Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre
Location: 1 Kadayanallur St, #01-07 Maxwell Food Centre, Singapore 069184
Floor 1 · Maxwell Food Centre
A Maxwell Food Centre legend serving tender poached chicken and fragrant rice with a perfectly balanced chilli sauce.
A Maxwell Food Centre legend serving tender poached chicken and fragrant rice with a perfectly balanced chilli sauce.
Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice is one of the most celebrated stalls at Maxwell Food Centre, standing proudly just a few units away from its more famous neighbour, Tian Tian. Founded by a former Tian Tian apprentice, Ah Tai has carved out its own loyal following with a simpler, more focused menu that does one thing exceptionally well: classic Hainanese chicken rice.The chicken is poached to silky tenderness, the rice is fragrant and fluffy, and the chilli-ginger sauce is bright, punchy, and perfectly balanced. The stall operates from 10am daily, and while the queue can be formidable, it generally moves faster than at nearby competitors. The menu is deliberately concise — steamed chicken rice in small or large portions, with optional add-ons like chicken liver or gizzard.
This focus allows the team to maintain consistency and quality throughout the day, ensuring that every plate meets the high standards that regulars have come to expect. For a chicken rice experience that rivals the best in Singapore without the endless wait, Ah Tai at Maxwell Food Centre is a must-visit.
Operating Hours
Overall Rating
Based on 555 Google reviews
Negative Reviews
No negative reviews yet.
Positive Reviews
Andre Medina
great food, get soup, chicken, rice and sauce. could have had more cucumber but for only $7 its worth it. super fast service once you get through the line of everyone else wanting to try it.
Huang Huang
TOURISTS reading this: Get ur chicken rice fix instead of the other blue stall. The uncle cooking is the og. …
KC Heng
Decent chicken rice, way better than the Tian Tian just a few stalls down Look at how big the portion is, for $6. I asked for breast meat
TF
Each grain of rice has a life of its own. The rice is generously coated in chicken oil that gives it a beautiful off white hue and I could taste each grain bouncing in my mouth. Chicken is smooth and silky. Not a fan of chicken skin usually …
Ray Tran
This place is equally as good as the one next door. Chicken was amazing too …
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Photo Gallery
Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice
Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice stall
A food stall with a blue sign featuring Chinese characters '阿仔海南雞飯' and English text 'AH TAI HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE'. Customers are seen from behind, standing at the counter or seated nearby. The interior shows cooking equipment and staff working. A digital menu board displays various dishes with prices.
Ah Tai Hainese Chicken Rice
A storefront with a large blue sign displaying '阿仔海南雞飯' and 'AH TAI HAINESSE CHICKEN RICE'. Below the main sign, there is an illuminated menu board showing various dishes like chicken, Hainanese chicken rice, set meals, and Crystal Chicken Feet with prices. Inside, several roasted chickens are displayed on hooks. Customers are visible at the counter, and a 'YES! We are OPEN' sign hangs below the menu board.
Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice
Blue storefront sign with white Chinese characters and English name 'AH TAI HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE'. A chef is preparing food inside the stall. Customers are present at the counter. A blue 'OPEN' sign hangs below the main sign.
Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice
Blue signboard with white Chinese characters and English name 'AH TAI HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE' above the shop entrance. Inside, staff are visible in a kitchen area. A blue 'OPEN WELCOME' sign hangs below the main sign. The storefront includes promotional materials like QR codes and flyers on the right side.
Maxwell Food Centre Entrance
Exterior view of Maxwell Food Centre with green sign bearing 'Maxwell FOOD CENTRE' in red and white lettering above the entrance. The building has yellow pillars and a stone archway with 'MAXWELL MARKET' engraved. Two vertical banners on either side of the entrance read 'Happy National Day' with floral designs and crescent moon stars. A black lamppost stands to the left, and a small staircase leads into the market entrance. No menu or printed materials are visible.
Maxwell Food Centre Entrance
Night view of the entrance to Maxwell Food Centre, featuring a green illuminated sign with red cursive 'Maxwell' and white 'FOOD CENTRE' text. Below, people walk through an open archway into the food court, where red lanterns hang from the ceiling. A ladder leans against the right pillar.
Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Shop Front
A blue shop sign with Chinese characters and English text 'AH TAI HAINANESE CHICKEN'. Below the main sign is a menu board displaying various dishes like chicken rice, oyster sauce veg, and fishball noodles with prices in dollars. The interior shows staff preparing food and customers waiting.
