Little Hainan • 小海南雞飯館 — Restaurant in Sarawak

Visited the Little Hainan in Kuching for lunch, after reading several highly complimentary articles about it. We tried their nasi lemak, and chicken curry rice, plus a couple of drinks. Frankly, the experience was underwhelming. Service: Efficient, with a barrier control system at the entrance. You're only let in when a table's available. Ambience: it's sort of pretty, and tries hard for rusticity; lanterns, furnishings, ol' time knick-knacks.... but there's plenty of noise pollution from various alarms and beepers going off constantly, presumably incoming orders and food prep. The grim-faced waitstaff rushing around seemed harried, which was strange since it's really a very small setup. Not the least bit relaxing, and frankly it all seemed rather contrived. Food: you get what you ordered, and quantities were decent. Everything was tasty, though lukewarm. The only item that was memorable, to me, was the complimentary salted vegetable soup. At least this nicely warmed the stomach, and had a piquancy that broke through the tedium of the other dishes. Value: Nope. It's clear that one is expected to pay for the hype, for the "pretty packaging". Certainly one can get better food and a more authentic atmosphere elsewhere, at lower prices. I'm glad I visited, unfortunately if only to confirm that it's not a place I would...

Little Hainan is famous for their Hainanese Chicken Rice, and it is absolutely fabulous, especially when served with their delicious char siu and roasted pork.

But these folks are so much more than just great chicken rice. Their version of Kaya - a sweet spread made with coconut, pandan, sugar and eggs - incorporates caramelised sugar. It was the best Kaya we had in Malaysia. When served with their Hainanese steamed bread, high quality butter (think Beurre Normandie-level goodness), and exceptional coffee it’s a next-level experience.

The classic breakfast is usually served with “Half Boiled Egg”. Add some of the famous Sarawak white pepper, soy sauce and enjoy it by the spoonful. Or better yet, dip your grilled Kaya toast - with a thick slice of cold butter in the middle - for a mind-blowing experience; sweet, rich, warm and cold at the same time.

As delicious as the food is, the highlight of our visits to Little Hainan was getting to know Lynda, the granddaughter of the restaurant's founders. She has a wealth of historical and local knowledge, and was kind enough to let us in on some local recipe secrets that we’re dying to try when we get home. We felt like we’d been adopted by this amazing human!

If you ever find yourself in Kuching, multiple visits to Little Hainan should be high on your foodie...

Love the ambience but definitely overrated. The menu is split into breakfast and lunch section. Make sure to reach latest by 10am if you wish to have the classic Hainan toast despite the breakfast menu being available until 10.30am (I had a bad experience the first time of reaching at 10.25am and being told they ran out of toast and only had the steamed one). Second time I was there I reached at 9am ish, again told they had no toast. Anyways out of twice the disappointment and desperation we ordered the steamed toast- a little meh. Also tried their special vermicelli there which was kinda sweet for me and the combination of flavours just didn't deliver. Butter coffee yet to be improved, coffee notes were too subtle and lacked the Hainanese touch- but it's worth noting that they were willing to swap a hot cup of coffee if you tell them it's not hot enough for you. Pulut panggang a meh, glutinous rice too hard and dry. But all in all, good and friendly service.

P.S. this only applies...