The Hainan Story @ Jewel Changi Airport - Familiar Hainanese Favourites & Larger-Than-Life Creations

The Hainan Story at Jewel Changi Airport brings together familiar Hainanese flavours, nostalgic comfort food and some rather playful creations under one roof. From classic Hainanese chicken rice and curry to old-school Western favourites, there’s plenty to choose from whether you’re craving something comforting or simply looking for a hearty meal before or after a flight. We revisited some of our favourites and also tried a few newer additions to the menu.

Signature Fried Kway Teow 3/5

The Signature Fried Kway Teow ($11.90) comes with two large prawns and has a slightly sweet-savoury flavour. Unfortunately, it was a little bland for our liking and lacked the smoky wok-hei we usually look for in a good plate of fried kway teow. Not our favourite of the meal, especially with so many other stronger dishes on the menu.

Newspaper Curry Chicken Drumstick Rice 4.5/5

The Newspaper Curry Chicken Drumstick Rice ($10.80) never fails! We love the rich and lemak curry generously drenched over the rice. Creamy, comforting and full of flavour, this is the kind of curry where we could easily mop the plate clean. Definitely one of those dishes we would happily order again.

Gourmet Hainanese Thick Bee Hoon Laksa 3.8/5

The ‘lemak-ness’ continued with the Gourmet Hainanese Thick Bee Hoon Laksa ($15.80). It comes with char siew, which is rather unusual for laksa, but surprisingly, it works, and the char siew was good! That said, we felt the laksa itself was missing a little something, perhaps that deeper, more pronounced shrimp flavour that would have given the broth an extra boost.

Hainan Steamed Chicken Mix Roasted Chicken 4/5

When it comes to Hainanese cuisine, you can’t leave out Hainanese chicken rice. We tried the Hainan Steamed Chicken Mix Roasted Chicken Platter ($20 Half) by Wee Nam Kee, one of my favourite chicken rice brands in Singapore. A household name since 1987, Wee Nam Kee is known for its authentic Hainanese chicken rice, and it’s easy to see why. The chicken was tender and paired especially well with the bold house-made sauces.

Signature Hainanese Curry Fish Head 5/5

It wasn’t our first time having the Signature Hainanese Curry Fish Head ($28), and it definitely won’t be our last. The gravy is almost a cross between a rich curry and tangy assam broth. It is flavourful yet light enough to drink on its own, although we think it tastes even better drenched generously over rice! There’s also a good variety of vegetables, including long beans, eggplant, and tofu puffs, along with the tender, meaty fish. This remains one of our absolute favourites here.

Chapter 2 1980’s Hainanese Chicken Cutlet with Pork Cheesy Sausage 4/5

If you’re in the mood for something more Western, go for the Chapter 2 1980’s Hainanese Chicken Cutlet with Pork Cheesy Sausage ($19.80). The portion is generous, complete with an impressive 8-inch sausage. More importantly, the chicken cutlet was nicely breaded and crisp without feeling overly greasy.

The Monster Kongzilla 3.8/5

Now, this is one dish guaranteed to get some attention. New on the menu, The Monster Kongzilla ($18.80) is exactly as dramatic as its name suggests. Designed for sharing, ideally amongst four people alongside other dishes. It features a monster-sized grilled baguette loaded with a whopping 40cm XXXL cheesy chicken sausage. Layered with lettuce, tomato and cucumber, then finished with nacho cheese and ketchup, with coleslaw and tempura sweet potato fries served on the side. Order this, and we can almost guarantee a few eyeballs will be heading towards your table!

Fossa Chocolate

Here’s something for nostalgic Singaporeans. An exclusive Fossa Chocolate x Mr Kiasu collaboration, the Min Jiang Kueh and Kopi Gao Chocolate Bars ($13.08 each) are available exclusively at Chapter Two, Jewel Changi Airport. We especially love the packaging, which instantly brings back memories of the iconic Mr Kiasu character. These would make a fun little souvenir too, especially if you’re looking for something with a distinctly local touch.

