Finally, a Hainanese Chicken and Rice dining location near me!
I'm not saying there are NO locations near me that serve this dish, but all the other places are a good 30 to 40-minute walk away. This one is like 10 minutes away, and it's affordable and pretty damn good.
Sure, there is Hainan Chicken House, which is famous on instagram or tiktok, located in the Brooklyn Chinatown, but have you ever tried to get a seat there? It's packed full of people hopping onto a trend. So instead of going to those flashe in a pan social media, famous locations. Check out a slightly off the beaten track location like Yi Poh Kitchen.
For appetizer obviously you gotta start with the Rotai Canai. A flaky, airy flatbread served with a side of chicken curry for dipping. The chicken curry here is tender, juicy, and boneless with just the right amount of heat. Though I have noticed a trend with the roti served in malaysian eateries and that they're not as puffy and crispy as they used to be, a sad change but not a deal breaker.
Now on to the entrees. My brother ordered the Bake Curry Chicken and Rice, which he loved. It was chocked full of chicken curry (possibly the same chicken curry that is served in the roti canai) on top of rice which is then covered in a layer of cheese and baked until everything is a bubbly gooey bowl of deliciousness. It's quite a bit of food as my brother was unable to finish it. I had the quintessential hainanese chicken and rice. The rice is a fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth with hints of ginger. The chicken is a mix of white and dark meat (both juicy and tender) with a sweet garlicky soy sauce poured over it. There is also a side of garlic hot sauce if you want more of a kick. I love this dish so much I could eat a whole chicken's worth of meat in one sitting. One thing I did note is that the 1st time I visited, the chicken was boneless, but this time, it wasn't. It's not a big deal, just something I noticed.
So if you are in the mood for good malaysian/Singaporean cuisine but don't want to wait for a seat at those crowded and hyped up locations on 8th Avenue. Check...
Read moreI had a great experience at Yi Poh Kitchen and would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves delicious, affordable Asian food. The place is very clean and well-maintained, which made me feel comfortable and welcomed right away. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the service was quick and smooth.
I ordered the beef noodles, and they were absolutely delicious. The noodles were soft but chewy, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor. The beef was tender, juicy, and seasoned just right. You could really tell the ingredients were fresh and made with care. The portion size was generous too — I felt full and happy without paying a lot.
What I really liked about Yi Poh Kitchen is that it has a nice, calm environment. It’s clean, peaceful, and perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. Whether you’re eating alone or with friends or family, it feels like a cozy spot to enjoy your meal.
The prices are very affordable, especially for the quality of food you get. It’s a great place if you’re looking for good food on a budget. Everything is in good condition, from the chairs to the restrooms, and you can tell they care about keeping the place nice...
Read moreIf you’re craving a true taste of Malaysia, this restaurant delivers an experience that hits all the right notes—fragrant, bold, and beautifully authentic. From the first bite to the last, it’s clear that this kitchen knows its roots and isn’t afraid to showcase them.
The Sarang Burung is a standout starter. This dish is not only visually stunning but also an explosion of flavors and textures—the crispy taro nest cradling a medley of sautéed vegetables and seafood is executed with finesse. The delicate crisp contrasts perfectly with the savory-sweet sauce that ties everything together.
Their Hainanese Chicken Rice is the real deal—tender, juicy chicken with a silky skin, served with fragrant, perfectly oiled rice and a trio of sauces that elevate the dish. The garlic-chili sauce, in particular, has the perfect kick and rounds out the plate with that signature Southeast Asian punch. This dish tastes just like the ones you’d find in hawker stalls back in Malaysia...
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