Ah Tai Hainanese Restaurant
Blue signboard with white Chinese characters '阿仔海' and English name 'AH TAI HAINANESE'. A man in a black shirt is seen from behind, looking at the shop entrance. The interior shows kitchen equipment and hanging red cloth. Above the counter, there's a menu board displaying food images and prices.
Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice
Blue signboard with white Chinese characters '阿仔海南鸡饭' and English text 'AH TAI HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE'. Above the shop entrance, a corrugated metal roof with exposed beams is visible. A green sign with 'B7' is partially visible on the left.
Ah Tai Hainese Chicken Rice Shop Front
Blue signboard with white Chinese characters '阿仔海南雞飯' and English text 'AH TAI HAINESSE CHICKEN RICE'. Above the stall, metal roofing structure is visible. Below the main sign, a menu board displays images of dishes with prices in Singapore dollars.
Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice Shop Front
A blue shop sign with white Chinese characters and English text 'AH TAI HAINANESE CH' is mounted on the exterior of a building. Below, a menu board displays images of dishes like chicken rice, oyster sauce veg, and other items with prices in SGD.
Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice Shop Front
A blue shop sign with white Chinese characters and English text 'AH TAI HAINANESE' is mounted above a food stall entrance. Below the main sign, there is an illuminated menu board displaying various dishes like Hainanese Chicken Rice, Oyster Sauce Veg, and other rice-based meals with prices in SGD. A hanging 'OPEN' sign is visible on the right side of the frame.
Chicken Rice Meal
A plate of chicken rice with sliced chicken, rice, cucumber slices, a small bowl of chili sauce, a cup of clear soup garnished with green onions, two white spoons, and chopsticks on a green tray. No shop front or menu visible.
Chicken Dish
A plate of sliced chicken with cilantro garnish on a light blue surface.
Chicken Display at Food Stall
Several whole chickens are suspended in a glass display case, with one chicken on a plate below. A person is partially visible behind the counter. Signage includes partial logos and text like 'UI' and 'ER', suggesting a food stall or market setting. The environment appears to be an indoor food stall or restaurant interior.
Food court interior
Busy indoor food market with high ceiling, exposed metal beams, hanging fans, and Singaporean flags. Many people dining at tables, vendors with illuminated signs in Chinese and English. Customers of various ages eating meals. No shop front or menu clearly visible.
Dining Table with Vegetable Dish and Sauces
A light blue plate holds stir-fried green vegetables topped with fried shallots. Three small white bowls contain red chili sauce. The table has a printed mat with partial text including 'less than 3 years' and 'for your'. A promotional image of two people smiling is partially visible in the background.
Food and Drinks at a Stall
A table with two plates of chicken rice, two small bowls of soup, three condiment cups, two drinks in plastic cups with straws, and two dishes of stir-fried noodles and fried rice on trays. A cartoon-themed paper bag sits beside the drinks. A gray backpack rests on the table. The setting appears to be an indoor food stall or hawker center with tiled flooring and partial view of people's feet.
Urban Poolside View
A long narrow pool bordered by a wooden fence on one side and white colonial-style buildings on the other. In the background, modern high-rise buildings with 'CARLTON CITY' and 'ORCHID HOTEL' signage are visible under a partly cloudy sky.
Laksa bowl with chopsticks and spoon
A close-up shot of a bowl of laksa on an orange table, topped with bean sprouts, shrimp, fried tofu, hard-boiled egg, and garnished with herbs. Chopsticks and a white spoon rest in the bowl. A person's hands are partially visible at the top. Smaller bowls with condiments sit nearby.
Food Interior Shot
Close-up of Hainanese chicken rice dish on a light blue plate with cilantro garnish, served in an indoor eatery setting with orange tables and blurred background seating. A side of steamed vegetables and a mound of white rice are also visible.
Food and Beverage on Tray
A meal served on a black tray with disposable cutlery, chopsticks, and a plastic cup of orange juice. The plate contains rice with sliced chicken and cucumber sticks, accompanied by a small bowl of red sauce. The tray rests on an orange surface with printed text including 'Every din' and 'Clear your disposable crockery'.
Bowl of stir-fried bok choy with soy sauce and garlic
A close-up shot shows a white disposable bowl filled with cooked green leafy vegetables, likely bok choy or similar Asian greens, seasoned with dark soy sauce and topped with minced garlic. A plastic spoon rests in the bowl on a green textured tray. Partially visible to the right is another dish containing red sauce, possibly chili oil or dipping sauce. Chopsticks wrapped in clear plastic packaging lie below the tray.
