Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is probably one of Singapore’s most famous, recognisable and prominent chicken rice stalls.
Tourists all over the world go to Maxwell Food Centre, join in a long queue, armed with guide books, sweat it out for a plate of this local iconic dish.
The stall has just opened another at Hotel Boss’s 24-hour foodcourt FoodClique, which has also gathered some famous local food in the same space. (Founders Bak Kut Teh is a few shops away.)
Before I go on about this stall at Jalan Sultan, I did think that the standard of Tian Tian has dropped over the years, ironically after winning in the “Gordon Ramsay vs Tian Tian” Hawker Heroes Challenge.
Personally, I reckon Tian Tian’s winning formula to me has to be its rice.
Even Anthony Bourdain said that the chicken rice is so fragrant and delicious that it can be eaten on its own.
The rice is supposedly warm, fluffy, fragrant, good enough to just eat with the chilli sauce.
BUT, Anthony Bourdain would have different opinions if he were to try this plate.
Unfortunately, the rice I had was clumpy, below lukewarm, less flavourful and fragrant that I thought it should be.
It was also presented in a hazarded manner. At least, the plates at Maxwell looked proper.
“Lao Mao Niang is there leh!” My friend remarked when he saw Madam Foo, and assumed boss would keep a more watchful eye and QC every plate that is sent out to customers.
No offence. The plate was disappointing.
Okay. To be fair, the chicken pieces were still smooth and tender.
I also wondered about the layout of the foodcourt. No doubt that unsuspecting tourists would likely give Tian Tian a go given its accolades.
There was a moderate queue of customers, who snaked to the neighbouring stalls (which were closed as it was opening days).
When news gets out and all the stalls open, queues during peak hours and ventilation could pose a challenge. Just saying.
Tian Tian Chicken Rice Lavender Branch
Stall 5, Hotel Boss, 500 Jalan Sultan #01-15 Singapore 199020
Tel : +65 9771 5864
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon
Other Outlets
Maxwell: Stall No. 10&11 Maxwell Food Centre Singapore 069184
Simpang Bedok: 12 Jalan Pari Burong Singapore 488678
Clementi: Blk 450 Clementi, Avenue 3 #01-305 Singapore 120450
Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm (Closed Mon)
Other Related Entries
A-Z List Of Where To Eat, Where To Go Around Singapore
10 Must Try Stalls At Maxwell Food Centre
Tian Tian vs Ah Tai (Maxwell Hawker)
Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
Express by Chatterbox (Downtown Gallery)
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