Capturing the authentic flavours of Hainanese chicken rice, Sinn Ji, is run by a young and passionate hawkerpreneur. And with his love for cooking, Derwin’s month-long apprenticeship under a chicken rice master certainly paid off.

Tender and moist, both the roasted and white chicken were surprisingly good ($32/whole; $16/half). The lightly crisp and flavourful spice-enhanced skin was a sure winner and the unanimous favourite at the table. However, comparing the two, I would still go for the steamed (since I am biased). Silky smooth, I found the meat of the steamed chicken to be more succulent and I just love the gelatinous layer in between. Best when I get to mop up the soy sauce pooling under the chicken and drench each forkful in black sauce. Not forgetting the second lead, their rice was also well-executed though of the lighter variety - pleasantly fragrant without being overly oily.

Furthermore, a point definitely worth noting is that the store is using halal-certified ingredients (they were still in the midst of obtaining the certification during our visit). Thus, making it a great spot to hold a chicken rice party for everyone. Psst… and order some sides to go along like their Thai Style Tofu ($4.80) and try their plate of dry tossed noodles if rice is not your thing.