1. Ban Huat Heng Chicken Rice @ Happy Mansion

 Ban Huat Heng Chicken Rice can be found in the suburban enclave of Happy Mansion. While you may think that a small neighbourhood business like this wouldn’t catch much attention, the packed tables will indicate otherwise! Brisk business means that their chicken is in limited supply, so come early!
Reasons to visit/tips:

  • If you are a seasoned chicken rice fan, then you know that you can’t have chicken rice without the accompanying garlic chili and ginger dipping sauce. However, Ban Huat Heng does it even better by shredding and mashing their ginger, and not blending it. Which means that much of the ginger flavour can be preserved as you have it on your chicken!
  • What is also unique to Ban Huat Heng is that they serve a grilled kampung fish stuffed with sambal. This delectable dish is made in severely limited numbers, so it all falls on luck as to whether you can snag a piece!
Address: CG-5, Jalan 17/13, Happy Mansion, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: Opens daily (7.30am – 9.00pm)
Contact: 012-288 6610

2. Loke Yun Ampang @ Pekan Ampang


Loke Yun in Ampang is for many chicken rice fans, a true institution. Founded in 1971 where it was run from a stall, the business is now a thriving establishment with its own shop in Ampang. Whether you’re into a deliciously sinewy bite of chicken, or the perfectly steamed grains of oiled rice, or just some crunchy chicken gizzards in your chicken rice, this place has them all!

Reasons to visit/tips:
  • Most chicken rice stalls tend to use chickens raised in industrial chicken coops for their plump size. However, that’s not the case with Loke Yun. Chicken served here is almost exclusively free-range, or as the Chinese call it ‘choi yin gai‘. Asides from the yellower skin (from all the maize they are fed with), the flesh of a free-range chicken tends to also have more bite. Tasty!
  • Chicken gizzards, which are properly cleaned and cooked here, are a decadent companion to your oiled rice. Don’t forget to order them!
Address: 158, Jalan Besar Ampang, Pekan Ampang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Operating hours: Opens daily (10.30am – 3.00pm, 5.30pm – 8.30pm)
Contact: 03-4291 9884

3. Nasi Ayam Chee Meng (Halal-certified) @ Bukit Bintang


Another longstanding stalwart that has been around for decades now, Nasi Ayam Chee Ming bears the honour of being the only chicken rice stall on this list to be certified Halal. So if you’re ever thinking of bringing your Muslim friends to try out some of the best chicken rice KL has to offer, don’t miss out on this one!

Reasons to visit/tips:
  • Halal-certification aside, Nasi Ayam Chee Meng really does earn its title as among some of the best chicken rice places in KL. Choose between roasted or steamed chicken; either way, you won’t be disappointed with a flesh that is still tender and bursting with savoury flavor. Dip it in their blend of ginger and chili sauce for that seriously delicious kick!
  • The restaurant also offers other dishes that stray from your typical chicken rice fare, such as sambal prawns and even curry laksa!
Address: 50, Bukit Bintang Street, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Opens daily (11.00am – 10.00pm)
Contact: 011-2413 0863

4. Garlic Roasted Chicken Rice @ Bandar Sunway


Just like it reads on the tin, this place is renowned within the Sunway township for serving an exceptionally delicious dish of garlic roasted chicken rice. A favourite for Sunway students in search of a cheap bite, you shouldn’t be surprised to see long lines here. The restaurant premise offers no-frills dining with plenty of seats. But don’t expect empty tables!

Reasons to visit/tips:
  • The house special here is chicken roasted with garlic, served with a drizzle of sweet sauce laced with fried garlic chips. If you don’t mind the garlicky breath afterwards, don’t think twice to indulge!
  • Only a limited number of roast chickens are prepared, so if they sell out, the shop closes early! You’ve been warned!
Address:  Jalan PJS 11/9, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: Opens daily, except on Sundays (8.00am – 2.00pm)
5. Satellite Chicken Rice @ Seksyen 10


While most people would expect traditional Chinese eateries to be stuffy and cramped, Satellite Chicken Rice differs in that respect by offering patrons an expansive dining environment. Situated in a corner shop along Jalan Gasing, an al fresco dining area is available, decorated with old-school twinkle lights. Come during the evenings for a truly relaxing mealtime.
Reasons to visit/tips:
  • The chicken is predictably delicious, tender and juicy without being too tough (yes, this applies even to the breast parts!). But the real star of the show is their Ipoh beansprouts, which are of course, fat and crisp. So good!
Address: 103, Jalan Gasing, Seksyen 10, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: Opens daily (9.00am – 10.00pm)
Contact: 03-7956 6830