3 Meals A Day: What else is there at Sim Lim’s salted egg chicken rice store?

This is the salted egg chicken rice stall at Sim Lim Square — 3 Meals A Day, the one the one everyone knows about. Long queues form outside, especially during lunch and dinner.

It’s a humble zichar stall serving up a range of comforting dishes from rice to noodles.

And if you haven’t heard or tried its famous salted egg chicken, I’m envious. You’re about to experience that first glorious spoonful of its golden, saucy chicken over fluffy rice — and the inevitable “mmm” that follows.

Beyond its well-known flagship store at Sim Lim Square, 3 Meals A Day has also opened outlets on Kallang, Hougang and Tampines — a testament to how universally loved its hearty rice bowls have become.

The stall first opened in 2011, helmed by 51-year-old Auntie Mandy, who is quite literally the face of the shop — her smiling face is plastered across the walls of the shop, but you’ll also spot her managing the crowded store everyday.

Despite the constant crowd, Auntie Mandy always brings a warm, homely energy to the space. Every visit feels like being welcomed back.

I don’t eat here often, but even after months between visits, she still remembers me — it’s a small gesture that leaves an impression.

Most people (myself included) come mainly for the salted egg chicken rice — a consistently good, hearty meal that hits every time. 

But this time around, we decided to go beyond the usual and explore what else the menu had to offer.

3 Meals A Day has an extensive spread — fish dishes, soups, noodles, even cai fan. It’s about time the other dishes share some of the love.

The famous dish

Of course, we had to start with the salted egg chicken with rice (S$7). It’s creamy, savoury, and gently spicy; rich without being jelak (overly rich) — something that happens quite often with this dish.

The golden sauce clings to the crisp pieces of chicken just right, with a balance of umami and heat that keeps each bite satisfying.

Every plate comes with a perfectly runny fried egg and crunchy keropok on the side. The same accompaniments appear in other rice dishes too — small but satisfying touches that complete every meal.

What else is there to try?

Auntie Mandy says that another crowd favourite is the cheesy butter chicken with rice (S$7.50).

It’s a strong contender — velvety, buttery, and surprisingly light for something that sounds so indulgent.

The sauce is savoury and creamy with a subtle sweetness, coating the chicken in a way that’s comforting, rather than heavy. It reminds me slightly of buttermilk, though gentler in flavour.

It’s familiar, deeply satisfying, and absolutely something I’d order again.

Then there’s the Mongolian style pork ribs with rice (S$7) — one of Auntie Mandy’s personal favourites.

The sauce leans peppery with a bold black pepper kick, while the pork is tender with just enough chew. It’s fragrant, robust, and flavourful.

Honestly, it could easily become a new favourite of mine too.

We wanted to try something from the noodles section, so we tried the hor fun with egg (S$5.50).

It was decent: Silky noodles in a light, soupy gravy with a comforting texture. While it lacked that smoky wok hei depth that would have elevated it, it’s still a pleasant and no-frills option for a quick meal, especially at this price point.

That said, we have to admit — the rice dishes here hit the spot best.

While 3 Meals A Day’s salted egg chicken is the star, don’t sleep on the rest of the menu. The cheesy butter chicken, the peppery pork ribs, and even the humble hor fun, all carry that same familiar comfort this stall is loved for.

If you’re nearby and in the mood for something hearty, full of flavour, and made with a touch of homely love, 3 Meals A Day is always a safe bet.

For more ideas on what to eat, read on our review of Bancheria, where Seoul meets Spain, and our commentary on champagne myths.