#6 Chicken Rice

Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice

Maxwell Food Centre, #01-07

Hainanese Steamed
85
Certified
Shiok
Google 4.2★

About

Run by Wong Liang Tai, former head cook at Tian Tian for 20+ years. Insider's Tian Tian with shorter queues. Spicier chilli.

ShiokScore Breakdown

Scored across 5 dimensions specific to chicken rice. Learn what each means →

Rice Fragrance 86

Aroma and flavour of the rice — pandan leaf, chicken fat, garlic oil. Should smell before you taste.

Chicken Texture 85

Between silky and dry. The collagen 'jelly' layer under the skin is a sign of quality, not a defect.

Chilli Quality 89

Every stall's secret weapon. Ginger-forward vs lime-forward vs garlic-heavy. Balance of heat, acid, and flavour.

Sauce Balance 80

Dark soy sauce sweetness, ginger paste sharpness, and how they complement the chicken and rice together.

Portion Value 88

Amount of chicken relative to price, rice quantity, and overall value compared to hawker norms.

Style: Hainanese Steamed

The original. Chicken poached in aromatic stock then ice-bathed for silky texture. Subtle, clean flavour. The jelly layer under the skin is the hallmark.