At the Mr. Hainan restaurant, nestled in the lively heart of VivoCity, chicken rice is reimagined with a dedication to authenticity, heritage, and surprising finesse.
Few dishes are as beloved in Singapore as Hainanese chicken rice. Comforting, hearty, and unmistakably ours, it’s a dish that brings generations together. Yet, with countless versions across hawker centres, restaurants, and malls, finding one that feels truly special can be a challenge.
The Story Behind Mr. Hainan
The owner of the Mr Hainan restaurant arrived in Singapore on a scouting trip two years ago, determined to make his first international venture meaningful. VivoCity was his choice, not just for its visibility but because he wanted to serve locals directly.
UE SQUARE’S COSMIC SPACE EXPEDITION: Have An Out-Of-This-World Adventure!
CARNIVAL OF CHRISTMAS CHEER: Celebrate and Win at Plantation Plaza and Northshore Plaza!
SNOW MUCH TO CELEBRATE: Christmas Fun at The Centrepoint
With around 30% of Singapore’s Chinese community tracing their family origins to Hainan, he recognised the strong cultural link.
He wanted to show that Hainanese food is more than chicken rice. Hainan food, just like Teochew and Hokkien cooking styles, relies on fresh ingredients, light-handed seasoning, and respect for natural flavours.
Chicken Rice, Reared and Prepared with Precision
The crown jewel of the menu at Mr. Hainan restaurant is, of course, chicken rice. Here, it’s done with extraordinary attention to detail.
The chickens are specially raised for the restaurant’s supply. They live cage-free for 120 days, before being closed for 60 days, a process that is believed to achieve the perfect balance of muscle and fat.
The restaurant believes this age and rearing method produces the most delicious chicken, one that is both tender and flavourful without being greasy.
There’s even a saying from Hainan itself: “Wenchang chickens are the best chickens — even their feet are fragrant.” That ethos runs through every plate here.
The rice holds its own as more than just a side. Cooked from late-harvest grains, which have less water content, it absorbs the savoury depth of the chicken stock beautifully. Each grain is plump yet distinct, carrying a gentle aroma that rises as the plate lands on the table.
Even the condiments speak to the restaurant’s philosophy.
Instead of the fiery, thick chilli Singaporeans are accustomed to, Mr. Hainan serves a lighter, almost clear chilli sauce. This cleaner profile highlights the natural sweetness of the chicken, allowing the meat’s delicate flavours to shine through.
Altogether, it’s a dish that feels both familiar and refined. And as the owner himself quips, “Which kid doesn’t like chicken rice?” Truly, it’s bound to please both children and adults alike.
A Refreshing Start: Pickled Radish
Before the main course, the meal often begins with the pickled radish appetiser. Made with thin peels of radish, carrot, and other vegetables, it is soaked in sugar, calamansi, and vinegar.
The result is crisp, tangy, and lightly sweet — a refreshing bite that cleanses the palate.
It pairs exceptionally well with the chicken rice, though diners are wise not to finish it too quickly. Its sharp, citrusy lift balances the richness of the meal that follows.
Beyond Chicken: Dishes Worth Exploring
The steamed threadfin is a lesson in restraint. Cooked gently and dressed with a light soy-based sauce, the fish remains moist and tender, its natural sweetness taking centre stage.
The fermented black bean threadfin is steamed until the flesh is almost impossibly smooth.
The savoury depth of the black beans enhances the fish without overshadowing it — “so soft and smooth every middle-aged adult will wish their skin was like that,” as one diner put it.
Served in a large earthen pot, the luffa and clam soup appears almost clear, yet has a comforting, milky hue. This comes from the five-hour chicken stock base that underpins it.
Light, nourishing, and subtly sweet from the clams, it’s the sort of soup that warms the body and lingers gently on the palate.
The pineapple duck may surprise diners. Stir-stewed with pineapple, the dish balances tangy and savoury notes.
While unusual to see duck paired this way, the combination works — though it’s more of an adventurous side than a must-order, especially if the table is already laden with dishes.
To balance out the richness, a plate of stir-fried cabbage and assorted vegetables arrives. Reminiscent of chap chye but much lighter, it is clean, crisp, and deliberately not oily — a simple but necessary accompaniment.
Coconut Pastry: A Sweet Surprise
One of the most memorable items on the menu is the coconut pastry. Imagine a pancake of desiccated coconut, fried to a golden crisp yet retaining a moist, fresh sweetness at its core.
The flavour is reminiscent of a fried Nonya kueh, though lighter and less cloying.
Officially a dessert, perhaps, but in reality it never lasts long on the plate — especially when children are around, who tend to beg for another helping the moment it’s gone.
The Assam Drink
To wash everything down, Mr. Hainan offers a signature Assam drink. Tamarind-based and boldly tangy, it’s a refreshing complement to the rich chicken rice.
The drink isn’t the star of the show, but it does its job well — cleansing the palate and offering a zesty counterpoint to the savoury courses.
Cultural Touches in the Décor
Dining here also offers a glimpse into Hainanese heritage.
Hainan is home to more than 50 minority groups, and the décor pays tribute to the Li minority, famed for their cooking and embroidery traditions.
The restaurant features depictions of traditional attap houses, which hold symbolic meaning in Li culture.
These were places where young women, upon adulthood, left their parents’ homes to live together, supporting one another in tight-knit communities. They were also where young men sought out future partners.
Wooden recreations of the Li community’s costumes and symbols further enrich the space. The effect is subtle but significant — a dining experience that honours culture alongside cuisine.
Special September Promotion
From 10 to 30 September 2025, diners can take advantage of a generous promotion: a half chicken portion at 50% off, along with unlimited refills of rice when ordering chicken. The offer is limited to one redemption per table per bill, making it an excellent way to experience the restaurant’s signature dish at unbeatable value.
Final Thoughts on Mr Hainan Restaurant at VivoCity
Mr. Hainan brings a refreshing new angle to Singapore’s Chinese food scene. By elevating the beloved chicken rice and surrounding it with a thoughtful menu, the restaurant offers something for everyone.
It’s a place where heritage meets flavour, where families can gather over dishes that feel both familiar and exciting.
Above all, it’s inclusive — sure to please diners of every age. After all, which kid doesn’t like chicken rice?
Mr. Hainan
Where: #02-145, VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, Singapore 098585
Opening Hours:Daily 11 am to 10 pm
If you enjoyed this story, you may also be interested to read about the revamped VivoCity Kopitiam.
