of renowned chefs, the stall owners are  given training and taught culinary skills to help turn their failing business around. Sheng Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice past the test and was allowed to keep the sponsored signboard and was awarded a medal.

Steamed Chicken Rice $3 with Gizzard ($0.50)

Quite a generous serving of rice,steam chicken meat and gizzards was given. In addition, besides slices of cucumbers, there were slices of tomato. The steamed chicken was tough at certain parts. In terms of taste, the chicken meat was slightly bland. Dipping it into the chilli provided helped enhanced the taste. The chilli was wonderful with the right amount of spiciness.

The rice was similarly bland, wish that it was more fragrant.  The soup provided came with bits of cabbage and carrots. Although it was salty, I was happy to just finish up the cabbage and carrots. After all few people eat chicken rice expecting the soup to be fantastic. Right?

Overall, I would say that this is a decent chicken rice stall, but not the best. Just slightly above average. I am keen to try the roasted chicken one day. But at the moment, I am more keen to try the prawn noodle at the next stall. 

Sheng Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice 盛記海南鷄飯 (Bedok Reservoir Road)
Blk 704 Bedok Reservoir Road
See Beh Ho Eating House 
Tel: 9665 4882 / 9116 9506
Opening Hours: Daily 930am to 8pm
                         Close on alternate Mondays 
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Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (Maxwell Food Centre)

As mentioned in my previous post, Hainanese Chicken Rice is a de facto national dish of Singapore. It can be enjoyed in literally any food courts, hawker centres, coffee shops and restaurants. To me, I determine how good a chicken rice is based on three factors. Firstly, Chicken rice. Secondly, Chicken meat. Lastly, Chilli.

There has been claims that Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice along with the likes of Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice, Chatterbox and Fook Seng Goldenhill Chicken Rice are favourites among Singaporeans. Having check out Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice previously, I happened to be near Maxwell and hence decided to check out the Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.

I visited Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at 4pm on a weekday and was surprised that there was a queue. This stall is certainly famous.

They have expanded and now occupy 2 stalls now. Place your orders at the right (of the picture) and collect at the other end!

Endorsement from magazines, newspapers and even celebrities. They are even recognised internationally! Anthony Bourdain (Celebrity Chef) said that the rice can be taken alone. Although it is simple, it delivers a taste that develops wonderfully and engages the sense!~

'White' Chicken Rice $3.50 with Gizzard $0.80

The chicken drizzled in some 'special' sauce that is mixed by Tian Tian was amazingly tender, fleshy and tasty. It was so good that I found that there was no need for me to dip it (chicken meat) into the chilli sauce. Nevertheless, I did try the chilli sauce. It was delicious! The spiciness and sourness (from lime) gave it an extra oomph! It made me wonder each time when I am eating the chicken if I should dip it into the sauce as either way was equally delicious!

The rice was fragrant and flavourful. However, not all the grains of the rice was soft. Some stuck together and were hard. As for the Chicken Gizzard? It was slightly more expensive than else where at $0.80 and I wish that they were sliced in smaller pieces to aid eating.

Overall, Tian Tian is certainty a place to check out if you are looking forward to a meal of chicken rice.

ps: out of all the places that I have eaten thus far, I would rate Tian Tian's Chicken Rice at second. My top favourite would be the Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice at Golden Mile Food Centre. Main reason is because some parts of Tian Tian's rice were hard.

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (Maxwell Food Centre)
Maxwell Road
#01-10/11 Maxwell Food Centre
Tel: 9691 4852
Opening Hours: Tue to Sun 11am - 8pm
                          Closed on Mon
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Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice 威南记鸡饭餐室 (Novena)

The Hainanese Chicken Rice is a de facto national dish of Singapore. It can be enjoyed in literally any food courts, hawker centres, coffee shops and restaurants. There has been claims that Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice along with the likes of Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chatterbox and Fook Seng Goldenhill Chicken Rice are favourites among Singaporeans. With this background, FoodieFC set off to check out Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice!

Wee Nam Kee a family-own business in operation since 1982 is well-known as a chicken rice speciality shop. Today, Wee Nam Kee serves a wide range of local favourite dishes including Hainanese Chicken Rice, Curry Fish Head, Cereal Prawn and Roasted Pork. Wee Nam Kee is located opposite Novena MRT Station, along the same road as where Revenue House is.

