The iconic Singaporean Hainanese chicken rice chain, Boon Tong Kee, has landed in Hong Kong, bringing its acclaimed white chicken and signature dishes to Causeway Bay’s bustling food scene.
Singapore’s Hainanese chicken rice royalty arrives on Tang Lung Street
After more than four decades of perfecting its craft, Boon Tong Kee has chosen Hong Kong’s culinary heartland for its first overseas expansion. The restaurant opened its doors in late March 2025 at V Point on Tang Lung Street, marking a significant milestone for the brand that began as a humble stall in Chinatown back in 1979.
From Street Stall to Culinary Empire
What started as a modest pushcart operation in Singapore’s Chinatown has grown into a powerhouse with eight outlets across the city-state. The brand’s journey took a pivotal turn in 1983 when founder Boon Tong Kee established his first brick-and-mortar restaurant along Balestier Road. Today, the name is synonymous with Singapore’s national dish—Hainanese chicken rice—and has earned recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide.
The Star Attraction: Silky White Chicken
Boon Tong Kee’s legendary white chicken remains the cornerstone of its menu. The poultry is prepared using a time-honored method that yields exceptionally tender meat with a silky, almost gelatinous skin. What elevates the experience is the trio of house-made dipping sauces:
- Signature chili sauce – A piquant blend that delivers heat without overwhelming the chicken’s natural flavors
- Dark soy sauce – Adds depth and richness, and works surprisingly well when mixed directly into the rice
- Ginger-scallion oil – Brightens each bite with aromatic freshness
The accompanying chicken rice deserves equal attention. Fragrant Thai jasmine rice is cooked in chicken broth and rendered fat, resulting in grains that are distinct, aromatic, and luxuriously oily without being greasy.
Beyond the Bird: Other Must-Try Dishes
While the Hainanese chicken remains the headliner, Boon Tong Kee’s menu offers several worthy accompaniments:
Crispy Tofu – Delicately battered and fried to a golden crunch, the exterior shatters to reveal impossibly smooth, silken tofu within. The paper-thin crust ensures the contrast in textures is pronounced.
Prawn Toast – A nod to Hong Kong’s colonial-era tea culture, this adaptation transforms humble sandwiches into golden-fried parcels stuffed with springy shrimp paste. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by bouncy, sweet seafood flavor.
Sweet and Sour Pork – Expertly balanced between tangy and sweet, the pork pieces arrive with a light, crisp coating that stays crunchy even after being drenched in sauce.
Grand Opening Promotions
To celebrate its Hong Kong debut, Boon Tong Kee is offering takeaway lunch sets for one at special prices. The promotion runs from now until further notice, available during all operating hours.
Evening diners can opt for the two-person set dinner at HK$298, which includes two bowls of chicken rice, a choice between sambal kangkung or crispy tofu (six pieces), and sweet and sour pork. Diners may substitute sambal kangkung with garlic stir-fried morning glory.
Practical Information
Address: Shop 4, G/F, V Point, 18 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay
Operating Hours: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM daily
The beverage menu features traditional offerings including red date and longan tea, cold-brew osmanthus oolong, hand-pounded lemon tea, and house-made barley water—all designed to complement the rich, savory dishes.
What This Means for Hong Kong’s Food Scene
Boon Tong Kee’s arrival signals a growing appetite for authentic Southeast Asian cuisine in Hong Kong, particularly from established Singaporean brands with proven track records. For local food enthusiasts who have traveled to Singapore specifically for this chicken rice, the Causeway Bay outlet eliminates the need for a flight. The restaurant joins a vibrant corridor of international concepts on Tang Lung Street, reinforcing Causeway Bay’s status as Hong Kong’s premier destination for cross-border culinary experiences.
For those eager to explore further, adjacent restaurants on the same street offer Japanese wagyu sukiyaki buffets, Taiwanese hot pot, and European-style steakhouses—making this stretch an ideal starting point for a multi-stop gastronomic tour.
Boon Tong Kee’s Hong Kong branch accepts walk-ins and is expected to attract long queues during peak hours. Early arrival is recommended for lunch and dinner services.