Located within Shing Boon Hwa Food Centre at Dickson Road, just opposite Sim Lim Tower, lies Hainan Chicken Rice Ball, which is famous for its steamed chicken as well as the iconic chicken rice balls from Malacca.

Hainan Chicken Rice Ball has been around for decades and it has garnered a strong following for its chicken rice balls.

The chicken rice balls itself was a tad sticky and a not as oily as the typical chicken rice you find in Singapore; it is more similar to that of a rice dumpling.

However, despite being compact it still emitted a deep savoury aroma reminiscent of the chicken rice balls we’ve had in Malacca. We were utterly surprised at how delicious it was. It is much more intensely flavoured than your usual chicken rice and the stickiness of the rice grains added an interesting textural experience.

The steamed chicken meat was tender, moist and succulent, and despite being doused only in a simple sweet soy sauce, the flavour of the chicken really held its own. Coupled with the tasty chicken rice ball, it made for a pretty satisfying meal.

While most soups that come paired with chicken rice are clear, the soup served here is of a dark brownish hue—which made us a little confused for a second. To our pleasant surprise, the soup was super tasty and comforting. It had a mild herbal flavour which reminded us of the Malaysian-style herbal bak kut teh.

Hainan Chicken Rice Ball used to opened from 10am – 3pm daily but the owner has decided to extend the opening hours to 6pm after listening to feedback from his regulars.

Hainan Chicken Rice Ball
3 Dickson Road,
Singapore 209530
Daily: 10am – 6pm

Located at Mandarin Orchard Singapore, Chatterbox is perhaps one of the most famous—and expensive—chicken rice restaurants in Singapore.

Helmed by executive sous chef Liew Tian Heong, Chatterbox’s Hainanese Chicken Rice is its most popular dish and propelled the restaurant to fame. People from all over the world flock to the restaurant for a taste of this signature dish.

Is Chatterbox’s Hainanese Chicken Rice really that good? Is it worth paying S$27++ for a plate of chicken rice?

Chatterbox has quite a variety of local snacks on its menu. From the Rojak (S$17), to Satay (S$18 for 6 sticks), and Ngoh Hiang (S$18), you can find all the popular local snacks here.

And don’t miss out on the Salted Egg Chicken Wings (S$20 for 8 pieces)—it is certainly the best appetizer on the menu, and the best way to start your meal!

Nobody comes to Chatterbox without ordering the legendary Mandarin Chicken Rice (S$27++).

It comes with tender-boiled free-range chicken that is so juicy and succulent. Paired with fragrant rice—every grain is evenly coated with chicken oil and perfumed with pandan leaves. The homemade chilli sauce is really good and kickass.

Other than the Mandarin Chicken Rice, we also love Chatterbox’s Lobster Laksa (S$38).

There’s simply no turning back once you’ve tasted their Lobster Laksa—a wondrous bowl of goodness that looks and tastes amazing. A whole fresh lobster is used in every bowl. The soup is thick with the layered taste of quality coconut milk and fresh lobster. It is as luxurious as laksa can get.

This is probably one of the most, if not the most expensive, chicken rice in Singapore. And let’s be frank, not everyone will want to pay so much for a plate of chicken rice, especially when you can get really good chicken rice at S$3-5 from the other famous chicken rice stalls in Singapore.

If you are willing to pay S$27 for pasta or risotto from an Italian restaurant, why not the same amount for a plate of chicken rice?

Chatterbox is where you can get a taste of Singapore’s local food, elevated with premium ingredients and precise cooking techniques. It’s certainly the ideal place to bring your overseas friends to have a taste of the most popular Singaporean local food in a comfortable setting.

Chatterbox
333 Orchard Road
Level 5, Mandarin Orchard
Singapore 238867

With swanky malls like ION and 313 Somerset, who even goes to the older drabby ones such as Far East Plaza? Unless you’re thinking of getting a piercing or tattoo, you’d probably not set foot in there.

Well, then you’re missing out. As shabby as Far East Plaza looks in comparison to its glammed-up neighbours, this shopping centre is an absolute gem for affordable eats in the town area.

Whether you’re in the mood for a spicy Thai dinner or hearty zi-char feast, you can always fall back on this mall. We’ve put together a list of budget-friendly eateries at Far East Plaza for budget days.