The Hainan Story is one of those places where there really is something for everyone. With its mix of traditional Hainanese favourites, old-school Western dishes and newer creations, The Hainan Story at Jewel works particularly well for groups and families where everyone may be craving something different.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Hainan Story
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard
#B2-201/202
Singapore 819666
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Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice @ Jewel Changi Airport - Opens First-ever Flagship Outlet At The Airport

One of Singapore’s most iconic Hainanese chicken rice names has finally made its way to the airport. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice has opened its first-ever flagship outlet at Jewel Changi Airport, giving both tourists and locals a chance to savour one of Singapore’s most recognisable hawker dishes before leaving the country, or upon returning home from an overseas trip.

Best known for its long-standing stall at Maxwell Food Centre, Tian Tian has become synonymous with fragrant chicken rice, tender poached chicken and its signature chilli sauce. The new Jewel outlet continues to serve its familiar favourites while introducing a Jewel Signature Exclusive menu created specially for the new flagship.

Steamed Chicken 4.2/5

We started with the Steamed Chicken ($24 Half/ $46 Whole). The chicken was tender and succulent, with smooth meat and a delightful layer of gelatinous skin that added richness and texture to every bite. Of course, the chicken is only one half of what makes a plate of Hainanese chicken rice satisfying. The fragrant chicken rice had a pleasant savoury aroma and fluffy texture, pairing naturally with the steamed chicken. No plate of Tian Tian’s chicken rice would be complete without its accompanying sauces. The chilli packs a tangy, spicy kick that cuts through the chicken’s richness, while the dark sauce adds a touch of sweetness and savouriness. Together, they bring everything together nicely.

Tian Tian Heritage Platter 3/5

For something to share, the Tian Tian Heritage Platter ($25.80) offers a generous assortment of hawker favourites on one plate. The platter comes with Thai-style Fried Tofu, Ngoh Hiang, Tiger Prawn Beancurd Roll, Fried Salad Prawns, and Hainanese Pork Chop, making it suitable for about 2 to 3 people.

The Ngoh Hiang and Tiger Prawn Beancurd Roll offer a satisfying combination of savoury fillings and crisp textures. Meanwhile, the fried salad prawns add a different element with their crunchy coating and creamy dressing. The Hainanese Pork Chop brings another familiar old-school flavour to the platter, while the Thai-style fried tofu rounds things off with a crispy exterior and soft interior. There wasn’t really a standout dish among the selection. Still, the platter works well as a sharing option, especially if you want to sample a variety of familiar hawker-style favourites alongside the chicken rice.

One of the more unexpected dishes for us was the Mdm Foo’s Steamed Chicken Curry ($13.80). Made from the founder’s homemade curry recipe, the dish features Tian Tian’s signature steamed chicken served with a generous ladle of curry. Diners can pair it with Chicken Rice, White Rice, Yellow Noodle, Thick Vermicelli, or Baguette.

Mdm Foo’s Steamed Chicken Curry 4.2/5

The curry is creamy and lemak, with a fragrant blend of spices coming through without being overly spicy. Instead, it leans towards a rich, aromatic profile that complements the tender steamed chicken surprisingly well. This was probably the biggest surprise of the meal. Tian Tian may be best known for its chicken rice, but Mdm Foo’s curry certainly deserves some attention. The creamy curry and tender chicken come together into a comforting combination that is more satisfying than we initially expected.

With the opening of its first-ever flagship at Jewel Changi Airport, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice brings a familiar taste of Singapore’s hawker culture to one of the country’s busiest destinations. Whether you’re a tourist looking for an iconic Singaporean meal before your flight, or a local returning from overseas and craving a familiar plate of chicken rice, the new Jewel outlet makes it considerably more convenient to get your Tian Tian fix.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard
#B2-243/244
Singapore 819666
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Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Milli Sky Dining & Bar @ National Gallery - Unveils Tingkat Afternoon Tea and National Day Specials

Perched high above the city, Milli Sky Dining & Bar will be launching an Afternoon Tea experience from 10 August 2026, alongside a pair of National Day specials that weave in familiar local flavours. Staying true to its sky-high setting, the new Tingkat Teatime takes on a nostalgic yet elevated approach, presenting a four-tier selection inspired by Singapore’s culinary heritage.

