Traditional Chinese cuisine has been enjoying a surge in popularity in Singapore, and the latest addition to the scene is Mr Hainan (海南先生), now located at VivoCity. While Hainanese Chicken Rice remains a perennial favourite, Mr Hainan goes beyond this iconic dish to showcase a range of lesser-known yet equally cherished Hainanese classics, offering diners a deeper dive into the province’s culinary heritage.
Hainan, a tropical island province in southern China, is renowned for its abundant seafood. Its cuisine celebrates freshness and simplicity, inviting diners to experience the natural taste of the ingredients. At Mr Hainan, these authentic flavours are brought to life, allowing Singaporeans to enjoy a true taste of Hainan on their doorstep.
Pickled Vegetables
To begin, we had some Pickled Vegetables ($3.8) served to the table, a crunchy and refreshing dish to nibble on throughout the meal. If you’re game for it, you can try the Assam Juice ($5.8) which is super tangy, but it was too overpowering and sour for me.
Hainan Wenchang Chicken 4.2/5
I was excited to try the authentic Hainan Wenchang Chicken (Half: $28.80, Whole: $52.80), one of Hainan’s Four Famous Dishes. The chickens are free-range for 120 days to develop firm, lean meat, then caged for another 60 days to intensify their flavour. They are raised on a natural, antibiotic-free diet throughout. True to form, Wenchang Chicken is leaner and firmer, and the preparation method lets the natural flavour of the bird shine. For their condiments, they provide ginger and a nice, tangy chilli dip that differs from the familiar red chilli typically paired with local chicken rice.
Wenchang Chicken Rice
Of course, the dish is not complete without Wenchang Chicken Rice ($1.60), prepared in the authentic Hainan style using old-crop rice, which allows each grain to absorb the rich chicken broth more fully. I find that the rice here is less oily and cleaner tasting, which some diners may prefer. Personally, I lean toward a more aromatic and richer style of chicken rice.
Luffa & Glass Noodle in Chicken Broth 4.2/5
To complement the chicken rice, we also had the Luffa & Glass Noodle in Chicken Broth ($18.80). Served in a large pot, it was a comforting, piping-hot, and slow-simmered for five hours to extract maximum nutrition and flavour. It was light but very tasty, I also enjoyed the soft luffa, clams and silky glass noodles in the dish!
Threadfin with Assam Sauce and Yellow Lantern Chilli Peppers 4.5/5
The dish that impressed me the most was the Threadfin with Assam Sauce and Yellow Lantern Chilli Peppers ($29.9). This dish is an example of Hainan’s prized small sea fish which are known to have a delicate flavour and melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Living up to its reputation, the fish we had was remarkably fresh and tender, totally delicious paired with assam sauce and fragrant yellow lantern chilli peppers for a hint of spice. Another classic option is to have the fish served with black bean sauce, wrapped in lotus leaf. Just be careful of small bones when ordering these Threadfin dishes, as the fish is served whole.
Hainan Jiaji Duck 3.5/5
We also sampled another of Hainan’s Four Famous Dishes, the Hainan Jiaji Duck ($25.8), prepared in an interesting style with pineapples. (For reference, the other two famed dishes are Hele Crab and Dongshan Mutton.) The sauce was flavourful, with the pineapple adding a tropical touch. That said, we found the duck a little too tough for our liking, perhaps a reflection of how local palates differ from traditional preferences, as Hainanese diners appreciate the meat firm and not overly fatty.
Hainan Prosperity Pot 4/5
The Hainan Prosperity Pot ($18.80) is a vibrant mix of meats and vegetables, served in a decorative, almost ceremonial red platter. Traditionally enjoyed as a first course during joyous occasions like weddings, it symbolises harmony, prosperity, and a lasting union. The pot is filled with cabbage, tofu skin, black fungus, glass noodles, julienned carrots, and other colourful ingredients, making it also quite visually cheerful.
Hainan Jade Stir-Fry 3.5/5
The Hainan Jade Stir-Fry ($14.8) is a simple dish of bright green vegetables, but stars a unique ingredient of lotus stems, together with crunchy winged beans. It’s a straightforward dish and a nice overall accompaniment to the meal.
Golden Coconut Pastry 4/5
To conclude, we enjoyed a fried Golden Coconut Pastry ($12.8) , which looks like a crispy pancake but has the lighter, airy texture of bread, with a light coconut filling tucked inside. I enjoyed this and it was not overly sweet.
Mr Hainan takes diners on a journey through the traditional flavours of Hainan, showcasing the island’s rich culinary heritage in a casual, approachable dining setting. In celebration of Mr Hainan’s Grand Opening at VivoCity, all guests can enjoy the following promotions:
10 - 30 September (Mondays-Fridays): 50% OFF Hainan Wenchang Chicken (Half, U.P $28.80)
Now to 30 September (Daily): Unlimited refills of Wenchang Chicken Rice with every purchase
Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.
Mr Hainan (海南先生)
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#02-116
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 8060 7116
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 930pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C & E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]
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