TLDR
Authentic Hainanese chicken & roast pork belly, hailed as top-tier Cantonese-style poached chicken. Also features excellent curry laksa & Char Kway Teow [1], [3].
Instagram Posts References
Hainan Chicken House is featured for its Charsiu pork belly, indicating a popular spot for this classic dish.
Details
Hainan Chicken House in Brooklyn is celebrated for its authentic Hainanese chicken, served hawker-style [1]. While the signature poached chicken is a highlight, the roast chicken is also noted for its rich flavor [1], [2]. The restaurant also offers other well-regarded dishes like Char Kway Teow and curry laksa [1], [3].
Food Overview
The star of the show at Hainan Chicken House is undoubtedly the Hainanese chicken, with many hailing it as the best Cantonese-style poached chicken in NYC [1], [2]. The roast pork belly is also a highly recommended dish [1], [3]. Other notable mentions include the excellent curry laksa and Char Kway Teow [1], [3]. While the chicken rice has been described as plain by some, the overall food quality garners significant praise, with some finding the Hainan chicken experience to be uneven at times [1], [4].
Caveats
The restaurant's location in Brooklyn may be inconvenient for some diners. Additionally, while the Hainan chicken is often praised, one commenter found their experience with it to be uneven.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About HAINAN CHICKEN HOUSE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Where Can We Get Mie Gorang Preferably In Brooklyn
"This restaurant was mentioned as a potential option."
NeutralFrom post: Nyc Hainanese Chicken Rice Roundup Hainan Chicken
"This user noted that receiving food wrapped in wax paper, as at Hainan Chicken House, is also common in Portland, Oregon, especially for to-go orders."
NeutralFrom post: Nyc Hainanese Chicken Rice Roundup Hainan Chicken
"This commenter mentioned that the owners of Hainan Chicken House opened another spot in Greenpoint, and that both locations serve excellent Hainanese chicken and amazing roast pork made with pork belly."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Hainanese Chicken Rice Roundup Hainan Chicken
"This commenter recommended trying the roast pork at Hainan Chicken House, noting it uses pork belly for a richer flavor compared to typical roast pork."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Hainanese Chicken Rice Roundup Hainan Chicken
"This user has consistently enjoyed Hainan Chicken House and still finds it enjoyable, despite some negative opinions that emerged after it was featured on a 'top 100' list."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Hainanese Chicken Rice Roundup Hainan Chicken
"This user plans to visit Elmhurst for Thai food and will try to include an order of chicken rice from Eim Khao Mun Kai."
NeutralFrom post: Nyc Hainanese Chicken Rice Roundup Hainan Chicken
"This commenter is looking for the best chicken rice in NYC, inspired by their Hainanese girlfriend. They mentioned trying Eim Khao Mun Kai (Thai style) and West New Malaysia as good options so far, and plan to try Hainan Chicken House based on the original post."
NeutralFrom post: Nyc Hainanese Chicken Rice Roundup Hainan Chicken
"This commenter expressed great enthusiasm for Hainanese chicken rice and planned to visit Hainan Chicken House based on the original post's review."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Hainanese Chicken Rice Roundup Hainan Chicken
"This commenter confirmed that Hainan Chicken House uses wax paper wrapping for its food, as is traditional in food court restaurants in Southeast Asia. They also mentioned that this restaurant serves other roasted meats, contributing to a broader Southeast Asian and Southern Chinese/Cantonese dining experience."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Hainanese Chicken Rice Roundup Hainan Chicken
"The author found Hainan Chicken House to be the best among the three reviewed places. The chicken was flavorful and tasty enough to be enjoyed without dipping sauce, with the roast chicken being distinct from the poached version. However, the dipping sauce was noted as weak, especially the sweet chili sauce, and the chicken rice was plain. Serving the food in wax paper wrapping instead of a plate was also mentioned, as was its inconvenient location for those not living in Brooklyn."
PositiveFrom post: Visit Soon Are There Any Singaporean Restaurants
"Hainan Chicken House in Sunset Park is good. The commenter initially misread a request for 'Chai Tow Kway' as 'Char Kway Teow'."
PositiveFrom post: Visit Soon Are There Any Singaporean Restaurants
"Hainan Chicken House in Sunset Park is mentioned as being good."
PositiveFrom post: Char Kway Teow
"This user stated that Hainan Chicken House is the best place for Char Kway Teow after trying many places in NY, considering it leagues better than the competition, though not as good as options in Singapore. They also mentioned Sumatera in Elmhurst for Indonesian food."
PositiveFrom post: Which Breakout Cuisine Would You Like To See In
"This user confirmed they love Hainan Chicken House after it was recommended for its laksa sauce."
PositiveFrom post: Which Breakout Cuisine Would You Like To See In
"This user mentioned Hainan Chicken House has a delicious laksa sauce for dipping their fried chicken."
PositiveFrom post: Which Breakout Cuisine Would You Like To See In
"This user recommended Hainan Chicken House, calling it very good and their first experience at a Malaysian restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Your Favorite Malaysian Restaurant In The City
"A user asks how Hainan Chicken House compares to Eim Khao Mun Khai."
NeutralFrom post: Your Favorite Malaysian Restaurant In The City
"After finding Taste Good's dishes too oily, this user plans to try Hainan Chicken House."
NeutralFrom post: Your Favorite Malaysian Restaurant In The City
"This user ranks Hainan Chicken House second, specifically for its chicken rice, after trying several Malaysian restaurants in NYC."
NeutralFrom post: Your Favorite Malaysian Restaurant In The City
"This restaurant is mentioned as a Malaysian option in NYC. The user later states that it is pretty average."
Neutral