CAHAYA MUSLIM RESTAURANT

Cahaya Muslim Restaurant is an eatery on the level 5 of Far East Plaza which offers an impressive range of halal Chinese cuisine, with the likes of claypot rice, wanton noodles and even zi-char-style dishes.

Go for their Cereal Prawns (S$15/S$21) if you’re craving something fried and buttery and pair it with their Seafood Fried Rice with Chicken Topping (S$7.50) for a hearty meal.

14 Scotts Rd, Far East Plaza, #05-91/92
Singapore 228213
Tel: +65 6734 8434
Daily: 11.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/jyynius.eats/

CROSS STRAITS RESTAURANT

If you’re bent on getting a fix of comforting fish soup in Orchard, you’d better head down to Cross Straits Restaurants early. This popular, modest eatery does a pretty solid bowl of Sliced Fish Soup (S$5.80), which draws in sizable crowds during lunchtime.

They also do a mean Fried Tofu with Thai Chili Sauce (S$4.80). Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these golden cubes shockingly good.

14 Scotts Rd, Far East Plaza, #05-91/92
Singapore 228213
Tel: +65 6735 2779
Daily: 10am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

GREENVIEW CAFE

Ban mian stalls are a dime a dozen, but those that make their own noodles are rare gems — Greenview Cafe is one of them. This hidden eatery does some of the best handmade mee hoon kueh we’ve ever tried.

Their Dry Mee Hoon Kueh (S$4.80) is a must-try. The irregularly-shaped kueh is excellently bouncy with a nice resistant bite. Tossed in a savoury, mildly spicy sauce, the doughy morsels are insanely addictive.

14 Scotts Rd, Far East Plaza, #04-96
Singapore 228213
Tel: +65 6734 2312
Mon to Sat: 10am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

HAINANESE DELICACY

Mention “Far East Plaza chicken rice” to any foodie and they’ll immediately know what you’re talking about. Hailed as one of the best places for chicken rice in Singapore, Hainanese Delicacy has been tossing out impeccable plates of chicken rice for decades.

Whether you get their roasted or steamed chicken, expect only the most tender and silken meat. Heck, even the breast meat tastes almost as soft as fish. Their Half Chicken (S$20) is good for sharing among three to four pax.

14 Scotts Rd, Far East Plaza, #05-116
Singapore 228213
Tel: +65 6734 0639
Tues to Sun: 10.15am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/eatwhatah/

HONG HU EXPRESS

Hong Hu Express is a great option for those weekend nights when you’re out with friends looking for dinner but all the budget-friendly spots seem to have a full house. Modestly dressed with plain tables and empty walls, this place’s interior certainly doesn’t match up to the quality of their food.

Their comforting Chinese fare ranges from You Mian (S$3.50) in robust broth to a tom yum rendition, which really packs a punch. Add on some Pan-fried Dumplings (S$6) for an appetiser you won’t regret.

14 Scotts Rd, Far East Plaza, #05-98
Singapore 228213
Tel: +65 6732 5089
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/foodlovesme0315/

KRAPOW THAI STREET FOOD

Kra Pow Thai Street Food sits on the third level of Far East Plaza as a hotspot for dedicated Thai food lovers. This places dishes out solid Thai rice and noodle dishes, as well as a plethora of delicious sides at reasonable prices.

One of their more well-known dishes is the Drunkard Noodles (S$7.80) which features dry kway teow coated in a piquant mix of ingredients such as soy sauce, fish sauce, holy basil and garlic.

14 Scotts Rd, Far East Plaza, #03-26/27
Singapore 228217
Tel: +65 6734 1946
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: https://facebook.com/kitchenmaddies/

MADDIE’S KITCHEN

Yes, you’ve had Hainanese pork chop curry rice, but have you seen pork chops as huge as the ones from Maddie’s Kitchen? This humble-looking eatery in Far East Plaza serves up not-so-humble dishes, from zi-char-style fare to curry rice.

Apart from their fantastic Hainanese Curry Pork Chop Rice (S$4.80), they also do an outstanding Oyster Omelette (S$10.80/small, S$15.80/medium, S$20.80). Be sure to get there early because the wait can stretch beyond 45 minutes during peak periods.

