TLDR
Top-tier Hainanese chicken rice destination in Hell's Kitchen. Renowned for delicate poached poultry, gingery rice, and classic comfort sides.
Instagram Posts References
The reviewer considers Uncle Ray's Chicken and Rice a favorite restaurant in Hells Kitchen. They ordered the trio combo chicken rice and Kailan (Chinese broccoli). Specific praise was given to the char siu and the complimentary chicken broth. The reviewer mentioned that there might be a wait due to the restaurant's popularity, but the service is efficient.
Resy highlights Uncle Ray’s for serving perhaps the best Hainanese chicken rice in the city, focusing on silky textures and complex, comforting flavors.
Details
Renowned for its authentic Hainanese chicken rice in Hell's Kitchen, this spot serves delicately poached and roasted chicken accompanied by gingery rice and flavorful broth [1], [2]. The menu features high-quality comfort dishes like claypot seafood porridge and sweet-salty char siu [2], [4]. While generally celebrated for its focused, high-quality approach to traditional recipes, the experience is strictly walk-in only [4], [5].
Food Overview
The restaurant specializes in Hainanese chicken rice, featuring tender poached chicken and gingery rice served with a signature broth [2], [5]. Critics and patrons highly recommend the roasted chicken, char siu, and coffee pork ribs [2], [6], [9]. Some diners have noted the accompanying soup occasionally carries cabbage notes rather than a traditional chicken flavor, and individual taste preferences regarding saltiness can vary [1].
Caveats
The restaurant is walk-in only, which may result in waits [4], [10]. Some patrons have noted practical drawbacks, such as the small dining area and the necessity of navigating through the kitchen to reach the restroom [1].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About UNCLE RAY'S
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: What Is A Good Place For Ginger Scallion Chicken
"The user agrees that the restaurant is worth the trek for a visit."
PositiveFrom post: What Is A Good Place For Ginger Scallion Chicken
"The user highly recommends this restaurant, stating the food is very good."
PositiveFrom post: Wheres The Good Food In Midtown Thats Not 50 And
"Listed as a recommended spot."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Hainanese Chicken Rice Roundup Hainan Chicken
"This user inquired whether the original poster tried both poached and roasted chicken at Uncle Ray's, expressing a personal preference for the roasted chicken, though noting its flavor can vary."
NeutralFrom post: Nyc Hainanese Chicken Rice Roundup Hainan Chicken
"This commenter stated that the same person founded both Uncle Ray's Chicken Rice and Hainan Jones, and they prefer Uncle Ray's, especially because it includes ginger paste. They also mentioned that Uncle Ray's is in the former location of Hell's Kitchen Tradisyon, another favorite."
Positive