Food at a hawker stall
Top-down view of a round orange table with multiple dishes including chicken rice, laksa, curry rice, vegetables, and drinks. A person is holding a phone, possibly taking a photo or checking payment. Tableware includes chopsticks, spoons, and condiments. The setting appears to be an indoor food court or hawker center.
Rice and Soup Meal Tray
A tray containing two plates of white rice, three small bowls of clear soup with green onions, and two small containers of red chili sauce.
Food Plate at Restaurant
A light blue plate with sliced chicken garnished with fresh cilantro, served on a brown table with small bowls of sauces in the background. A printed material partially visible to the right contains partial text 'Car Again'.
Food served in takeout containers
Two white foam containers with Hainanese chicken rice, including sliced chicken, steamed vegetables, and rice. Accompanied by small bowls of soup and condiments on a green tray atop an orange table surface.
Food Plate
A white paper plate with Hainanese chicken rice, including sliced chicken, rice, cucumber slices, and a dollop of sauce. A fork and spoon are partially visible in the foreground. The setting appears to be an indoor dining area with tiled flooring and a dark patterned tablecloth.
Hawker Food Tray
A green tray with two dishes: one plate of sliced chicken with cilantro and sauce, another small bowl of sliced meat garnished with greens.
Hawker stall with roasted chickens
A food stall displaying several whole roasted chickens hanging above a counter with plates of prepared chicken. A staff member in an apron is partially visible behind the glass. Multiple promotional signs are attached to the window: one circular 'TOP 300 SETHLUI HAWKER', another red sign advertising '3% Cashback', and a large maroon banner reading 'SINGAPORE BEST FOODS ENJOY TOP RATED FOODS 2022'. Flyers and printed materials on the left side include Chinese text, images of food, and pricing information for chicken wings and oyster sauce. The setting appears to be a hawker center with bright lighting and a commercial kitchen setup.
Chicken and Vegetable Dish at a Restaurant
A close-up of a plate containing sliced chicken with vegetables, served on a blue plate. In the background, another dish of green vegetables is visible on a table. The setting appears to be an indoor dining area with people in the background.
Food in a hawker center
A plate of Hainanese chicken rice with a side of chili sauce on a blue tray, viewed from inside a busy food court with diners seated at orange tables in the background.
Food served at a hawker center
An orange table with plates of Hainanese chicken rice, steamed vegetables, condiments, and utensils. A black tray with printed instructions sits on the table. Background shows tiled floor and other seating areas.
Marina Bay Food Centre during Spring Cleaning
An exterior view of a food centre with yellow and white facade, partially cordoned off by red-and-white tape. A banner announces 'Spring Cleaning' from 27-31 March 2025. Modern high-rise buildings are visible in the background under cloudy skies. Yellow tactile paving leads to the entrance. No shop front signage is clearly visible on the building itself.
Food served at a hawker center
Two white paper plates on a teal tray: one with sliced chicken over rice and cucumber slices, the other with stir-fried bok choy topped with fried shallots; a small bowl of red chili sauce and a receipt are also present.
Food served at a hawker stall
Three plates of chicken rice with accompaniments on a green table, including sauces, cucumber slices, broth, and clear soup. Utensils are placed on the tray. A person's hands and part of their clothing are visible in the frame.
Chicken and Vegetables Dish
A close-up shot of a plate containing sliced chicken pieces and green vegetables in a light broth or sauce, served on a white oval plate against a green background.
Temple Building Exterior
A multi-tiered traditional Chinese-style temple building with red and gold accents, under a cloudy sky. People are walking on the sidewalk in front of it. A modern high-rise apartment building is visible to the left. There are trees and street lamps nearby.
Hainanese Chicken Rice Plate
A plate of Hainanese chicken rice served on a white disposable plate, featuring sliced poached chicken over steamed rice with cucumber slices and soy sauce drizzle. Accompanied by a small bowl of clear broth and a side of chili sauce, all placed on a green tray.
Food Plate
A plate of sliced chicken and meat with cilantro garnish on a light blue surface.
Market Interior with Food Stalls
Interior view of a bustling food market with exposed red metal trusses and corrugated roof. Customers are seen walking or standing near stalls with illuminated signs in Chinese characters. A closed stall with yellow bags stacked on top is visible to the right. Several ceiling fans and lights illuminate the space.
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall interior
Busy food stall with customers queuing inside a covered market. Blue signage displays "TIAN TIAN HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE" in English and Chinese characters. Staff are behind counter, customers are ordering or waiting. Red lanterns hang near the stall. Signage includes instructions like "Please Q in a Single Line" and "Do Not Block The Way."
