Some dishes transcend borders to become universal comfort food, and Boon Tong Kee’s Hainanese chicken rice is one of them. Hailed as an undisputed master of the genre, this Michelin-recognized institution has now opened its very first Hong Kong branch in the heart of Causeway Bay, bringing its legendary poached chicken to food lovers in the city.
A Storied History
Boon Tong Kee’s journey began over four decades ago. Founded in 1979, it started as a single pushcart stall in Singapore’s Chinatown before opening its first brick-and-mortar restaurant on Balestier Road in 1983. Over the years, it has grown into a beloved national icon, with eight outlets across Singapore. The brand’s reputation for consistently high-quality Hainanese chicken rice has earned it a dedicated following and a spot in the prestigious Michelin Guide.
The Star of the Show: A Perfect Bowl of Chicken Rice
The undeniable hero of the menu is the white-cut chicken. The bird is prized for its exceptionally tender texture and silky smooth skin. Boon Tong Kee elevates the dish with three unique, house-made dipping sauces: a fiery chili blend, a rich and earthy dark soy sauce, and a potent ginger-garlic puree designed to cut through the richness of the meat. Each condiment offers a different path to flavor, allowing diners to customize every single bite.
No bowl of chicken rice is complete without the rice itself. The restaurant uses premium Thai jasmine grains, cooked in a fragrant broth infused with chicken fat and shallot oil. The result is a fluffy, aromatic, and deeply savory companion that regulars often declare just as addictive as the chicken.
Beyond the Bird: A Menu of Singaporean Favorites
While the chicken is the main draw, Boon Tong Kee’s menu is packed with other Singaporean delights:
- Crispy Tofu: A textural masterpiece—a thin, impossibly golden shell encasing a soft, creamy core that tastes intensely of pure soy.
- Prawn Toast: A decadent spin on a classic, this fritter offers a satisfying crunch and a delightfully springy bite packed with umami.
- Sweet and Sour Pork: Expertly balanced, the tanginess here never overwhelms, making it an incredibly appetizing side dish.
To complement the meal, the restaurant serves a selection of traditional beverages. Guests can opt for a refreshing homemade barley water, an ice-cold hand-beaten lemon tea, or a soothing house-brewed red date and longan tea.
Location, Hours, and Launch Offers
The Causeway Bay outpost is located at Shop 4, G/F, V Point, 18 Tang Lung Road, and is open daily from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM. To celebrate its launch, the restaurant is offering a special takeaway lunch set promotion until further notice. For those dining in, the dinner sets for two are generously priced at HKD 298, which includes rice and a selection of their most popular dishes.
A New Chapter for Causeway Bay’s Food Scene
Boon Tong Kee’s arrival underscores Causeway Bay’s evolution into a truly global dining destination. The district is already a magnet for exciting international concepts, and the addition of this Singaporean heavyweight provides another compelling reason for foodies to explore the neighborhood. It offers a taste of authentic, heritage-rich cuisine that tells a story of humble beginnings and relentless dedication to quality. Whether you are a chicken rice connoisseur or a first-timer, this new outpost is set to become a cherished spot for a quintessential Southeast Asian meal without needing a flight to the Lion City.