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]

Sing Hi Fry (辛海五炒) @ Hougang Ave 5 - Comforting Stir-Fried Classics Without Breaking the Bank

I made my way back to my childhood neighbourhood along Hougang Avenue 5 to revisit familiar surroundings and check out a wallet-friendly hawker stall, Sing Hi Fry (辛海五炒). Located inside Yen Fei Lai Eating House at Block 322, the stall serves up a range of stir-fried noodles and fried rice dishes, with prices starting from just $4. It’s a no-frills setup, but one that clearly resonates with residents in the area.

Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle 4/5

I started with the Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle ($5). The noodles were generously coated in a rich, prawn-based broth that carried a deep, natural sweetness, making each bite thoroughly satisfying. The balance of flavours was on point, with the stock soaking into the noodles for that signature comforting slurp. The homemade sambal deserves a special mention; it is spicy with a slight tang, cutting through the richness and lifting the entire dish.

Ipoh Fried Kway Teow 4/5

Next was the Ipoh Fried Kway Teow ($5). This rendition leans towards the savoury side, delivering a good hit of wok hei that adds a smoky depth to the dish. The kway teow was evenly fried, not overly oily, and had a well-rounded seasoning that kept you going from bite to bite. It may not be flashy, but it delivers exactly what you expect from a dependable plate of fried kway teow.

Oyster Omelette 3.8/5

The Oyster Omelette ($5) features crisp edges surrounding a soft, fluffy egg base. The oysters were plump and juicy, adding bursts of briny flavour throughout. This version skips the gooey, starchy texture that some may prefer, focusing instead on a crispier finish. While it’s not my personal preference, those who enjoy a firmer, more textured orh luak will appreciate this style.

XO Sauce Fried Rice with Fried Seabass 4/5

To complete the meal, I had the XO Sauce Fried Rice with Fried Seabass ($9). The fried rice was fragrant and well-executed, with distinct, fluffy grains of Japanese rice that provided a pleasant bite. The XO sauce added a subtle sweetness with a gentle spicy note, enhancing the overall flavour without being overwhelming. The crispy battered seabass on top remained moist inside, offering a nice contrast in texture. It’s a satisfying one-dish option that rounds off the meal nicely.

For a neighbourhood hawker stall, Sing Hi Fry delivers consistent and flavourful dishes at very reasonable prices. It’s straightforward cooking done right, proving that comforting local fare doesn’t need to come at a high cost.


Sing Hi Fry (辛海五炒)
Yen Fei Lai Eating House
Blk 322 Hougang Ave 5
Singapore 530322
Tel: +65 9373 7378
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Nearest MRT: Hougang (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Hougang MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Hougang Central Road. Turn left and walk down Hougang Central. Walk to the traffic junction between Hougang Central and Hougang Ave 5. Cross the road and walk down Hougang Ave 5. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Lan Xiang Ban Mian @ Bukit Merah Central Food Centre - Comforting Handmade Bowl of Noodles

Lan Xiang Ban Mian is a well-loved ban mian stall at Bukit Merah Central Food Centre, known for its handmade noodles, flavourful broth, and generous portions at wallet-friendly hawker prices. Its popularity is evident from the steady lunchtime queues, filled with loyal regulars who keep coming back for its comforting bowls of noodles. I decided to drop by for lunch on a weekend afternoon to see what the hype was about.

Ban Mian Soup 4.5/5

The handmade noodles are the highlight here, boasting a delightful chewy texture with just the right bite. The Ban Mian Soup ($4.50) is addictively viscous, savoury and lightly sweet, clearly enriched by the slow-simmered ikan bilis broth. One standout component is the well-seasoned, tender, juicy marinated minced pork ball, which adds depth and satisfaction to every spoonful.

Mee Hoon Kway Soup 4.5/5

Equally impressive, the Mee Hoon Kway Soup ($4.50) features hand-torn noodles that are silky yet substantial, soaking up the rich broth beautifully. Each bowl delivers the same comforting balance of flavours, making it an excellent alternative for those who prefer broader noodle sheets.

Beyond ban mian and mee hoon kway, Lan Xiang Ban Mian also offers a wide selection of noodle options such as bee hoon, mee sua, yee mian and even Maggie mee. Diners can further customise their bowls with different flavours, including prawn, chicken, sliced fish and tom yum. With its consistency, value and hearty flavours, it’s easy to see why this stall remains a Bukit Merah favourite.