Tingkat Teatime 4/5

Served in a traditional four-tier tingkat carrier, the Teatime Set ($68 per pax) offers a thoughtful progression of savoury and sweet bites. The first tier sets the tone with a duo of Popiah Tartlet and Otak Toast. The popiah tartlet cleverly reimagines the classic fresh spring roll into a crisp, bite-sized shell filled with familiar flavours. At the same time, the otak toast delivers a punch of spice and aromatics atop a crisp base, making it a comforting yet playful start.

Moving on to the second tier, the White Pepper Crab Spring Roll stands out with its light, crispy exterior encasing a filling that carries the signature warmth of white pepper. The seasoning is well-balanced, allowing the crab’s natural sweetness to shine while adding just enough heat to keep things interesting.

The third tier features a local staple — Chicken Rice with Roasted Chicken. During our visit, it was served as a chicken rice ball, offering a compact and convenient take on the beloved dish. The rice was fragrant and well-seasoned, while the roasted chicken retained a tender bite with a lightly crisped skin. While the presentation may vary, the essence of the dish remains rooted in its comforting familiarity.

Rounding off the experience is the fourth tier, an Assortment of Traditional Kuehs. Expect a medley of textures and flavours, from soft and chewy to lightly sweet, providing a nostalgic finish that ties back to Singapore’s rich heritage of local desserts.

Ayam Penyet Buah Keluak

In celebration of National Day, Milli presents the Ayam Penyet Buah Keluak ($22), a hearty dish that brings together Malay and Peranakan influences. The whole fried chicken leg is crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy within. What elevates the dish is the buah keluak element, lending a deep, earthy richness that complements the aromatic spices. Served with fragrant steamed white rice, achar, and sambal, it is a well-rounded plate that satisfies both in flavour and portion size. The sambal adds a spicy kick, while the achar provides a refreshing contrast, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

Completing the National Day offerings is the Red and White Milli ($26), a visually striking cocktail inspired by the colours of the Singapore flag. Built on a Gin & Tonic base, it incorporates local flavours through a pandan-coconut foam, adding a fragrant and slightly creamy dimension to the drink. Finished with an orchid garnish, the cocktail is light, refreshing, and fittingly celebratory.

Milli Sky Dining & Bar’s new offerings blend nostalgia and creativity, presenting familiar local flavours in a refreshed format. The Tingkat Teatime is particularly appealing to those seeking a unique afternoon experience with a local twist, while the National Day specials add a timely, festive touch. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a leisurely teatime above the city or celebrate Singapore’s culinary heritage with a modern spin, Milli offers a compelling reason to visit this August.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Milli Sky Dining & Bar
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew’s Road
#05-02
Singapore 178957
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Tue: 11am - 1am
Wed-Fri: 11am - 3am
Sat: 11am - 4am

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to Coleman Street. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tiong Bahru Hainanese Chicken Rice @ Takashimaya - Opens First Full-Service Restaurant

After close to four decades of feeding loyal crowds at its famed Tiong Bahru Market stall, Tiong Bahru Hainanese Chicken Rice takes a significant step forward with its first full-service restaurant at Takashimaya Shopping Centre. A proud recipient of the Michelin Bib Gourmand for nine consecutive years, the heritage brand now brings its time-honoured flavours into a more refined, comfortable dine-in setting along Orchard Road. The 76-seater space not only offers a more elevated experience but also introduces exclusive dishes and customisation options that give a fresh perspective to this beloved local staple.

Hainanese Chicken 4/5

At the heart of the menu are the signature plates that built its reputation. The Hainanese Chicken Rice ($14) showcases poached chicken with smooth, gelatinous skin and tender flesh, delicately seasoned to highlight its natural flavours. Equally satisfying is the Roasted Chicken Rice ($14), boasting a beautifully bronzed, crisp skin that gives way to juicy meat beneath.

For those who cannot decide, the Classic Hainanese Combo Chicken Rice ($16) offers the best of both worlds, pairing poached and roasted chicken on one plate. Portions are also available for sharing, from quarter to whole birds, making it ideal for communal dining.

Roasted Chicken 4/5

A standout feature at this outlet is the ability to customise your rice. Diners can choose from three varieties — the Signature Fragrant Chicken Rice ($2), rich with chicken stock and deeply savoury; the lighter Fragrant Basmati Rice ($2.50), offering a fluffier, lower-GI alternative; or the premium Niigata Koshihikari Rice ($3), prized for its soft, slightly sticky texture and gentle sweetness. This thoughtful addition elevates the experience, allowing diners to tailor their meal to personal preference.

