Tong Kee Chicken Rice: A Delicious Dish with a Misleading Name

Introducing Tong Kee Chicken Rice

When it comes to chicken rice in Singapore, Tong Kee Chicken Rice is a name you can't overlook. Located in the Margaret Drive market, it's often confused with Boon Tong Kee, another chicken rice chain that tends to overshadow this gem. Established in 1969, Tong Kee began its journey right here in the Margaret Drive market, which opened the same year. After the market closed in 2011, Tong Kee moved to Tanglin Halt, but in 2022, it returned to its original location, almost exactly. Now, under the stewardship of a second generation of chicken rice enthusiasts, they continue to uphold their legacy and attract a new wave of fans.

Location and the Queue

The stall is situated on the first floor of a two-story building, often boasting one of the longest queues in the market. I was eager to find out if the food lived up to its 4.1-star rating on Google. The only way to find out was to dive in and try it!

What I Tried

Tong Kee serves two main dishes: Roasted Chicken Rice (S$4/S$5/S$6) and Grilled Pork Rice (S$4/S$5/S$6). A bit of clarification on the Roasted Chicken Rice is necessary—it’s not your traditional roasted chicken; it’s actually crispy fried chicken. I was quite surprised at this revelation. The chicken doesn't have a thick batter like KFC; instead, it has a thin, dark brown skin that offers a completely different experience from regular fried chicken.

I didn’t hesitate to order the Roasted Chicken Rice, as this is truly what makes the stall famous. I also decided to try a plate of Grilled Pork Rice for a change (S$5). My dishes arrived in about 3-4 minutes, despite being fourth in line, and after just a 10-minute wait. The first plus was the portion of meat, which was quite generous for the price.

Impressive Flavors

What I noticed was that the meat portion was just right for the price (I ordered the small S$4 plate), although they could have included a bit more cucumber. I could see the seasoning on the chicken, which indicated a careful cooking process. The aroma from the dish was so enticing that it made my mouth water. The first bite revealed that the chicken was firmer than what you typically find at places that usually boil their chicken.

This isn’t a complaint; I appreciated this change because the meat was still packed with flavor. My dining companion thought the meat was a bit dry. I believe boiled chicken might retain more moisture, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference. For me, the moisture level of the chicken here was perfectly fine.

Thoughts on the Rice and Broth

The Grilled Pork wasn’t much different from what I’ve had at other places. The texture and flavor didn’t stand out. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy every bite! The sauce here has a delightful spice that elevates the meal. The chili is definitely spicier than what you find at other stalls. Even the broth provides a warm sensation with a hint of pepper, making it perfect for a rainy day.

The Traditional Rice Cooking Process

There’s much to be said about the rice at Tong Kee, as they are one of the few stalls that still prepare it manually instead of using a rice cooker. While this process is more labor-intensive and time-consuming, the end result is a fragrant and stickier rice. The flavor and aroma are also richer, thanks to the herbs and spices being thoroughly absorbed during cooking.

Final Thoughts

After more than half a century, Tong Kee Chicken Rice has maintained its original recipe, attracting diners from near and far. Their cooking style conveys flavors in the meat, rice, and broth in a way that many competitors simply can’t match. However, I must mention that the service here felt a bit indifferent. Perhaps they were just too busy, but this did slightly detract from the overall experience. Regardless, I came for the food, and it was indeed delicious. Although Margaret Drive is quite a distance from where I live, if I ever find myself in the area again, Tong Kee Chicken Rice will definitely be one of my top choices for lunch.