Lan Xiang Ban Mian
Bukit Merah Central Food Centre
163 Bukit Merah Central
#02-06
Singapore 150163
Nearest MRT: Commonwealth (EW Line), Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 7pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 2pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Commonwealth MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to the bus stop at Commonwealth MRT station (Stop ID 11169). Take bus number 147 or 196. Alight 9 stops later. Take the overhead bridge and cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 20 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to the bus stop opposite Vivocity (Stop ID 14119). Take bus number 855. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 18 minutes. [Map]

Teo Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice @ Clementi West Street 2 - New Chicken Rice Stall In The Hood

Tucked away in the same coffeeshop as Earthworm Laksa, Teo Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice is a humble stall serving both poached and roasted chicken. I understand they also operate another outlet at Chinatown Complex Food Centre.

Hainanese Chicken Rice 3/5

I ordered half a poached chicken with a side of chicken liver. The chicken was nicely poached to a tender texture, with that familiar layer of jelly beneath the skin. While the texture was on point, the flavour was somewhat lacking. The meat was bland and didn’t quite deliver the savoury depth that makes a good plate of chicken rice so addictive.

Unfortunately, the rice didn’t fare much better. Though fluffy, it was missing the rich chicken oil aroma and pandan fragrance that are hallmarks of the dish. It felt lacklustre and underwhelming compared to stronger contenders in the chicken rice scene.

The saving grace came from the chilli sauce – fiery, tangy, and full of punch. It gave the bland chicken and rice some much-needed excitement, though on its own, it wasn’t enough to carry the whole meal.

With so many better chicken rice options in Singapore, Teo Kee feels rather average. Unless I am in the area and craving a quick fix, I would not make a special trip for it.


Teo Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice
Blk 721 Clementi West Street 2
#01-100
Singapore 120721
Tel: +65 9187 7097
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
TBA

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 2 stops later. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Nat's Chick @ The Venue Shoppes (Potong Pasir) - The Daughter of Five Star Chicken Rice Founder Relocated Her Stall to Potong Pasir

I have been following Nat’s journey since her early days at Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice in Ang Mo Kio, through to Nat’s Chick Cuisine Better Days Chicken Rice at People’s Park Centre. Now, she has relocated once again, this time settling into a new space at The Venue Shoppes in Potong Pasir. What continues to impress me is her dedication — a true one-woman show, handling everything from cooking to taking orders and serving, all these years.

Consistency has always been central to Natalie’s craft. She stays true to her philosophy of using premium grade A kampong chicken, just as she did from the beginning. The result is a poached chicken that is tender, juicy, and distinctly sweeter than the usual broiler chicken often used elsewhere.

Whole Kampong Chicken 4.2/5

On this visit, we ordered the Whole Kampong Chicken ($44). It was well-prepared, succulent, and full of natural flavour. However, the rice fell slightly short this time, lacking the signature chicken oil fragrance that makes or breaks a good chicken rice. Perhaps with more time to adapt to her new kitchen, she will fine-tune the consistency and restore the standard she is known for. That said, her housemade chilli sauce still delivers a fiery kick that pairs perfectly with the chicken.

Baby Kai Lan 3/5

Onion Omelette 3.5/5

The menu also includes other homely dishes to complete the meal. We tried the Baby Kai Lan ($6) and Onion Omelette ($7), both simple yet satisfying additions that complement the chicken nicely and offer diners more variety.

Nat’s dedication and passion remain unwavering, and while there’s room for refinement in certain aspects, it’s heartening to see her continue to uphold her one-lady legacy of serving quality kampong chicken rice.


Nat's Chick
The Venue Shoppes
2 Tai Thong Cresent
#01-07
Singapore 347836
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Nearest MRT: Potong Pasir (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 9pm (or earlier till sold out)

Direction:
1) Alight at Potong Pasir MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk down Upper Serangoon Road. Turn left onto Tai Thong Cresent. At Tai Thong Cresent, cross the road and walk straigh to destination. [Map]

[CLOSED] Earthworm Laksa @ Clementi West Street 2 - The Old School Taste of Cooking Laksa with Earthworm

Recently, I chanced upon Earthworm Laksa near my neighbourhood and decided to give it a try. For those unfamiliar, this stall was previously located at Sim Lim and Sixth Avenue before relocating to its current home at Clementi West Street 2.