Hainan Curry Fish Pot 4/5

Moving beyond chicken rice, the expanded menu introduces hearty sharing dishes such as the Hainan Curry Fish Pot ($38/$42). Served bubbling in a thick, creamy curry, the dish delivers bold, comforting flavours with a gentle spice. The fish remains moist and tender, soaking up the aromatic gravy, while long beans, brinjal and fried beancurd skin add both texture and substance to the dish.

Hainanese Crispy Pork 3.8/5

The Hainanese Crispy Pork ($14) is another highlight, featuring golden crackling that shatters with each bite, revealing juicy, well-marinated pork belly within. It is indulgent, richly flavoured, and highly addictive.

Twin Style Kailan 3.5/5

Balancing the meal is the Twin-Style Kailan ($15), which cleverly contrasts textures by pairing crunchy leaves with tender stems. The addition of savoury pork floss lends a surprising umami lift that ties the dish together.

Homemade Ngoh Hiang with Tiger Prawn 4/5

Completing the spread is the Homemade Ngoh Hiang with Tiger Prawns ($10/$18). Wrapped in crisp beancurd skin, the filling of minced pork, tiger prawns and water chestnuts is well-seasoned with aromatic five-spice powder, delivering a satisfying bite with layers of flavour and texture.

Coconut Chendol Bliss 4/5

Ending on a refreshing note, the Coconut Chendol Bliss ($8) brings together familiar local flavours in a more indulgent format. Silky pandan jelly and soft red beans sit beneath scoops of creamy coconut ice cream, all drizzled with fragrant gula melaka. It is a cooling, satisfying dessert that rounds off the meal beautifully.

With its opening of a full-service restaurant setting, Tiong Bahru Hainanese Chicken Rice successfully bridges heritage and modern dining. While its signature chicken rice remains the main draw, the introduction of premium rice options and an expanded menu of comforting dishes adds depth to the experience. Whether you are a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, this new Takashimaya outpost offers a polished yet familiar taste of one of Singapore’s most iconic dishes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tiong Bahru Hainanese Chicken Rice
Takashimaya
391 Orchard Road
#B2-36A
Singapore 238873
Tel: +65 69004320
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 1030am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight toward Ngee Ann City until you reach the destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Milli Sky Dining & Bar @ National Gallery Singapore - Singapore’s All-Star Rooftop Dining & Nightlife Entertainment Destination

Perched atop the iconic National Gallery Singapore, Milli Sky Dining & Bar arrives as one of the year’s most anticipated openings, redefining the city’s dining and nightlife landscape with a bold, multi-sensory concept. Helmed by an all-star collective — LG Han, Vijay Mudaliar, and the team behind Bae’s Cocktail Club led by Sheen Jet Leong and Dharma Wang — Milli is conceived as a seamless journey that flows from refined daytime dining to high-energy nightlife, all set against panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline.

Milli unfolds across two distinct spaces. Upstairs, Milli: Sky Dining & Bar offers an intimate and polished setting where the focus is on thoughtful cuisine and progressive cocktails. Downstairs, Milli: Lounge channels a completely different energy — a vibrant, music-driven enclave inspired by the DNA of Bae’s, spinning everything from disco and funk to hip hop and R&B, bridging nostalgia with contemporary beats until the early hours.

Chef Han's Kacang Putih 4/5

Chef Han’s Kacang Putih ($10) is a nostalgic opener elevated with finesse — rempah-spiced macadamias, crunchy muruku and candied pistachios come together in a fragrant medley that reflects the harmony of Malay, Indian and Chinese influences. Each component is carefully seasoned in-house, resulting in a snack that is both familiar and refined.

Popiah Tarts 4/5

Equally inventive are the Popiah Tarts ($18). Built on delicate tart shells fashioned from popiah skin, each bite delivers a complex interplay of textures — from the sweetness of braised jicama to the umami richness of gambero rosso prawn and lap cheong, punctuated by dashi jelly and bursts of finger lime. It’s a one-bite experience that captures the essence of popiah in a completely new form.

