When one of the local papers out here did a story naming the "Four Hainanese Chicken Rice Heavenly Kings" last week, I wasn't surprised to see some very popular names on there: Chatterbox, Boon Tong Kee, and Five Star. But there was one that I didn't recognize at all: Loy Kee. We had a chance tonight to come down and check it out (342 Balestier Road, 6252-2318).
I liked it a lot, mainly because of the heavy dousing of sesame oil all over. Granted, it was a bit excessive; almost to the point where it was dripping off the chicken. But it made it so tasty that it wasn't until I made it halfway through my chicken portion did I realize that I hadn't even tried the hot sauce yet (whose refreshingly sour taste also scored points with me). Tie it all together with the ultra firm and fluffy rice, and I was quite happy. They definitely weren't shy on the flavor here.
13 comments:
I liked the one in woodlands.. because they have congee.. rojak.. and other stuff there .. even western breakfast.. but that was a good 8 yrs ago.
Love Loy Kee, though I think Boon Tong Kee is a bit better. I wished they'd have a chicken rice shop which also serves chicken curry to go with the rice. Anyone knows of one?
between BTK and LoyKee, the former tastes more robust. Loy is much milder i think...
Have you tried the soy sauce chicken (you ji) at Chew Kee or Chiew Kee along Upper Cross Street?
Loy Kee is definately better than Boon Tong Kee, that's my personal opinion.
Another good one should be the one at Novena area. I think it's called 五星? Not quite sure..
i don't know when is it that you went there to eat or perhaps you were obviously snapping photos.I've lived at Balestier for most of my life & ate there for most of these years constantly.i've always have been rather satisfied with the food there.But recently,i've noticed a drop in standard and last weekend was the worst ever.imo,good chicken can't just have good rice or chilli.everything have to at least be consistent.most disappointing last weeknd was the soup,it's (no exaggeration whatsoever)colored plain water,we asked for a change and they came back (qt a long while later) with colored plain water again,this time with more spring onions & few cabbages swimming inside.me and my 4 other diners figured there's no pt getting it changed again.the ginger is no longer as robust as before.and the crystal chicken feet,which used to be served thai style and then they change to just pouring their chilli over.that night,it was served White (as if it was just boiled in hot water) coupled with drizzles of sesame oil and soy sauce, 2 tiny parsley leave n 2 rings of cut chilli.it was beyond shocking.no comments there already.We had fried wanton too, it was just too oily and the filling was rather tasteless.all these makes the rest of the items rather unforgettable.i'm not sure if it's just that day or is the standard here to stay.but i am in no hurry to go back when there are much better ones available,i.e. at Whampoa(Nan Xiang).my mother also expressed great disappointment over the drop in standard in the breakfast menu and she's there almost every other weekend for many years.I'm glad you had a much better experience than me and i sincerely hope that all these is perhaps coz the chef was just in a bad mood.
try Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice. Opposite Novena Church :)
Dude, I've been following your blog for a while now - if there's anything I miss being here in Canada its the food back home. Seeing this Loy Kee Balestier post really hits the spot - I live spitting distance away from the Balestier Loy Kee outlet - also spitting distance away from the Boon Tong Kee outlet - and a stone's throw away from Wee Nam Kee across from Novena Church.
So...Damn you and your travels lol - ok seriously, keep em coming. I can almost smell the food when I read your blog.
By the way I've added a link to your blog on mine - hope you don't mind.
Have you tried tian tian chicken rice at Maxim food court?
The "Loy Kee" that got Four Heavenly King of chicken Rice is at Whampoa Hawker Center, not the one at Balestier Road. You should read the acticle from omy.com. Whampoa is manage by the elder brother of the Loy's family.
yes loy kee at balestier is terrible, use to be good. now is bad service, they dun state how much is their chicken and portion, end up we pay quite a lot of a small plate of chicken.
At least boon tong kee is more honest in their pricing.
Try the one at Queenstown hawker centre level 2! It is very cheap and SUPER yummy. Better than boon tong kee, and the rest!
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