United Square (Novena), #01-08
Wee Nam Kee was founded in 1987 by the late Mr Wee Toon Ouut and has expanded into a franchise with outlets in Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia (since 2010). The United Square branch in Novena is the most accessible for visitors staying in the central belt.
Wee Nam Kee is commonly cited as using onion oil in the rice instead of the more common chicken fat, though the restaurant itself does not prominently advertise this. The chicken portions tend to be generous, and the meat quality is consistent across visits. Reliable more than exciting.
The restaurant format means higher prices than hawker stalls ($7.50+ per plate), and some locals feel you are paying for the brand more than the food at this point. But for tourists or anyone who just wants chicken rice in aircon with no surprises, it does the job.
Scored across 5 dimensions specific to chicken rice. Learn what each means →
The original. Chicken poached in aromatic stock then ice-bathed for silky texture. Subtle, clean flavour. The jelly layer under the skin is the hallmark.