Anyone who has studied or currently studies in the Bangna-Bangkaew area surely knows this shop. From its origins as a small kiosk at the bus stop at the alley entrance, it has expanded into a large, busy restaurant that has won the hearts of locals for over 30 years. A familiar sight on arrival is the seller continuously chopping chicken with no breaks and the lively crowd of delivery riders waiting to pick up orders, a clear sign of daily sales exceeding 50 whole chickens.
The secret to this place’s deliciousness is its faithful adherence to the traditional method of making Hainanese chicken rice. It starts with meticulously cooked rice that comes out with each grain distinct, neither broken pandan leaves nor soggy and greasy. For the boiled chicken, the shop follows a strict rule: “never pound the chicken.” Instead, they serve thick-cut pieces for customers to enjoy hearty bites. Another little-known tip is that they wait for the chicken to cool before chopping it. Chopping hot chicken causes the natural juices to run out, resulting in dry, tough meat and loss of flavor.
The menu is straightforward but generous in portion and value. Individual quick meals like boiled chicken, fried chicken, or mixed chicken rice start at just 50 baht. Special orders cost 60 baht. For group dining, chicken can be ordered separately by plate from 90 to 200 baht or by half a chicken for 240 baht, up to a whole chicken for 400 baht. Rice can also be ordered separately for only 15 baht per bowl.
Highlight dishes you shouldn’t miss.
For solo diners, the recommended order is the special mixed chicken rice at 60 baht, served with three flavorful dipping sauces. The standout is the large bowl of soup with tender chicken ribs to savor. It’s a satisfying meal for just one hundred baht bill, with change of about 40 baht returned.
To get there, the shop is located in Bangkaew Alley, or Bangna-Trad Soi 66, next to Rajavinit Bangkaew School. If coming from the inbound route to Bangkok, drive just past Mega Bangna mall and turn left into Bangkaew Alley. For those coming outbound, make a U-turn at the Mega Bangna bridge without entering the mall, then after the bridge, keep left to enter Bangkaew Alley as usual.
True Hainanese chicken rice lovers who enjoy thick chicken pieces, fragrant rice, and friendly prices should quickly add the Hainanese Chicken Rice at Rajavinit Bangkaew to their must-visit food list.