Lede
Singapore’s acclaimed Hainanese chicken rice institution, Wen Dong Ji, has launched its first Hong Kong location in Causeway Bay’s Tang Lung Street, bringing over four decades of culinary heritage to the city’s competitive dining scene. Known across Singapore as the “number one Hainanese chicken” brand, the restaurant opened its doors in April 2025 at V Point, introducing its Michelin-recognized poached chicken and signature dishes to Hong Kong food lovers eager for authentic Southeast Asian flavors.
A Storied Singaporean Legacy
Founded in 1979, Wen Dong Ji began its journey as a humble stall in Chinatown, Singapore, before establishing its first brick-and-mortar restaurant along Balestier Road in 1983. What started as a small operation has since grown into an eight-outlet chain across the island nation, earning a reputation that borders on iconic. The brand’s poached chicken has attracted Michelin attention, cementing its status as a national culinary treasure.
The Causeway Bay outpost marks Wen Dong Ji’s first foray outside Singapore—a move that signals growing demand for premium Southeast Asian dining experiences in Hong Kong.
The Star Attraction: Poached Chicken with Three Signature Sauces
At the heart of Wen Dong Ji’s menu lies its celebrated white poached chicken, renowned for its exceptionally tender texture. The restaurant serves this signature dish with three house-made dipping sauces that elevate each bite:
- Spicy chili sauce – delivers a piquant kick that awakens the palate
- Dark soy sauce – enhances the chicken’s natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with rice
- Ginger scallion oil – highlights the poultry’s fresh, delicate flavor
The chicken is accompanied by fragrant chicken oil rice, prepared with chewy Thai jasmine rice that absorbs rich chicken broth. Each grain remains distinct, coated in savory chicken fat without feeling greasy—a testament to the kitchen’s precision.
Beyond the Bird: Menu Highlights
Wen Dong Ji’s menu extends well beyond its flagship dish, offering a curated selection of Singaporean and Chinese favorites:
Crispy Tofu – Thinly battered and fried to golden perfection, the exterior shatters upon biting, revealing silky, molten tofu within. The contrast in textures makes this a must-order side.
Shrimp Toast – A Hong Kong-style interpretation of the British tea sandwich, featuring minced shrimp paste spread between bread slices and deep-fried until crunchy. The filling remains bouncy and flavorful.
Sweet and Sour Pork – Crispy pork pieces tossed in a balanced sauce that avoids the common pitfalls of being overly acidic or cloyingly sweet.
Sambal Kangkung – Water spinach stir-fried with spicy sambal paste, available as a substitute for garlic stir-fried version upon request.
Dining Options and Promotions
For those looking to experience the full spectrum of flavors, Wen Dong Ji offers a two-person evening set priced at HK$298, which includes:
- Two bowls of chicken oil rice
- Choice of sambal kangkung or crispy tofu (6 pieces)
- Sweet and sour pork
Additionally, the restaurant is running a limited-time grand opening promotion: takeaway diners can purchase a lunch set for one person at any hour, effective immediately until further notice.
Beverage Program
The drink menu features thoughtfully prepared options designed to complement the savory dishes:
- Red date and longan tea
- Cold-brew osmanthus oolong tea
- Hand-pounded lemon tea
- House-made barley water
Location and Practical Information
Address: Shop 4, G/F, V Point, 18 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay
Business Hours: 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM daily
Broader Implications for Causeway Bay’s Dining Scene
Wen Dong Ji’s arrival adds to Causeway Bay’s already impressive roster of international food brands that have established Hong Kong beachheads in recent years. The district has become a proving ground for overseas chains, from Japanese mille-feuille specialist GARIGUETTE to Taiwan’s Zhujian sour fish hotpot. This influx reflects Hong Kong diners’ appetite for authentic regional specialties and their willingness to queue for proven concepts.
For Singaporean expatriates missing a taste of home, Wen Dong Ji offers a direct link back to the hawker culture that defines the Lion City’s food landscape. For local Hong Kong diners, it presents an opportunity to compare the city’s own beloved Hainanese chicken rice against a benchmark from the dish’s country of origin.
Actionable Takeaway: Arrive early during peak hours to avoid long waits, as the restaurant’s opening has generated significant buzz. The takeaway lunch set offers excellent value for office workers in the area.
What’s Next: Food enthusiasts can look forward to more Singaporean imports eyeing Hong Kong expansion, as the city’s multicultural palate continues to embrace Southeast Asian flavors with enthusiasm.