Michelin-rated Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice opens restaurant in Takashimaya SC

What’s new and exclusive at Takashimaya

Now let’s get into what’s new and shiny at this new restaurant concept.

For starters, it has rolled out two all-new rice options to pair with its juicy chicken — the healthy basmati rice (S$2.50 for a bowl) and premium Japanese Niigata koshihikari rice (S$3 for a bowl).

Between the two, the basmati rice unexpectedly emerged as my favourite, a surprise to me, too, given my personal penchant for jasmine rice. 

I’d genuinely consider going for this instead of my usual fragrant Thai rice — and yes, you can, for just an extra 50 cents here. In this variation, the long grains are light and fluffy, and have a moreish bite to them. It’s easy to down a whole bowl without it feeling cloying at all. 

The other new option, the Niigata koshihikari rice, which costs an extra S$1 to upgrade to, offers a different kind of comfort with its stickier texture, but remains just as hearty.

Just as how you’d prefer different pasta types on different occasions or days, we think each rice choice has its merits and it really comes down to what you’re feeling for the day. 

More than just its carb upgrades, its chicken gets a new look, too.

If you find its traditional steamed chicken choices a tad basic, how about trying its new oven-baked whole chicken served with Japanese rice (S$60, good for three to four diners) for a change?

Using French free-range chicken, this baked rendition doesn’t just deliver tender chicken flesh, but plays on the protein’s natural succulence, allowing its juices to soak through the Japanese rice grains beneath.

The result? A deeply satisfying creation that still somehow captures the spirit of chicken rice, but with a more elevated twist.

Beyond chicken and rice, the restaurant also offers a strong line-up of new sharing plates and zichar favourites, including a classic Hainan curry fish pot (S$38). 

This version comes with a generous hunk of red snapper fillet, along with the usual suspects such as long beans, eggplant, tomato, and fried beancurd skin. 

The curry gravy was memorable for me — aromatic, rich, and carrying just the right kick that slowly blooms on the palate. I found myself going for spoonful after spoonful because it was just that good. 

If you’re looking for more dishes for the table, the Hainanese crispy pork (S$10) with Hainanese curry is pretty addictive, too!

At first glance, the fried pork looks almost like pork skin, just because of how thin it looks. (Not that it’s a bad sign!) 

Thinly sliced and fried perfectly to a delicate crisp, each piece of fried pork crumbles easily as you bite into it — no resistance, just pure indulgence.

Taken together with the creamy yet delicate curry, it’s a match made in culinary heaven. 

If you’re in the mood for something sweet to cap off your meal with, the coconut chendol Bliss (S$8) hits the spot.

This twist on the classic comes with coconut ice cream, keeping things fun and exciting while satisfying the traditionalists who love a good chendol. 

While I was expecting classic Nanyang kopi and teh to go with my chicken rice, the restaurant takes a different route, perhaps catering to a more espresso-loving town crowd. 

The restaurant concept serves up speciality coffee by Common Man Coffee Roasters, as well as an array of modern beverages such as a matcha espresso latte (S$8) and an iced coconut latte with matcha cream (S$8).

Snag free insulated flask this weekend

To celebrate the opening of Tiong Bahru Hainanese Chicken Rice at Takashimaya, the outlet is giving away a complimentary branded flask (650ml) to the first 50 customers who spend at least S$10 each day. The catch? It’s only happening for only two days — on November 29 and 30.

You might be thinking: “What’s so special about a flask?”

Well, returning diners can use the flask on future visits to get a takeaway refill of the restaurant’s chicken soup, with a minimum spend of S$10, though this exclusive offer is valid for both dine-in and takeaway until December 31.

If you’re in town and after a plate of chicken rice that slaps, Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice restaurant at Takashimaya might just be your newest go-to!