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Hainan Chicken House
Master Critic Review
Hainan Chicken House
8.5
Hainan Chicken House is a modern Malaysian café on 8th Avenue known for excellent Hainanese chicken rice, fried chicken plates, and curry specials served in a bright, casual room. Families appreciate the straightforward menu, fast service, and kid-pleasing chicken and rice combinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Poached Hainanese chicken rice, Fried chicken rice with curry sauce, Char siu (BBQ pork) over rice
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Bright Malaysian café built around chicken-and-rice plates that kids and adults both love.
Who should go: Families wanting flavorful but approachable Asian chicken-and-rice meals.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner before the room gets busiest.
What to order: Poached Hainanese chicken, fried chicken rice, char siu over rice.
Insider tip: Order a mix of poached and fried chicken so kids can try both textures at the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; moderately challenging after 6pm on weekends, easier mid-day weekdays.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak meals but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak family hours (6–7:30pm).
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable sides and rice-based options, but not a full vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Very limited — mostly plain rice and vegetable sides without sauces.
Gluten-free options: Fair — the signature Hainanese chicken and plain rice are naturally gluten-free, but sauces may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure first dates than romantic ones — it’s bright, quick, and relaxed rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most guests walk in successfully, especially on weekdays and early evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — ideal for elementary-school kids and up, with fast service and simple chicken-and-rice plates that are easy to share.
Best For
Better for: Fast, high-quality chicken-and-rice meals that work equally well for solo dining and family dinners.
Skip if: You’re looking for a slow, sit-down celebratory dinner or a restaurant with broad vegetarian or vegan options.