Boon Tong Kee is a household name in Singapore since 1979, recognised as a heritage brand for Cantonese-style Chicken Rice. Over the years, it has expanded beyond a humble chicken rice shop into a full-fledged zi char–style Cantonese restaurant, offering a wide selection of comforting dishes alongside its signature chicken rice.
Signature Boiled Chicken 4.5/5
I visited the River Valley branch, and of course, we had to order their Signature Boiled Chicken ($19 for half). The chicken was poached perfectly to tenderness with a beautiful layer of gelatinous skin. These days, most poached chickens are dunked in an ice bath to achieve that silky jelly-like layer. To avoid serving it icy cold, I noticed the kitchen gives the chicken a quick rinse in hot water before serving, so it arrives warm at the table.
The staff then drizzle soy sauce over the chicken, enhancing its savoury depth. The rice was fluffy and fragrant, while the chilli sauce packed a spicy, tangy punch, precisely what you want for a satisfying plate of chicken rice. It’s easy to see why Boon Tong Kee remains one of the most recognised names for chicken rice in Singapore, with the Balestier flagship even earning a spot in the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand.
Fried Bean Sprouts with Salted Fish 4.2/5
Fried French Bean with Spicy XO Sauce 4.2/5
To complement the chicken rice, we ordered a couple of zi char dishes. The Fried Bean Sprouts with Salted Fish ($14) was stir-fried to a lovely crunch, with the salted fish adding a punch of umami depth. The Fried French Bean with Spicy XO Sauce ($18) was equally well executed. The beans remained crunchy and were coated in a savoury, spicy XO sauce that added layers of flavour.
Crispy Beancurd 4.5/5
A perennial favourite at Boon Tong Kee is the Crispy Beancurd ($12). Deep-fried to a perfect golden brown, the tofu is crisp on the outside while luxuriously silky within. It’s served with a wasabi mayonnaise dipping sauce, which adds a pleasant tang and slight heat that beautifully lift the dish.
Fried Threadfin in Superior Sauce 4.2/5
The Fried Threadfin in Superior Sauce (market price) was another highlight. The fish was deep-fried to a crisp skin while the flesh remained moist and tender. The superior sauce was the soul of the dish — rich, aromatic, and enhancing the natural sweetness of the fish.
Crispy Cereal Prawn 4.8/5
A favourite of ours was the Crispy Cereal Prawn ($49.80). The prawns were large and deep-fried to a delightful crispness; even the shell was edible. The meat was sweet, firm, and bouncy, coated in a sweet-savoury cereal mix infused with salted egg and aromatic curry leaves. Each bite was addictive and indulgent, a dish that truly stood out among the spread.
Overall, Boon Tong Kee continues to deliver consistent quality across its classic Cantonese offerings. Whether it’s for their signature chicken rice or a comforting zi char meal with family and friends, the restaurant remains a trusted name in Singapore’s dining scene. It is a true testament to its enduring legacy since 1979.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
Boon Tong Kee
425 River Valley Road
Singapore 248324
Tel: +65 6736 3213
Website
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 915pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to bus stop at The Cosmopolitan (Stop ID 13079). Take bus number 32 and 139. Alight 1 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]
