Hainanese Chicken Rice
I was at Toyosu’s Lalaport shopping mall yesterday and ate lunch in the food court. Before you get to enter the food court, the staff at the entrance will first explain the system to you, something which felt like it took forever…
Basically, you are given a ‘reserved sign’ and an ‘order card’ as you enter. First, you go to find a table you like and you put your ‘reserved sign’ on the table (your belongings too if you want). You then take the ‘order card’ with you in search for grub. In this food court, you get a choice of cuisines from either Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand or America. Once you’ve decide what you want to order, you hand over the card to the staff at whichever one of the cuisine counters and they will beep the barcode on the reverse side of the card. Then you just stand there and wait for your food to be prepared before you take it back to your table and munch away. When you’re ready to leave, you take your ‘order card’ with you to the exit where there are multiple counters waiting to charge you. Your ‘order card’ will have recorded everything you ordered (unless the staff forgot to beep your card) – its basically your bill.
Anyway, because of my love for chicken, I ordered Hainanese chicken rice from the Singapore counter. I love boiled/steamed chicken – I ate it quite often when I was back in England (in China town) and whenever I was chillin’ in HK. Unfortunately, in Japan I don’t get to encounter it all that often and I don’t like to go to China town.
The Hainanese chicken at Lalaport was only so so. I mean, for that price (¥850), you really shouldn’t expect too much nor complain. It was definitely not the real thing but it wasn’t bad. But it looks good in the pic, right? Well, looks can be deceiving…
Eddie- I know that you know not to expect much from food courts in malls in Japan. I’ve never had an exceptional meal at a food court in Japan.
I think the Singaporean place around the corner from the Tsutaya in Roppongi Hills (I forget the name) is pretty good- haven’t been there in some time.
The chowhound in Japan that I’d ask for opinions on Singaporean Chicken rice would be Jon at Yongfook.com
indeed. Hainan Jeefan Shokudo has two branches, one as Gen said is behind Tsutaya near Roppongi Hills. The nicer and slightly bigger branch is in Ebisu. The manager there is supremely friendly and if you go once or twice he will remember you. They have an all-Singaporean/Malaysian menu but the Chicken Rice is the most authentic thing on the menu. But it’s worth a trip to them for their Chicken Rice. The roti prata is pretty good too.
On the subject of Singapore/Malay food, there is a great place in Ginza called “Rasa”. Lots of authentic favourites there, from a real Malaysian chef. I think they do Chicken Rice too but I haven’t tried it there.
“The chowhound in Japan”
Hahahaha… Jon can probably cook this with his eyes closed…
Really? Thats cool info. Thanks! Will defoinitely go checkout the place sometime soon. But it’s not a place that will blow a massive hole in my wallet will it??
over here in singapore, we get very nice plate of chicken rice for abit over 200 yen ^_^
When I said, “the chowhound in Japan,” I wasn’t kidding. Have you been to chowhound.com? It’s the best forum on the net for food lovers.
Interesting. I’ve tried Chicken Rice back home in Singapore and here in Lalaport Toyosu. I was impressed with the Chciken Rice in Lalaport and returned for more. Love the Laksa too. I’ve tried not-so-good chicken rice in Singapore. I’m still looking forward to try Hainan Jeefan Shokudo then perhaps I could judge which one does a better Chicken Rice.
Hmmmmm… it wasn’t good at all. Had better chicken rice in HK. But hey, I’m not Singaporean so I can’t argue.
I’m gonna go do Jeefan Shokudo sometime this week after work. So looking forward to it. I want my chicken rice!
Make sure to make a reservation. I can never get in there without a reservation (the Roppongi one.)
Too late, man.
Tried to book the one in Ebisu yesterday for this Friday night but n-can-do. Then tried for next Friday night but also no-can-do.
Man, that place musts be popular!