Singaporean culinary legend Boon Tong Kee, heralded as the nation’s premier Hainanese Chicken Rice establishment, has officially opened its doors in Hong Kong. The four-decade-old brand, celebrated for its signature poached chicken, debuted its first international outpost on Tang Lung Street in Causeway Bay, bringing authentic, Michelin-recognised Singaporean cuisine to a new audience. The inaugural branch marks a significant expansion for the chain, which has cultivated a loyal following since its modest beginnings in 1979.
Heritage and Signature Dish
Founded originally as a small stall in Singapore’s Chinatown (Chinatown), Boon Tong Kee officially established its first restaurant in Balestier Road in 1983. Over the years, the brand has grown into a national gastronomic institution, now operating eight successful locations in Singapore, earning high praise, including a nod from the prestigious Michelin Guide for its iconic dish.
The star attraction is the Signature Poached Chicken (Bai Qie Ji). Known for its supremely tender and smooth texture, the chicken is served alongside flavourful, fragrant rice cooked with chicken broth—a crucial component of genuine Hainanese Chicken Rice. Diners have the option of pairing the succulent chicken with one of Boon Tong Kee’s custom-blended sauces: a spicy chilli dip, a rich dark soy sauce, or a refreshing ginger paste. The accompanying chicken oil rice, made with aromatic Thai jasmine rice, is lauded for its distinct, individual grains and intense, yet non-greasy, chicken essence.
Beyond the Chicken: Menu Highlights
While the Hainanese Chicken Rice dominates the spotlight, the Hong Kong location offers a deep dive into genuine Singaporean and regional Chinese dishes. Must-try alternatives include the Crispy Fried Tofu. This dish features a delicate, thin outer crust that yields to an exceptionally soft and silky interior, providing a delightful textural contrast. Another standout is the Prawn Toast, which offers a flavourful mix of shrimp filling encased in a golden, crispy fried bread—a savoury spin on a traditional snack.
Other menu items highlight the restaurant’s culinary range, such as the Sweet and Sour Pork (Gula Rou), noted for its balanced ratio of sweet and tangy flavours, making it an excellent appetiser. The menu is supplemented by refreshing beverages like the Red Date and Longan Tea, Cold Brew Osmanthus Oolong Tea, and Homemade Barley Water. The restaurant also provides set options, including a HK$298 two-person dinner set featuring chicken rice, choice of vegetable (Sambal Kang Kong or Garlic Fried Kang Kong), and the crispy tofu or sweet and sour pork.
Location and Opening Offer
Boon Tong Kee’s new Hong Kong branch is situated at Shop 4, G/F, V POINT, 18 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay. Operating hours are from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
To celebrate its grand opening, the restaurant is offering a limited-time takeaway lunch set promotion until further notice, allowing patrons across the city to sample Singapore’s best Hainanese Chicken Rice at an accessible price. This highly anticipated arrival is expected to further enrich Hong Kong’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene, providing a taste of authentic Southeast Asian heritage right in the heart of Causeway Bay.