I visited Wee Nam Kee on a weekday at 11am. Hence, it was not crowded. Customers patronising Wee Nam Kee do not need to queue up to order. Instead, sit down at a vacant table and wait for one of the staff to take your order. Payment can be made at the end of meal at the cashier located in the stall.

Some of the must have for chicken rice - e.g. chilli, ginger, sweet sauce, pepper.

'White' Chicken Rice $4.00 with Gizzard $0.50

I ordered the 'White / Steamed Chicken' also known as 白鸡 in Chinese with Chicken Gizzard.

The chicken rice was fragrant and not oily. Generous portion of Chicken Gizzard was given. However, the main star of this dish was disappointing. The White / Steamed Chicken was a tad too dry and tough. It seems to a certain flavour to give it a certain oomph. Luckily, the chilli help to enhanced the taste and grease the chicken.

I was quite disappointed by this meal at Wee Nam Kee as they are well known for being one of the best chicken rice stall in Singapore.

I noticed from the few tables that were occupied, everyone ordered Roasted Chicken 烧鸡 instead of Steamed Chicken. Maybe I should have ordered that instead.

Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice 威南记鸡饭餐室 (Novena)
275 Thomson Road 
#01-05 Novena Ville (opposite Novena Church)
Tel: 6255 6396
Opening Hours: Daily 1030am - 12am
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Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice 海南起骨鸡饭 (Golden Mile Food Centre)

This stall is located at the basement of Golden Mile Food Centre or Beach Road Army Market. It specialises in dishing out Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice to customers. This is a very popular stall and is one of my favourite. There is no queue seen here as customers order, give their table number and sit down to wait for their meals to be delivered. It can be a long wait, so make sure you ask how long is the waiting time before ordering (especially if you are in a rush)

I came down to this stall on a weekday for lunch. I ordered 'White' Chicken Rice $3.50 with Organ ($0.50). The waiting time was about 25minutes.

The rice was soft, warm and fluffy. Each grain of rice is well 'oil' and has fully absorbed the essence of chicken, garlic and ginger. Not sure if pandan leaves were used. But the rice was fragrant and flavourful. The rice itself  is certainty one of the best (chicken rice) I have eaten and can be eaten alone! I like it so much that I ordered a second bowl of rice at $0.30! Normally else where would have charged at least $0.50.

Steamed Chicken Rice $3.50 with Organ ($0.50)

Quite a reasonable amount of organs (Gizzard) were given. The steamed chicken was soft, tender and tasty. It was so delicious that I wanted a second serving of it! If not for the waiting time, I am sure I would have ordered a second serving.

Accompanied with its chilli and black sauce, it enhances the taste of the whole meal!

Soup

The soup was a normal chicken rice soup that you can typically get at any stall. 

Keep a look out for the lady who is serving, she is always running about carrying plates/trays of chicken to customers! I am sure her stamina will put many of us to shame!

Overall, it was a great meal despite the wait. This is certainty one of the best chicken rice stall in Singapore! Moreover, it is very affordable. Can't wait to eat it again. 

*Edited 10 Feb 2012* In my opinion, this stall (Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice) serves the best chicken rice in Singapore. 

Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice (Golden Mile Food Centre)
505 Beach Road
#B1-35 Golden Mile Food Centre
Tel: 6298 6270
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 11.30am-9pm
                          Closed on Sun

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Sing Ho Hainan Chicken Rice (Middle Road)

Spotted this Hainan Chicken Rice outlet along Middle Road called Sing Ho Hainan Chicken Rice. 

Menu Cover

The menu cover looks like looks like some vintage Shaolin Martial Art book.

Part of Menu (a)

Part of Menu (b)

As usual, I ordered 1 plate of 'white' chicken rice with organ (gizzard).

'White' Chicken Rice $3.50 with Organ $0.50

With such a large plate, it make it seems as though the chicken rice is very little. The chicken rice was hard and dry. The chicken flavour was not fully infused into the rice.

How was the chicken? Just average. But glad that quite a generous portion of chicken was given. However, only 4 pieces of gizzard was given.

The chilli was average. But the ginger was surprisingly fragrant and cut finely. 


Despite all the positive reviews online. I beg to defer. Overall, it was disappointing. The chicken was average while the rice was disappointing. In any chicken rice stall, there are 3 important factors. 1) The chicken. 2) The rice. 3) Chilli. So far none met my criteria for this stall. 


Sing Ho Hainan Chicken Rice (Middle Road)
270 Middle Road
Tel: 6336 7579
Opening Hours: Daily 11am  - 11pm

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