14 Scotts Rd, Far East Plaza, #02-10/11/12/13
Singapore 228213
Tel: +65 6365 0501
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

NEW STATION SNACK BAR

Fans of Salted Egg dishes have probably heard or been to New Station Snack Bar. This name has become inextricably tied to their famed Salted Egg Pork Ribs Rice (S$6.50), which commands snaking queues during meal times.

While their star dish is undeniably good, their renditions of claypot rice will steal the spotlight. Dangerously smoky, their Claypot Rice — Chicken (S$6) has an excellently charred aroma and is downright delicious.

14 Scotts Rd, Far East Plaza, #05-95
Singapore 228213
Tel: +65 6734 2862
Sun to Fri: 11.30am – 9pm
Sat: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

PUNCAK HALAL RESTAURANT

One of the most popular Halal eateries in Orchard Road, Puncak Halal Restaurant certainly makes its presence known with its bustling lunch crowds. Hungry diners flock here for their popular — wait for it — Honeydew Roasted Chicken Noodles.

As bewildering as it sounds and looks, this traditional dish surprisingly works. But for the less adventurous, they offer a steady range of noodles and rice dishes. Their crispy wantons make for a great appetiser too.

14 Scotts Rd, Far East Plaza, #05-94
Singapore 228213
Tel: +65 6738 4348
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

WOK WEI KITCHEN

For a comfortable, unpretentious zi char meal that won’t burn your wallet in town, hit up Wok Wei Kitchen. Their homely fare is well-executed, ranging from fantastic Imperial Pork Ribs to mouthwatering Sambal Kang Kong.

Get spoilt by their S$18 Zi Char Set which comes with three decently-portioned dishes and rice, great for sharing between two or three people!

14 Scotts Rd, Far East Plaza, #05-100/101
Singapore 228213
Tel: +65 6909 7854
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Yishun – the place where most Singaporeans poke fun at for their mysterious yet somewhat hilarious happenings. However, what some don’t know is that it’s a pretty poppin’ place filled with all sorts of hidden foodie gems! Just think cheap laksa, army stew and crispy har cheong gai!

Here’s a list of all the nosh we think are worth making a trip down to Yishun for – regardless of what crazy things you may find when you’re there!

928 YISHUN LAKSA

A favourite of Singaporeans, regardless of whether they are Yishun residents, is 928 Yishun Laksa. Despite not having an actual name, many flock to this stall for their S$2.80 laksa bowls.

Silky noodles in a fragrant broth are topped off with beansprouts, egg, taupok and fishcakes. Their “hum” is optional, so let them know whether you’d like some in your laksa!

928 Yishun Central 1#01-155
Singapore 760928
Tel: +65 9731 9586
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 7pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Yishun

925 YISHUN HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

A plate of this chicken rice will have you coming back to Yishun just for their tender and succulent slices of chicken. Drenched in a savoury soy sauce and sesame oil dressing, this is one of the better chicken rice stalls in Singapore.

A plate of their S$6 chicken will be enough to share with a friend. You can order some rice and soup to go along with it! If you haven’t tried this hidden gem, time to put it on your to-eat lists!

Blk 1 #01-249
925 Yishun Central
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Yishun

AH LOCK HAKKA TOFU BOWL

If you’re looking to have something on the healthier side, Ah Lock’s Hakka Tofu Bowl (S$5.50) will be a great option if you’re in the Yishun area. Located in Yishun Park Hawker Centre, this bowl comes with a generous helping of veggies, tofu meatballs and tofu chunks. It’s also topped with an addictive creamy mayo sauce.

51 Yishun Avenue 11
Yishun Park Hawker Centre #01-08
Singapore 760355
Mon, Wed to Fri: 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 9pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Yishun

AH TAN WINGS

This stall needs no introduction. Ah Tan Wings, also located in Yishun Park Hawker Centre, serves up plates of crispy yet juicy Shrimp Paste Wings (S$5.20). A plate of this comes with rice, cucumber slices, a perfectly-fried egg and 3 golden brown Har Cheong Gai. To some, it’s truly the best Har Cheong Gai in Singapore, and we now know why they’ve said that.

The chicken is fried to perfection, yet it’s not greasy. It has a superb prawn paste flavour that goes very well with the rice and egg.

51 Yishun Avenue 11
Yishun Park Hawker Centre #01-40
Singapore 768867
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Yishun

CHONG PANG NASI LEMAK

Being a little out of the way has not stopped crowds from flocking to Chong Pang Nasi Lemak. Their affordable yet extremely delicious side dishes have rightfully earned their claim to fame – especially for those fancying a late-night supper!

