While in Balestier picking up our popiah supplies, we dropped by Boon Tong Kee (BTK) for lunch. Would you believe this is my first time at this restaurant? Yeah, talk about overdue. Anyway, this is the original BTK, the real deal and frequently quoted as the best.
Of course you must have the house specialty chicken rice (S$10 for two persons). Nicely steamed and laced with the most fragrant soy-sesame sauce, this was a good plate of chicken. Even the breast meat was remarkably tender and succulent.
The Chicken Rice Trinity - good rice, kick-ass chili and premium dark soy sauce, originally uploaded by Camemberu.
When you're having chicken rice, everything must come together well - right down to the condiments. The rice here is moist, tasty and not overly oily. The slightly tangy ginger-chili goes well with both rice and meat and the dark soy sauce adds sweetness to it all.
The restaurant menu also features a whole host of Chinese dishes. We opted for a fish-and-vegetable dish (S$15). This was surprisingly delicious! Lots of fish, kailan done just right. The taste is fresh, clean and lightly savoury. I even scooped up the garlic bits and gravy at the end.
Boon Tong Kee at Balestier is air-conditioned, and service is fairly quick and warm (the aunties fuss over you and make you feel quite at home). The dishes are a bit pricey but it's quality worth paying for. Oh and I loved the crunchy pickled vegetables they serve upfront.
BOON TONG KEE CHICKEN RICE
401 Balestier Road
Tel: 6254 3937
Their chicken is really smooth and tender. I like their deep fried tofu. Stir fry kailan with garlic was crunchy and delicious.
ReplyDeleteI always wonder how good their food is cos my sis always raves about the original BTK. lol
Yummy! I am a great Boon Tong Kee fan.
ReplyDeleteI miss it a lot as I am living overseas these days.
Alex
Alex's World! - http://www.kakinan.com/alex
i visited the river valley branch...the rice came in the shape of a pyramid! the chicken was well cooked but somehow, I still prefer Tian Tian's version. Perhaps is the condiments.
ReplyDeleteDidally: yeah, they are good - wish the original BTK wasn't so far from me. I'd happily go back. I wonder how good the East Coast branch is...hmm. Heard mixed reviews though.
ReplyDeleteAlex: haa, looks like the UK needs some chicken rice joints!
Nic: I have to go back and review Tian Tian again - wasn't blown away the last time, although I remember the chili being pretty good.
The one time I tried the East Coast branch turned out good too but still below Balestier's. :p
ReplyDelete