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Heng Heng Chicken Rice

5420 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
$$
Chicken Shop, Thai, Smokehouse, Thai

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Heng Heng Chicken Rice 8.1
East Hollywood
Thai-style Hainan chicken specialist serving juicy poached and fried chicken over aromatic garlic rice with clear broth, homemade chili fish sauce, and ginger. The zaab crispy rice with fish powder and red onions offers a flavorful alternative in this takeout-friendly Thai Town newcomer.
Must-Try Dishes: Hainan Chicken (Dark Meat), Zaab Crispy Rice, Crispy Pork Belly
Scores:
Value: 8.7 Service: 8 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 6.8 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Perfectly executed Thai-style Hainan chicken with exceptional garlic rice
Who should go: Comfort food seekers and chicken rice enthusiasts
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner before peak crowds
What to order: Dark meat Hainan chicken, zaab crispy rice, Thai iced tea
Insider tip: Mix the homemade chili fish sauce with chopped ginger for maximum flavor
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Hollywood Blvd and side streets - easier before 6pm. Small lot behind building often has spots during off-peak hours
Dress code: Completely casual - athletic wear, work clothes, whatever you've got
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation, mostly takeout traffic
Weekend wait: 5-10 min for takeout orders, minimal dine-in wait
Weekday lunch: Peak lunch 12-1pm can see 10-15 min waits, otherwise immediate seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - tofu can substitute in some dishes, zaab crispy rice is chicken-based
Vegan options: Very limited - broth contains chicken, sauces may contain fish sauce
Gluten-free options: Rice-based dishes work but verify sauces (fish sauce typically GF, but confirm preparation)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual 2nd or 3rd date - it's no-frills counter service focused on the food rather than ambiance. Great if you both love chicken rice and want something low-key and delicious
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's casual counter-service seating. Just walk in, order at counter, grab a table. Peak lunch rush (12-1pm) may require brief wait for seating
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - simple menu kids love (chicken and rice), quick service, casual vibe. High chairs available. The mild poached chicken is perfect for young eaters
How long does a meal take? Fast-casual speed - order in 2 minutes, food arrives in 8-12 minutes. Perfect for 30-minute lunch break or quick dinner. Takeout is 10-15 min from order to pickup
What if I've never had Hainan chicken rice? Start with the dark meat poached chicken plate - silky, juicy chicken over garlic rice with ginger-chili sauce on the side. It's comfort food perfection. The staff can guide you through mixing the sauces
Best For
Better for: Pure chicken rice execution and value - this is specialist-level Hainan chicken at budget prices ($). The garlic rice is exceptional, and the homemade chili fish sauce rivals pricier Thai Town options. Better than generic Thai places for this specific dish
Skip if: You want full Thai menu variety, date-night ambiance, or table service. If you're looking for pad thai and curry, hit a full-service Thai restaurant. If Hainan chicken isn't your thing, this one-trick pony won't convert you