Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice Takes Over Ju Xing Home’s Former Space at Takashimaya

From hawker stall to malls

Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice had its roots in 1987 at Lengkok Bahru before moving to Tiong Bahru Market. Over the decades, the family-run brand helmed by brothers Max Cheong, 57, and Anders Cheong, 65, has grown from a humble hawker stall into a chain with nine outlets across Singapore. 

While the brand already has a food court stall at The Clementi Mall and a no-frills small standalone eatery at 111 Somerset that’s self-service, the Taka outlet marks its first casual restaurant concept with full service and a whopping 76 seats.

What to expect at the Takashimaya restaurant

The new restaurant is designed to let diners “linger a little longer”. The brand’s PR rep tells 8days.sg that the space will channel 1980s Tiong Bahru Market vibes with old-school tiles, mosaic textures and warm timber, paired with some modern flourishes.

Hainanese Chicken Rice, from $10

The restaurant serves its signature chicken rice from $10 for a set for one, which comes with chicken soup, and the usual condiments like chilli, ginger sauce and dark soy sauce. While prices here are almost double those at its other humbler outlets, the higher price point reflects a more “comfortable, elevated dining experience”.

Half a chook costs $25 while a whole bird goes for $45.

Three types of rice to choose from

At Takashimaya, extra focus is placed on the rice. “At a location like Takashimaya, we’re catering not just to Singaporeans but to tourists as well. With different dining habits, we wanted to create more versions of the classic dish that people can enjoy,” Max and Anders share via their PR rep. 

Instead of the standard Thai Hom Mali rice in the basic set, diners can opt for basmati rice for a lighter, lower-GI option at an additional $0.50 or Niigata koshihikari short-grain rice, the same type often used in sushi, for an extra $1. 

Zi char dishes offered here too

At the Taka outlet, the expanded menu of zi char faves include Hainanese Crispy Pork ($10), Homemade Ngoh Hiang with Shrimp ($15), Golden Cereal Prawn ($19), Hainan Curry Fish Pot ($38) and Chilli Soft Shell Crab with Mantou ($23).

For drinks, coffee from Common Man Coffee Roasters is available, including lattes, mocha, and affogato, priced between $4.50 and $6.50. Tea lovers can choose from Gryphon Tea blends such as Apple Chamomile ($4.50 each).

There will also be a small dessert menu, with options like Coconut Ice Cream with Sago ($8) and Coconut Chendol Bliss ($8). 

Don’t feel like having rice? There are noodle dishes too, including Chicken Curry Laksa ($11.50).

Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice opens 28 Nov at Takashimaya Shopping Centre, #B2-36A, 391 Orchard Rd, S238873. More info via Instagram. 

Photos: Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice