23-year-old Aspirasi Chicken Rice is a beloved hawker name

If you’re familiar with the hawker gems at Seah Im Food Centre, chances are you’ve heard of Aspirasi — a modest chicken rice stall that has quietly built a loyal following over the past 23 years.

Beyond its flavourful fried chicken and fragrant rice, Aspirasi offers something deeper: A sense of home, of belonging, and the quiet triumph of a dream realised against the odds. For many, especially within the Malay community, the hawker name is a mainstay that has stood the test of time.

A family dream realised

At the heart of Aspirasi is its founder, Din Sajat, 64, or better known to most as Abang Din. He was once a cleaner supervisor who took a leap of faith, pouring his life savings into a single hawker stall at Seah Im Food Centre. It was a late-in-life gamble, fuelled by a dream that he had carried quietly since his youth, but never had the chance to chase.

The name Aspirasi means “aspiration” in Malay — a fitting reflection of the stall’s journey. What began as a one-man venture has grown into a beloved name across four outlets, now run with the help of his daughter, Ain, 33.

She vividly recalls: “When I woke up for school, he would be sleeping. When he came back from work, I will already be asleep. It used to be just him working alone for years, before he hired help”.

Today, the father-daughter duo run the stall side by side — balancing tradition with subtle innovations, from streamlining prep through a central kitchen, to adjusting flavours to meet changing palates. Their bond and shared purpose continue to guide Aspirasi forward.

Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed — Aspirasi has received media recognition from the press, culinary awards, and even the honour of cooking for former President Halimah Yacob at the Istana.

Chicken rice that keeps you coming back

At its original Seah Im outlet, you’ll find the dishes that made the stall a local favourite: Its chicken rice series. What sets Aspirasi apart isn’t just its crispy fried chicken and fragrant rice, though, but the attention to detail and the unmistakable infusion of Malay flavours into the beloved Singaporean classic. 

Everything is made in-house: From the flour that coats the chicken, to the aromatic rice, and its wide array of sauces — all made with recipes that have been perfected over the years by Abang Din himself. 

With the variety of sauces it offers, the Malay-style chicken rice has something for everyone. Ain says, “There are spicy and non-spicy options — even sauces for kids”.

We opted for one of its most popular dishes: The chicken rice sambal (S$6). The rice is lightly aromatic and simple — a good counterpoint against the savouriness of the slightly spicy protein.

What sets the dish apart, though, is the handmade sambal — a house blend that hits the spot between spicy, savoury, and sweet. It enhances each morsel without overwhelming the dish — each bite draws you in more than the last. 

A light, clear soup on the side rounds it all out, cutting through the richness for a comforting finish.

Another standout is the chicken rice lemon (S$6), which offers a refreshing and zesty twist. The golden fried chicken stays crisp under a drizzle of tangy-sweet lemon sauce — a contrast that balances the dish well.

Each bite is a mix of crunch and citrus, making it a satisfying meal that’s easy to finish, down to the last grain.

And for those who love a little extra texture? Don’t miss the free-flow tub of crispy chicken crumbs at the stall — a definite highlight for some, especially if you’re all about that extra crunch.

While we didn’t try it this time, the fried rice at Aspirasi is another fan-favourite and we’ll be back to give that a try on our next visit.

More to savour, from cutlets to feasts

While Stall 45 at Seah Im is where it all began, Aspirasi’s story has grown even further. The same beloved menu can be found at its Pasir Ris’ Vidacity outlet and in the newest, upcoming Kedai Kopi outlet in Clementi.

If you’re looking for more variety, Aspirasi Cutlet’s House (stall 39), also at Seah Im Food Centre, branches into the fusion territory. Here, fried rice of all types take centre stage — from kampung-style classics, to salted fish and beef. You’ll also find chicken cutlet rice paired with traditional Malay sauces such as lemak chili padi and masak merah, alongside other modern flavours, such as black pepper.

If you’re planning a gathering, Aspirasi also offers hearty feast sets — from cosy meals for four, to catering for celebrations of 50 and more.

Aspirasi is the very reflection of passion, purpose and perseverance rooted in family and resilience.

In Singapore’s fast-changing food scene, the journey of Aspirasi reminds us that when food is made with heart, it becomes something more: A connection to community, a legacy, and a story worth sharing.

For the latest food news, read our stories on the new herbal milk tea concept at Chinatown and the Michelin-selected unagi spot that just landed in Singapore.

Aspirasi is on the Grabfood Delivery service and offers free delivery (up to S$3 off) with GrabUnlimited. 

Enjoy up to 50% off when you dine with GrabFood Dine Out.

You can also book a ride to Seah Im Food Centre to try its well-loved Malay-style chicken rice.