Cereal Corn Ribs 4.2/5

The Cereal Corn Ribs ($24) offer a playful nod to zi char culture, swapping prawns for sweet corn ribs, fried to a crisp and coated in an aromatic cereal mix. Paired with a nostalgic sweet curry dip, it cleverly evokes familiar flavours while presenting them in a lighter, vegetarian-friendly format.

Chef Han’s Signature Chilli Crab Ice Cream 3.8/5

Pushing boundaries further is the Signature Chilli Crab Ice Cream ($32), an unexpected yet surprisingly harmonious combination of Japanese zuwaigani crab, tomato, and strawberry elements. Each spoonful balances savoury, sweet and tangy notes, challenging perceptions of what a dessert can be.

Alaskan King Crab Leg 4.2/5

The Alaskan King Crab Leg ($108) is simplicity at its finest — charcoal-grilled and brushed with brown butter, letting the crab’s natural sweetness shine. The accompanying white pepper and salted egg sauces offer diners a choice between elegance and indulgence.

MIL-LY Smashed Burger 4.2/5

The MIL-LY Smashed Burger ($28) pays homage to Singapore’s beloved Ramly burger, upgraded with juicy Wagyu patties, caramelised onions, and a rich house-made sauce. Messy, satisfying and indulgent, it captures the spirit of late-night supper culture with a premium twist.

Grilled British Cod’s Head 4/5

One of the more intriguing dishes is the Grilled British Cod’s Head ($36), a bold reinterpretation of assam fish head curry. The use of beurre blanc introduces a French touch, while pickled vegetables and crispy prata anchor the dish in local familiarity.

Chicken Rice Paella 3/5

Meanwhile, the Chicken Rice Paella ($24) bridges two comfort food icons. Cooked with pandan-infused stock and finished with a coveted crispy base, the glutinous rice is paired with roasted chicken and classic condiments, creating a dish that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

Peranakan Spritz 

Under the direction of Vijay Mudaliar, the cocktail programme is just as thoughtful, weaving local narratives into each glass.

The Peranakan Spritz ($26) is light and aromatic, combining Hendrick’s Gin and St-Germain with clarified calamansi, coconut and ginger flower. The addition of kueh salat as a garnish ties the drink back to its cultural inspiration.

Whisky Green Tea 

The Whisky Green Tea ($26) revisits a familiar nightlife staple, elevating it with sencha distillate, yuzu and a delicate matcha foam for a more refined expression.

The Milli 

The Milli ($28) is a playful revival of the forgotten Million Dollar cocktail, originally created in Singapore by the same bartender behind the iconic Singapore Sling. This modern rendition swaps in a house-made mandarin grenadine, lifted with bright notes of yuzu and pineapple, before being rounded off with fino sherry and dry vermouth. The result is a beautifully balanced cocktail that leans dry yet aromatic, offering a refined, contemporary take on a historic classic.

The Singapore Breakfast 

For something playful, The Singapore Breakfast ($26) transforms the idea of kaya toast into a slushie-style cocktail, blending Martell Noblige with kaya, coffee liqueur and gula melaka — comforting yet refreshingly modern.

Bandung Kakigori 4/5

Ending on a high note is the Bandung Kakigori ($28), a collaborative dessert that encapsulates nostalgia and creativity. Layers of pickled fruits, nata de coco, ispahan sorbet and sake kasu come together beneath a cloud of shaved ice, finished with meringue and rose liqueur. Each spoonful evolves in flavour, making it as dynamic as it is refreshing.

Milli Sky Dining & Bar is more than just a restaurant — it is a multi-dimensional experience that captures the spirit of modern Singapore. By weaving together heritage flavours, contemporary techniques and an immersive nightlife concept, the team has created a destination that feels both ambitious and deeply rooted in local identity. Whether you’re here for a sunset dinner, inventive cocktails, or a late-night dance session, Milli offers a compelling new way to dine, drink and celebrate in the city.

Note: This is an invited tasting.



Milli Sky Dining & Bar
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew's Road
#05-02
Singapore 178957
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Tue: 11am - 1am
Wed-Fri: 11am - 3am
Sat: 11am - 4am

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to Coleman Street. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]