There are only three components of this dish: the chicken, the rice and the chilli. But while chicken rice can be found in almost every kopitiam in Singapore, not many get the holy trinity right. Tian Tian is one of them. The chicken (only steamed versions here) is tender and juicy, the fragrant rice is packed with flavour from the garlic, sesame oil and chicken fat it’s cooked in, and the potent chilli sauce packs a mean punch.
You can up the ante further by ordering a plate of wings, claws or whatever that goes under the term “spare parts” in the menu. Tender steamed chicken, fluffy rice, slices of cucumber, homemade chill sauce and a bowl of chicken broth - all for $5. What’s not to love?