Tai Loke Hainan Chicken Rice

Got the chance to try out Tai Loke Hainan Chicken Rice given how the places in the area were seemingly filled post-CNY and that there was still some seats available at this coffee shop. In all honesty, the rice and chili do not really seem to be the main focus here; the former being on the edge of being a little mushy and could have been more flavourful, while the latter just lacked that punchy tang from calamansi. That being said, the chicken was pretty succulent and tender; thoughtfully de-boned and silky smooth — all drenched in that lightly savoury soy sauce which provides just enough flavour.

Tender chicken meat served on the side, fluffy fragrant rice added sweet dark sauce & bowl of clear soup.
($3.50)
Simple meal.

Saw a long queue for this opposite Bugis+ and thought why not. I got the thigh off their last chicken (it wasn’t even 1pm) and it was smooth and tender though I would have preferred it deboned. The rice was decent but didn’t have that nice bite or as much flavour as I’d hoped for. From the queues, it really seems like the chicken is the draw for the lunch crowd.