Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice

Tian Tian is the legendary Maxwell Food Centre stall that turned a plate of poached chicken and rice into a national obsession, even winning a public nod from the late Anthony Bourdain. The chicken is poached until just-set and silky, then served at room temperature alongside rice cooked in stock, garlic and pandan until intensely fragrant. A punchy chilli-garlic-ginger dip ties it all together — locals stir in a little of the dark soy from the side saucer. Come well before noon, because the lunch queue routinely runs 30–45 minutes and the best birds sell out by mid-afternoon. Like most of the centre it's cash-only, so bring small notes.