Busy day? Escape the ordinary and treat yourselves to a taste of Singapore at Tiong Bahru!
Let’s be honest, some days wrangling little ones feel like an Olympic sport. By the time the grocery shopping is done, the last thing you want is to deal with the usual fast-food frenzy. This past weekend, my husband and I were in that exact situation. Craving a delicious and relaxing dinner, we decided to ditch the drive-thru and explore a new spot in Estancia at Capitol Commons – Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice. We’d heard whispers of this restaurant bringing authentic Singaporean flavors to the Philippines, and with a name like that, we knew we had to try it.
Singaporean Street Food, Minus the Street
The first thing that struck us about Tiong Bahru wasn’t the décor (clean lines and open layout, perfect for keeping an eye on wiggly toddlers if you’re bringing them). It was the atmosphere. Tiong Bahru manages to capture the essence of a Singaporean hawker center, those bustling open-air food courts, without the actual street cred. It felt casual and unpretentious, a welcome change from the usual chain restaurants. The bonus? It wasn’t overly crowded, so we could actually enjoy our meal in relative peace – a small miracle since we always see the restaurant with a long line at the front.
Service as Warm as the Singaporean Sun
The friendly service at Tiong Bahru was another highlight. We were greeted with warm smiles and seated promptly. Our server took our order efficiently, but more importantly, they checked in on us throughout the meal to make sure everything was to our liking. It was those little touches that made us feel genuinely cared for, a rarity these days.
A Culinary Adventure for Picky Eaters and Foodies Alike
Now, on to the main event – the food! From the extensive menu, we knew we had to try the signature Hainanese chicken, and it definitely lived up to the hype. The chicken was beautifully poached – the meat was incredibly tender and juicy with that signature gelatin layer under the skin that makes Hainanese chicken so unique. Served at room temperature (the traditional way, as our server informed us), the chicken was incredibly tender and juicy.
The true star, however, was the flavor. The natural taste of the chicken shone through, perfectly complemented by the trio of dipping sauces – ginger, chili, and dark soy sauce. Each sauce offered a unique twist, but the ginger sauce was a revelation. Its sharp, tangy notes cut through the richness of the chicken beautifully. The ginger sauce provided a zesty kick, the chili sauce brought some heat, and the sweet hoisin sauce balanced it all out nicely.
The rice was flavorful from being cooked in chicken stock, with an excellent oily texture. We made sure to get every last grain of rice with those sauces. While the soup that came with our order was a bit bland, the chicken and rice itself was so satisfying that it didn’t detract much from the overall experience. The hubby said that my Easy Rice Cooker Hainanese Chicken Rice version tastes almost the same, bless him, but I know it’s not. I still can’t get this level of juiciness.
We decided to take a bit of a leap of faith and try the chicken feet skin – an adventurous choice, I’ll admit. Surprisingly, it was a delightful discovery! The texture was unique, a bit gelatinous, but in a satisfying way. The seasoning was perfect, adding a delicious counterpoint to the mild chicken. Pro tip for any adventurous eaters out there – give it a try!
Budget-Friendly Portions for the Whole Family
Considering the quality and portion sizes, the prices at Tiong Bahru were a steal. The whole Hainanese chicken could easily feed our family of four, with leftovers for lunch the next day if the kids are not such big eaters. This makes it a fantastic option for families looking for a delicious and affordable meal that won’t break the bank.
A Taste of Singapore Without Leaving the Philippines
Our dinner at Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice was our little escape to Singapore. The combination of flavorful chicken, delicious sauces, and interesting side dishes like the chicken feet skin made for a truly memorable dining experience. The friendly service and relaxed atmosphere only added to the enjoyment and was also appreciated for our short-date lunch meal.
Singaporean Cravings or Just Craving a Delicious Escape?
Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dinner after a day of errands or simply craving authentic Singaporean cuisine, Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice is a must-try. It’s a hidden gem that brings the vibrant flavors of Singaporean hawker stalls straight to your table in the Philippines. So next time you’re in Capitol Commons in Kapitolyo and need a break from the ordinary, take your taste buds on a trip to Singapore – you won’t regret it!
