Causeway Bay’s culinary landscape just got a major upgrade. Boon Tong Kee, the Singaporean institution hailed as the “Number One Hainanese Chicken Rice” in its home country, has opened its very first Hong Kong outpost on Tang Lung Street, bringing decades of heritage and Michelin-approved flavors to local food lovers.
The restaurant, which began as a humble stall in Singapore’s Chinatown back in 1979, has grown into a beloved empire with eight branches across the island nation. Now, Hong Kong diners can finally taste the magic that has earned this establishment its legendary status. Located at Shop 4, G/F, V Point, 18 Tang Lung Street in Causeway Bay, the new branch operates daily from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
A Legacy Built on Perfectly Poached Chicken
What sets Boon Tong Kee apart is its unwavering commitment to signature white poached chicken—a dish so tender and succulent that it received recognition from the Michelin Guide. The secret lies in meticulous preparation: chickens are poached at precise temperatures to achieve impossibly silky meat that practically melts on the tongue.
The true star of the experience, however, is the accompanying trio of house-made dipping sauces. A spicy chili sauce delivers a fiery kick for those who crave heat, while a dark soy sauce mixture adds depth and umami that elevates every bite. For purists, the ginger-scallion sauce brings out the natural sweetness of the poultry. Each condiment is crafted in-house, offering a customizable flavor journey with every mouthful.
No Hainanese chicken rice experience is complete without the rice itself. Boon Tong Kee uses long-grain Thai jasmine rice, cooked in chicken broth and rendered chicken fat until each grain is fragrant, separate, and irresistibly glossy. The result is a side dish that rivals the main attraction.
Beyond the Bird: Other Menu Highlights
While chicken takes center stage, the kitchen offers several other dishes worth exploring. The crispy tofu is a standout—delicately battered to create an impossibly thin, shatteringly crunchy exterior that gives way to silky, molten-centered bean curd. It’s a textural triumph.
For something more indulgent, the prawn toast offers a Hong Kong-inspired twist on an English afternoon tea classic. Shrimp paste is spread generously onto bread, then deep-fried to a golden crisp. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by springy, bouncy seafood goodness.
The sweet and sour pork deserves special mention as well. The meat arrives perfectly crisp-tender, coated in a sauce that strikes an ideal balance between tangy and sweet—neither overpowering the other.
Affordable Set Meals and Promotional Offers
To celebrate its Hong Kong debut, Boon Tong Kee is running a limited-time lunch promotion. From now until further notice, diners can purchase a takeaway lunch set for one person at any time of day. It’s an excellent opportunity for office workers and nearby residents to sample the brand’s signature offerings without breaking the bank.
For those dining in, the evening set menu for two is priced at just HK$298. This includes two bowls of fragrant chicken oil rice, plus your choice of sambal kangkung (water spinach in spicy shrimp paste) or crispy tofu, as well as sweet and sour pork. Guests can substitute the sambal kangkung for garlic stir-fried water spinach if preferred.
Beverages to Complement the Meal
The drink menu features a selection of house-made beverages that pair beautifully with the food. Options include red date and longan tea, cold-brew osmanthus oolong tea, hand-pounded lemon tea, and homemade barley water—each designed to refresh the palate between bites of rich, savory dishes.
What This Means for Hong Kong’s Food Scene
The arrival of Boon Tong Kee signals more than just another restaurant opening. It reflects a growing trend of established Southeast Asian brands choosing Hong Kong as their first overseas expansion point. For Causeway Bay—already a dining destination with options ranging from Japanese soufflé pancakes at GARIGUETTE to Taiwanese hot pot at Hao Jia—this addition strengthens its reputation as a place where global food trends converge.
Local food enthusiasts who have traveled to Singapore often rank Boon Tong Kee among their must-visit destinations. Now, with the brand setting up shop on Tang Lung Street, those same flavors are available without a plane ticket.
Actionable Takeaway: Visit during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon or early evening) to avoid the inevitable queues. The takeaway lunch promotion offers excellent value for first-time samplers. Don’t skip the three dipping sauces—they’re the key to understanding why this humble dish became a national treasure.