We tried Singapore’s best-rated hen rice

Whereas researching the top-rated hen rice stalls, I realised that in my 17-month journey with Sethlui.com, I’ve hardly ever sampled any ‘ji fan‘ locations.

Katong Mei Wei had the best Google scores, however we had already coated it. The subsequent spot was OK Rooster Rice & Humfull Laksa, positioned inside 721 Meals Loft coffeeshop at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8— proper in my neighbourhood!

This explicit chain is Halal-certified and has 11 different branches round Singapore. Nevertheless it was the Ang Mo Kio outlet that garnered a complete of 444 opinions and acquired 4.5 stars out of 5 on Google opinions (at time of writing).

Based on my Muslim buddy, Hanafe, there are 2 distinct kinds of Halal hen rice. One stays true to the Chinese language custom, served with darkish soya sauce, whereas the opposite locations its emphasis on crispy fried hen, accompanied by a spicier chilli sauce.

What I attempted at OK Rooster Rice & Humfull Laksa

The menu had fancier choices like Char Siew Rooster Rice (S$3.50) and Fatbulous Cutlet Rooster Rice (S$3.50). Nonetheless, I remained dedicated to simplicity and opted for the Small Roast Rooster Rice (S$4).

It was a no-frills plate of half a dozen chopped roast hen items (Sure, I counted them) resting atop a mound of rice and three cucumber slices. Whereas awaiting my dish, I helped myself to the chilli sauce and darkish soya positioned on the entrance of the stall.

Digging into the rice with my spoon, I appreciated the pleasing aroma of every distinct grain that was infused with the stunning essence of hen fats and ginger.

The rice was well-seasoned, sustaining a tasty steadiness with out an extreme oiliness, offering a extra guilt-free expertise. My solely criticism— it didn’t fairly attain the right stage of doneness, with a number of grains sustaining a barely firmer texture than what I’d have.

The roast hen, then again, had received me over. Its tasty, golden-brown pores and skin cradled the succulent and tender meat inside.

As I dunked my hen items into the chilli sauce, an intense surge of garlic and savoury flavours engulfed my palate earlier than the warmth slowly crept in. It was an sudden sensory explosion. Intrigued, I tried a second dip.

I got here to a conclusion that the chilli sauce leaned barely in the direction of the saltier aspect. Whereas I appreciated the strong garlic infusion, I needed for refined notes of zestiness to steadiness out the general flavour profile.

Thankfully, what I had initially considered extraordinary cucumber items turned out to be pickled cucumbers as a substitute, which offered tiny bursts of vinegary goodness.

The Normal Steamed Rooster Rice (S$5) boasted a heftier portion of rice and a extra beneficiant serving of hen.

The steamed hen exhibited a barely extra juicy and tender texture compared to its roasted counterpart. The pores and skin was notably lean, with out the thick layers of fats which may be unappealing to some.

Now, let me share with you the  method I eat hen rice. I generously drizzle the darkish soya sauce throughout my plate along with the chilli sauce, then give it a extremely good combine till each ingredient turns into an attractive mild chocolate shade. 

And as I did this, my colleague, Joey, appeared on intensely (I’m uncertain if she was disgusted or intrigued). 

“My dad does the very same factor!” she exclaimed.

Effectively, Uncle, it appears we each admire the finer issues in life (flips hair).

The hen rice exuded a pleasant aroma of darkish soya sauce, with refined notes of spiciness from the chilli, making a harmonious accompaniment to the tender hen items.

But, my disappointment returned as I encountered pockets of undercooked rice in my plate— what a bummer!

It’s also possible to go for a Bento Upsize (+S$3) which incorporates 2 slices of tofu, half a braised egg and inexperienced veggies.

I had no points with the braised egg and tofu, which tasted like how they need to. The inexperienced veggies had been topped with crispy fried shallots and barely seasoned with flavoured oil. 

I loved the plainness of the inexperienced veggies though Joey most popular it to be extra flavourful.

Closing ideas

To be frank, OK Rooster Rice & Humfull Laksa left me barely underwhelmed. Maybe the chef had a minor hiccup within the rice preparation.

All in all, it was a passable meal, nevertheless it didn’t go away an enduring impression. It serves as a reminder that style is a subjective matter, and it’s at all times clever to take opinions with a grain of salt, together with my very own.

Should you do determine to offer this stall a attempt, I hope the rice might be flawlessly ready to your enjoyment.

Anticipated injury: S$3.50 – S$11.50 per pax

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