Singapore’s legendary Hainanese chicken rice chain, Boon Tong Kee, has opened its first Hong Kong outpost in Causeway Bay, bringing four decades of culinary tradition to the city’s food scene. Known as the “city-state’s number one Hainanese chicken,” the restaurant debuted at V Point on Tang Lung Street, offering signature poached chicken and other classic dishes. With eight branches in Singapore and a Michelin-recognized track record, Boon Tong Kee aims to replicate its success in Hong Kong, attracting both expats and local food enthusiasts eager for authentic Southeast Asian flavors.
A Singaporean Staple Arrives in Hong Kong
Founded in 1979, Boon Tong Kee began as a humble stall in Singapore’s Chinatown before opening its first restaurant on Balestier Road in 1983. Over the years, it has grown into a household name, celebrated for its tender Hainanese chicken and fragrant rice. The Causeway Bay branch, located at 18 Tang Lung Street, marks the brand’s first foray outside Singapore. The restaurant operates daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering a menu that mirrors its Singapore outlets, complete with house-made sauces and seasonal promotions.
Signature Dishes and Must-Try Items
The star of the menu is the white cut chicken, known for its silky texture and delicate flavor. It comes with three self-made dipping sauces: a spicy chili sauce, a rich dark soy sauce, and a ginger-infused option that enhances the meat’s natural sweetness. The chicken is paired with chicken oil rice, made from chewy Thai jasmine rice simmered in chicken broth, resulting in fluffy, aromatic grains that are flavorful without being greasy.
Other highlights include crispy tofu, featuring a thin, crunchy exterior and a soft, silky interior, and prawn toast, a Hong Kong-style twist on British afternoon tea, where shrimp mousse is sandwiched between bread and deep-fried to a golden crisp. For those with heartier appetites, the sweet and sour pork balances acidity and sweetness, while beverages like red date and longan tea, cold-brewed osmanthus oolong, and homemade barley water provide refreshing complements.
Promotional Offers and Value Deals
To celebrate its opening, Boon Tong Kee is running a limited-time promotion on takeaway lunch sets, available from now until further notice. The restaurant also offers a dinner set for two at HK$298, which includes two portions of oil rice, a choice of crispy tofu or sambal kang kong, and sweet and sour pork. This makes it an accessible option for office workers and families exploring Causeway Bay’s competitive dining landscape.
Broader Impact and Dining Tips
Boon Tong Kee’s entry into Hong Kong underscores the growing demand for regional Southeast Asian cuisine. For first-time visitors, the poached chicken set is a safe starting point, while regulars might explore sautéed kang kong or the prawn toast for variety. The restaurant’s central location near other popular eateries—such as those on the same block—makes it easy to plan a food crawl. Reservations are not typically required for casual dining, but peak hours may see queues.
For those eager to dive deeper, Boon Tong Kee’s Hong Kong debut invites comparisons with local chicken rice purveyors, offering a taste of Singapore’s culinary heritage without the need for a flight. As Causeway Bay continues to evolve as a food destination, this addition reinforces its status as a must-visit hub for authentic Asian flavors.