TLDR
Exceptional Hainanese chicken rice served in a casual, walk-in-only Hell's Kitchen storefront. Expertly poached or roasted fowl paired with fragrant ginger rice and signature dipping sauces.
Instagram Posts References
Serves Singaporean Hainanese chicken rice.
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
Located in Hell's Kitchen, this popular spot specializes in authentic Hainanese chicken rice that has garnered significant acclaim from food critics and locals alike [1], [2], [4]. Diners can choose between delicately poached or savory roasted chicken, often accompanied by ginger-infused rice and a comforting side of broth [1], [2], [5]. While the restaurant is a walk-in-only establishment, its reputation for quality makes it a highly regarded pre-theater dining destination [3], [4], [5].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on Hainanese chicken rice, featuring both poached and roasted options that are praised for their preparation [1], [2]. Customers frequently highlight the excellent dipping sauces and ginger paste as essential components of the meal [2], [5]. Additional menu items include comforting claypot seafood porridge, sweet-salty char siu, and sides like kailan (Chinese broccoli) [1], [2], [9].
The signature poached Hainanese chicken rice is widely considered a must-order, often enjoyed alongside the coffee pork ribs and the flavorful char siu [1], [2], [7].
Overall feedback is highly positive, with many patrons considering it their favorite spot for Hainanese chicken in the city [7], [8]. While most enjoy the food quality, there have been occasional mentions of the chicken being bland or the rice being too salty [2], [6].
Most Mentioned Dishes
- 01hainanese chicken rice3 mentions
- 02chicken rice2 mentions
- 03poached hainanese chicken rice2 mentions
- 04roasted hainanese chicken2 mentions
- 05claypot seafood porridge2 mentions
- 06char siu2 mentions
Caveats
The restaurant is walk-in only, which may result in waits, and some diners have noted that the chicken can occasionally feel bland without the provided dipping sauces [1], [2], [9].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About UNCLE RAY'S
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Hole In The Wall Restaurants In The Theatre
"Listed as a recommended hole-in-the-wall spot."
PositiveFrom 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."
Neutral