Di Long Herb

Before you raise an eyebrow, the “earthworm” here does not refer to the wriggly creature. Instead, it points to a Chinese herb known as Di Long (地龙), traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat joint inflammation, spasms, and convulsions. According to the stall owner, Zac Choi, this is actually his mother’s recipe. She infused the herb into the laksa broth, not only for its supposed health benefits but also to help preserve the coconut milk gravy, preventing it from curdling or spoiling.

Fresh Cockles Laksa 3.8/5

The Fresh Cockles Laska ($6/ $7) is served in a nostalgic metal bowl, complete with tau pok, fish cake, hard-boiled egg, and cockles. While the broth was smooth, we found it leaning on the sweeter side, lacking the “lemak” richness and the punch of rempah that defines a memorable laksa.

Chicken Shredded Laksa 3.8/5

The Chicken Shredded Laksa ($5/ $6) swaps cockles and egg for shredded chicken. A straightforward alternative for those who prefer poultry, though the broth character remained the same.

Earthworm Laksa delivers a bowl with an interesting backstory, but in terms of taste, it didn’t quite hit the robust, savoury depths we were hoping for. That said, it’s still a decent bowl for those in the Clementi West neighbourhood looking for a comforting laksa fix with a unique twist.


[CLOSED]
Earthworm Laksa
Blk 721 Clementi West Street 2
#01-100
Singapore 120721
Tel: +65 9187 7097
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 7am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 2 stops later. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

San Xiang Bak Chor Mee (叁香肉脞面) @ ABC Brickwoods Food Centre - A Bold Bowl of Vinegar-forward Bak Chor Mee

It has been a while since I last revisited ABC Brickworks Food Centre, and during my recent visit, I was delighted to stumble upon San Xiang Bak Chor Mee, a new addition that has popped up since my previous trip. Naturally, I had to give it a try.

Bak Chor Mee (Meepok) 4.2/5

I went for the classic Bak Chor Mee ($4/$5/$6), choosing mee pok as my noodle base. The bowl was comforting and familiar, served with a hearty mix of minced pork, pork liver, meatball, and fishball. Each ingredient held its own, especially the liver, which was cooked just right, tender and not overdone. The real highlight, though, was the sauce. The punchy sambal base carried a bold, vinegary tang. It tied everything together beautifully, coating the springy noodles for a mouthful of umami and spice with every bite.

Bak Chor Mee (Mee Sua) 4/5

My dining companion opted for the mee sua version. The rice vermicelli was soft and comforting, absorbing the sauce well without becoming mushy. There was a distinct rice aroma that added a touch of depth. While the mee sua made for a gentler, more delicate bowl, the mee pok offered better textural contrast and held up stronger against the assertive flavours of the sambal.

San Xiang Bak Chor Mee is a solid addition to the lineup at ABC Brickworks. The flavours are bold, the ingredients are fresh, and the portions are satisfying. If you’re a fan of a vinegar-forward Bak Chor Mee, this stall is definitely worth a try.


San Xiang Bak Chor Mee
叁香肉脞面
ABC Brickwoods Food Centre
6 Jalan Bukit Merah
#01-132
Singapore 150006
Tel: +65 9698 9907
Nearest MRT: Commonwealth (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thur, Sat-Sun: 730am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Commonwealth MRT station. Take Exit B and C. Walk to bus stop at Commonwealth MRT station (Stop ID 11169). Take bus number 147, 196 or 198. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Mr Grumpy by Fiie's Cafe @ Holland Drive - Famous Crispy Fried Chicken Rice From Lucky Plaza

Mr Grumpy by Fiie's Cafe, located at Holland Drive, is the latest outpost from the team behind the famed Nasi Ayam Goreng at Lucky Plaza. It's hard to miss the stall with its bright yellow signage boldly proclaiming itself as the "No.1 Nasi Ayam Goreng in Town." That cheeky confidence feels like a direct challenge, daring you to try the dish and judge for yourself. The name Mr Grumpy is just as memorable, and for good reason. The owner is known in local food circles as Singapore's 'rudest' nasi ayam goreng seller, a reputation earned from his no-nonsense, straight-talking style at the original Far East outlet. But if there's one thing you can expect, it's that the food does the talking.

