88 Chicken Rice (West Coast Market Square)

Hainanese Chicken Rice by non Hainanese? Why not?

This Hokkien couple runs their Hainanese Chicken Rice stall in West Coast Market and Food Center. The stall only opens from 10.30am and by 12.30pm on most days, they are sold out. Yes it is that good. A long queue forms even before opening, to the extent that other stalls complains about its snaking queue blocking their customers/business.

They offer steamed chicken and roast chicken. Both are equally good although judging by the speed the steamed chicken is sold out, I am guessing that is the customers preference.

I bought half a chicken, 3 gizzards and 3 packets of rice for $14. So by all accounts, it’s not expensive. The rice is fluffy and fragrant, a winner by itself. The chicken is glistening on the exterior, tender and juicy when you bite down. The chilli sauce is leans towards the spicy and piquant side, great with steamed chicken. I need to add that the soya sauce is packed separately if you buy half chicken and they are very generous with their chilli sauce - you get an large bag of it. My one complaint is how the owner cuts the chicken. Some pieces tend to still be joined and this is not the bones free type.

This is my go to place when I require my Hainanese Chicken Rice fix these days. So no question whether I am coming back for more.