Our favourites have to be their fried hashbrowns, sambal sotong and their fried chicken wings!

447 Sembawang Road
Singapore 758404
Tel: +65 9655 1868
Daily: 5pm – 7am
Nearest Station: Yishun

FAT PAPA’S

The halal-version of the hit burger joint Fat Boys can be found in Yishun! Fat Papa’s still offers up their signature burgers such as The Elvis and their Bleu Peppercorn burgers but include delicious mains such as the Chicken Mac & Cheese and Salted Egg Crab Pasta!

This one’s for our Muslim friends who love a great juicy burger and some indulgent Western food!

Northpoint Mall #01-150
922 Yishun Avenue 2
Singapore 769095
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Yishun

HENG HUA RESTAURANT

Nestled amongst HDB flats in Yishun, Heng Hua Restaurant is a hidden gem which serves authentic Heng Hwa delights and a wide variety of zhi char dishes at pocket-friendly prices. You can expect to find mouth-watering Chinese food that is perfect for your family.

The one dish that you must order is the Heng Hua-Style Fried Bee Hoon (S$4.50). Not only did the vermicelli had hints of the seafood flavour from the clams, but the crunchy peanuts and seaweed also made the dish even more addictive.

748 Yishun Street 72
#01-212 Singapore 760748
Tel: +65 6756 1762
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest station: Yishun

HOLY COW CREAMERY

Known for their crispy waffles and ultra-delicious ice cream, Holy Cow Creamery is a great place to beat the sizzling Singapore heat. They make all their ice cream and cones in-house, having a great selection of flavours such as Mao Shan Wang Durian, Matcha-Mochi and Root Beer Float!

292 Yishun Street 22, #01-291
Singapore 760292
Tue to Thu, Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 11pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Yishun

LIT LIT XIN POPIAH & ICE KACHANG

Tucked away near Yishun MRT is Lit Lit Xin Popiah. For just S$1.50, you get a roll of delectable popiah! The skin of the popiah is paper-thin yet held the delicious fillings inside without any seeping of sauce. A kick from the chilli was also a welcome sensation!

We also enjoyed a bowl of Ice Kachang, sold at the same store, for S$1.70! It’s truly hard to find such affordable gems in Singapore nowadays.

Nice Snack Corner
928 Yishun Central 1, #01-155
Singapore 760928
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 7pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Yishun

PIZZA MARU

Famous for their plethora of fusion-style pizzas, pasta, bibimbap towers and wildly-popular Korean fried chicken, you’ll be treated to a different kind of Korean meal! Their pizza dough formula boasts a soft, bread-like texture comprising green tea and chlorella, along with 12 healthier grains which include rye, black rice, barley and oats – perfect for those looking for a guilt-free way to enjoy pizza!

Our favourites have got to be the Mango Ocean Pizza (regular S$19.80, large S$23.80), the Real BBQ Chicago Pizza (S$26.80) and their Supa Hot Dakganjeong fried chicken (S$16.80 for 6 pieces, S$29.80 for 12 pieces)!

930 Yishun Avenue 2
1 Northpoint Drive #B1-192/193,
Northpoint City (South Wing)
Singapore 769098
Tel: +65 6254 4307
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Yishun

SUPARAKKI RAMEN

Our latest food-find is Suparakki Ramen located in Northpoint City, serving ramen under S$10. Meaning “super lucky” in Japanese, you’ll find you and your tastebuds feeling exactly that when you taste their ramen.

Try their S$6.90 Dry Truffle Ramen for a strong kick of truffle with tender pulled pork! It’s super fragrant yet still doesn’t break the bank.

Suparakki Ramen
1 North Point Drive
Northpoint City, #B2-152
Singapore 768019
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Yishun

QUENCH! BISTRO & BAR

Thirsty tipplers can head down to the eccentric Quench! Bistro & Bar for a drink after a long day at work. Their extensive range of beers ranging from craft beers to your favourite draughts, you will be in for a good night of fun. They also serve up some finger food to go with your pints!

81 Lorong Chencharu
#01-10 ORTO
Singapore 769198
Tel: +65 6257 3657
Mon, Fri: 11am – 3am
Tue to Thu: 11am – 2pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 3am
Nearest Station: Khatib