Hainanese-style Western food is indeed part of Singapore’s unique culinary culture.
You probably cannot find similar tasting items in any else in the world?
If you are in the Bugis area, you may just want to keep a lookout for this NEW Hainanese Western food stall – simply known as “Hainanese Chicken Chop”.
To find this new stall, it is located in the bustling Fu Lu Shou Complex within Choh Dee Food Place which is a short walking distance from Bugis MRT station.
You may just be surprised to find quite a number of gems here – I mean the dining gems, though many shops do sell actual gems at Fu Lu Shou.
Though the stall might be a recent addition, it is helmed by experienced Western food chefs who have previously graced the kitchens of renowned hotels.
A little history of Hainanese Western food: Hainanese immigrants once served as cooks for British colonial families.
And thus, this unique fusion captures the essence of Western techniques married with the robust flavours of Asia when it comes to Western food preparations.
Over the years, as these Hainanese chefs branched out to establish their own eateries, they brought with them a repertoire of dishes such as Chicken Chop, Pork Chop and Mixed Grills.
The four key highlights at Hainanese Chicken Chop are the namesake Hainanese Chicken Chop ($7.80), Hainanese Chicken Cutlet ($8.80), Fish & Chips ($8.80), and Pork Chop ($8.80).
All can be paired with a choice of chicken rice or fries.
Other mains you can have include Pork Cutlet ($9.80), Mixed Grill ($13.80), Sausage Pasta ($5.80), Spring Chicken ($8.80 for half, $13.80 for whole), Beef Steak ($11.80), and Sausage & Ham Breakfast ($7.80).
Here’s what you can have at Hainanese Chicken Chop:
Hainanese Chicken Chop ($7.80)
The Chicken Chop grilled to a golden exterior has a slight char that imparts a smoky depth to the meat.
I found the size rather generous as well, and could feed a hungry person well.
The outside, slightly crisp from the grill, gave way to meat that was juicy and bursting with flavour.
Not forgetting the signature brown sauce made with a secret recipe – rich, velvety, and teeming with a depth of savoury flavours.
A medley of baked beans, mixed peas, corn, and carrot brings in a pop of colour and an added layer of taste. The fresh crunch of cucumber, sweetness of ripe tomatoes, and a golden mantou bun further complete the dish.
What I also enjoyed is that customers are given a choice of crispy fries or comforting chicken rice.
Between the two, I would say pick the chicken rice (also because the fries could be crispier) if you want to experience some of that fluffy, pandan-fragrant grains.
Hainanese Chicken Cutlet ($8.80)
The deep-fried Chicken Cutlet was my preferred choice actually. Deep-fried to a perfect golden hue, the breading provides an irresistible crunch.
It also encased tender, well-marinated chicken that was still moist. To balance the greasiness, there is Coleslaw Raisin Salad for a refreshing take.
I was told by the Chef that he kept the marinate more Asian in style, to differentiate with the Western food elsewhere.
Fish & Chips ($8.80)
Not to be overshadowed, their Fish & Chips is a testament to the chefs’ mastery over Western classics.
Each bite into the breaded fish results in a symphony of crispiness, giving way to flaky and moist fish inside.
Pork Chop ($8.80)
Following closely is the Pork Chop, another Hainanese delight. The exterior, with its light sear, contrasted with the succulent meat.
The pork, considered okay-tender to the fork’s touch, marries well with the mild spices and herbs.
Beef Steak with Black Pepper ($11.80)
If you lean towards more intense flavours, then you can try having the Beef Steak with Black Pepper.
The beef cooked to retain its natural juices, melded well with the robust black pepper sauce.
While I thought the meat could be cooked till more tender, the pepper offered a spicy warmth that lingered pleasantly on the palate.
Wings & Drumlets ($5.80 for 6 pcs)
While I didn’t initially order these, I was glad I did. Golden on the outside, these bite-sized delights were really quite flavourful and juicy.
I thought that the marinate seasoning was quite spot-on, neither overwhelming nor too subtle, making them dangerously addictive.
If you have space for more, you can always add on Chicken Nuggets ($4.80), Pop-Corn Chicken ($4.80), French Fries and Coleslaw Raisin Salad ($3.80).
Hainanese Chicken Chop
Fu Lu Shou Complex (Choh Dee Food Place) B1-22 Stall 3, 149 Rochor Road, Singapore 188425 (Bugis MRT station)
Opening Hours: 11am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)
Reminds me of Ye Lai Xiang at Maxwell.
Old school vibes