Nasi Ayam Goreng 4.5/5

At $6.50, each plate of Nasi Ayam Goreng comes with your choice of thigh or breast meat, deep-fried to a perfect golden brown. The skin is crisp with a generous sprinkle of crunchy batter bits on top, giving every bite a satisfying crackle. Despite being deep-fried, the chicken retains its moisture beautifully. It's tender, juicy, and full of flavour.

The real surprise, though, lies beneath the chicken. The rice, cooked in chicken fat, is fragrant and flavourful, reminiscent of Hainanese chicken rice but with a bolder undertone. It's rich without being greasy and forms a perfect base for the fried chicken. Then there's the sambal, a sweet and spicy concoction that brings the whole dish together. It has just the right amount of heat, laced with a sweetness that doesn't overpower but complements the chicken and rice seamlessly.

Want to elevate your meal? You can add on side items like Sambal Quail, Sambal Hotdog, or Begedil for just $1 each. These small extras round off the meal nicely, adding more variety and indulgence.

Mr Grumpy may be gruff, but he's not messing around when it comes to his food. This plate of Nasi Ayam Goreng hits all the right notes: crispy, juicy chicken, flavourful rice, and a punchy sambal that keeps you coming back for more. The bold signage outside may come off as a gimmick, but once you've tried it, you might agree that this unassuming stall deserves its claim to fame.


My Grumpy by Fiie's Cafe
Blk 43 Holland Drive
#01-75
Singapore 270043
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Nearest MRT: Bouna Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the underpass to the other side of the road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Macpherson Minced Meat Noodles @ Tai Thong Crescent - Stall Opened by Famous Bak Chor Mee Stall's Apprentice

The legendary Macpherson Minced Meat Noodles, helmed by Uncle Yap and renowned for its iconic flavours, has traversed several locations over the years. Today, its legacy lives on at Tai Seng, while his apprentice, Ho Qiu Yong, carries the torch at a stall in Tai Thong Crescent. Fondly reminiscing about my last visit to Uncle Yap's stall in 2020 at Marsiling Mall Food Centre, I was eager to stop by this latest outlet to see how the tradition thrives under his apprentice's stewardship.

Despite the weekend lunchtime rush, the queue was surprisingly manageable. I waited around 10–15 minutes before placing my order. Opting for two dishes, the Bak Chor Mee Dry and the Kway Teow Soup, I was eager to see how the apprentice had carried on Uncle Yap's renowned flavours.

Bak Chor Mee Dry 4.2/5

The Bak Chor Mee Dry came with all the quintessential components: minced pork, pork slices, pig's liver, fish cakes, and braised mushrooms. Tossed in a vinegary, savoury sauce, the noodles were cooked to a perfect bite, providing a delightful slurp with every bite. The braised mushrooms were rich and tender, soaking up the sauce's umami flavours, while the pig's liver was cooked just right — silky with a slight chew. Overall, it's a nostalgic rendition of Bak Chor Mee that satisfies without overwhelming, proving that the apprentice has done justice to Uncle Yap's recipe.

Kway Teow Soup 4.5/5

The standout of my visit, however, was the Kway Teow Soup. I initially ordered it impulsively after seeing another customer's bowl — it looked too tempting to resist — and it turned out to be the meal's highlight. The broth was a revelation, boasting a sweetness with a robust depth of flavour. A piece of pig's trotter was included in the dish, lending a rich, gelatinous texture to the soup that likely contributed to its full-bodied taste. The silky-smooth kway teow paired perfectly with the comforting, flavourful broth, making it an underrated gem on the menu.

The Tai Chong Crescent outlet of Macpherson Minced Meat Noodles offers a worthy continuation of Uncle Yap's iconic legacy. While the Bak Chor Mee Dry hits all the right nostalgic notes, the Kway Teow Soup steals the show with its flavourful, hearty broth. For fans of traditional hawker delights, this is a stall worth queuing for. Whether you're craving a bowl of vinegary noodles or looking to try something different, like the Kway Teow Soup, you'll leave with a satisfied stomach and a taste of authentic craftsmanship.


Macpherson Minced Meat Noodles
Yong Xin Coffee Shop
47 Tai Thong Crescent
Singapore 347867
Tel: +65 9152 4414
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Nearest MRT: Potong Pasir (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Thu-Sun: 630am - 130pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
Alight at Potong Pasir MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Upper Serangoon Road to Tai Thong Crescent. Turn left onto Tai Thong Crescent. Walk down Tai Thong Crescent. Walk to the end of Tai Thong Crescent. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]