Are you a fan of Hainanese chicken rice but can’t quite get behind the texture of poached chicken? Well, here’s a treat for you. The next time you find yourself in Bukit Bintang, make your way to Jiang He Restaurant on Jalan Imbi. Here, three days a week, you’ll find an exciting twist on the classic Hainanese chicken rice, just waiting for you.
What’s the big secret?
This spot in KL is rather favoured amongst the local work crowd so if you work in the Bukit Bintang area, buzz about this place has likely reached you already. It’s a go-to for many office workers looking for a quick but delicious and affordable meal, before they head back to the office.
Image Credit: 羅主任 (Google Reviews)
Looking in from the outside, this unassuming Chinese mixed rice shop might seem like just another spot in a sea of average eateries. Only those who frequent this shop will know that its popularity comes from serving up something special. While the shop’s wide variety of mixed rice options are certainly worth noting, it’s their Hainanese fried chicken rice that steals the show.
Image Credit: Kit Lim (Google Reviews)
The star of the show
Hainanese fried chicken rice. It’s not everyday that you can find this classic dish served with a chunky piece of fried chicken. Available only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, this dish is a hot ticket item at Jiang He, that people eagerly await.
Image Credit: 羅主任 & Justin Goh (Google Reviews)
Drop by this spot and the first thing you’ll notice is the sheer size of the fried chicken legs. They’re enormous and cooked to a perfect golden brown. The batter is also not too thick, allowing for a crispier encasing. The meat is tender and juicy, each bite as satisfying as it is delicious.
Image Credit: Melvyn Tang & Allison Yap (Google Reviews)
What makes this dish stand out isn’t just the size of the chicken or the crispiness of the batter, it is the experience that you get despite the affordability. The chicken is freshly prepared and served piping hot, complemented by rice that’s cooked in broth, making it extremely flavourful and fragrant. A spoonful of umami gravy is then spooned directly onto the rice before serving. Who can resist a gravy packed with meat essence? The real magic though, the component that kicks things up a notch, is the generous handful of fried crispy batter bits that are served with the rice and chicken. These little morsels add an extra layer of crunch and flavour, elevating each spoonful of this dish. This is all tied together by the chilli that you usually get with any chicken rice.
The chicken rice includes a hefty portion of chicken and rice. However, if you’re a fan of variety or if you’re simply a big eater, you can also add to your meal by indulging in their mixed rice offerings. How convenient, right?
Nothing beats a cheap meal that hits the spot
Speaking of the aforementioned affordability, another standout feature of this spot is that you can get a plate of Hainanse fried chicken rice and a drink for only RM10. It’s no wonder the work crowd flock to this humble spot. In a city where dining out can be so incredibly pricey, a meal that offers exceptional value for money is always nice to fall back on. The restaurant also has hawker stalls selling noodles and other local favourites, for those who are interested.
As with most popular eateries in KL, parking can be a bit of a hassle, especially during peak lunch hours. In an area known for its bustling activity, the suggestion would be to consider alternative transportation options.
Image Credit: Kit Lim (Google Reviews)
For all you fried chicken fans and poached chicken haters, this Chinese eatery in Bukit Bintang is worth checking out. The Hainanese fried chicken rice is a standout dish that perfectly captures the essence of comfort food with a crispy twist. For its affordability and generous portion, it is perfect for those days when you’re just craving a budget-friendly meal that’s hearty and filling.
Remember, the chicken rice stall only operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Jiang He
Operating Hours: 7:00am – 4:00pm, Closed on Sundays
Contact: 012-9103100
Food Status: Non-halal
You should also check out: This PJ chicken rice stall must have feng shui on its side, after 61 years it is still so popular