Hawker stall interior view
Interior of a food stall with hanging chickens, plates of prepared chicken on display counter, staff wearing face mask behind counter, multiple promotional signs including 'TOP 300 SETHLUI SINGAPORE 2022', 'CDC Voucher Accepted here', 'SINGAPORE BEST FOOD ENJOY TOP RATED FOOD 2022', and ShopBack cashback signage.
Stewed Offal with Cilantro
A plate of stewed offal, likely pig's stomach and intestines, garnished with fresh cilantro and green onions. Served on a white disposable plate alongside a bowl of congee (rice porridge) topped with chopped green onions. The table surface is orange.
Restaurant Interior View
Interior view of a food stall with glass partition, showing roasted chickens on racks, stacked plates, condiment containers, and staff working behind counter. Glass shelves hold bowls of prepared ingredients. Promotional posters are mounted on walls. A granite countertop is in foreground. Signage includes Chinese characters near sink.
Hand holding Sugar Kid drink in food court
A hand holds a white plastic cup with 'Sugar Kid' logo and cartoon character. In the background, a food stall sign reads 'AH TAI Hainanese Chicken Rice'. The setting appears to be an indoor hawker center with tables, stools, and people in motion.
Chicken Rice in Foil Container
A close-up shot of a takeout meal in a white foam container, featuring sliced chicken with orange sauce over rice, accompanied by cucumber slices and a spoon resting on the side.
Hainanese Chicken Rice with Iced Drink
A plate of Hainanese chicken rice topped with orange chili oil and cucumber slices, served on a yellow plate alongside a cup of iced cola with ice cubes. Blue-handled cutlies rest beside the tray.
Food Court Interior
A bustling indoor food court with multiple stalls, customers dining at tables, and visible signage on shop fronts.
Dining table with food and drink
A hand holding a Sugar Kid branded milkshake cup in front of a meal tray containing rice, chicken, and side dishes on an orange table. Other diners are seated around the table with various bowls, drinks, and condiments. A can of soda and phone are also visible.
Food and drink at a hawker center
Two plates of chicken rice with side dishes, condiments, a purple can, a beverage cup with logo, and a napkin pack on an orange table. A person's arm and part of their outfit are visible. The setting appears to be indoors at a food stall or hawker center.
Food served on tray
A meal consisting of Hainanese chicken rice with sliced chicken, rice, cucumber slices, and a drizzle of sauce on a white plate. Accompanied by a bowl of clear soup garnished with green onions and a small dish of red chili sauce. The food is presented on a green textured tray with a fork placed beside it. No shop front or menu visible.
Food in Takeaway Container
A styrofoam container with sliced chicken, rice, and offal-like meat pieces, resting on an orange plastic bag. The lid is open and the contents are clearly visible.
Hainanese Chicken Rice
A plate of sliced roasted chicken with glossy brown sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro on a light blue plate.
Chicken Rice Stall Interior
A self-service food stall with a green tray holding a plate of Hainanese chicken rice, accompanied by small bowls of sauce and broth. A large orange sauce container sits nearby. Behind the counter is a blue menu board listing items like 'Half Chicken $15', 'Hainanese Chicken Rice $5/$6/$7', and other chicken dishes. The setting includes stainless steel counters, kitchen equipment, and a QR code sign on a white background.
Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice
A newspaper clipping featuring a photo of Ah Tai, owner of Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice stall at Maxwell Road Food Centre. The image shows him holding a whole chicken and a plate of rice with chicken pieces. Text mentions he opened his own stall after being fired from Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.
Hawker Stall Display
A food stall with a blue menu board showing dishes like Oyster Sauce Veg, Bean Sprout, Visceral, and Crystal Chicken Feet. Below the menu, there are posters, flyers, and payment options like GrabPay and CPG Voucher. Hanging chickens are visible in the background, along with plates and containers on the counter.
Hawker Stall Display
A hawker stall with a menu board showing dishes like Crystal Chicken Feet, Viscera, and Oyster Sauce Vegetables. Posters from newspapers and magazines are attached to the front, including articles about chicken rice war and seth luit hawker. A bag of purple grapes hangs on the left side.
Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken stall interior
Interior view of a food stall with customers at counter, staff working behind counter, hanging chicken, and various printed materials on walls including QR codes and flyers.
AH TAI Hainanese Chicken Rice Shop Signage
Blue sign with white lettering displaying 'AH TAI HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE' in English and Chinese characters. Below the main sign, a red promotional banner shows images of steamed chicken, sliced meat, and other dishes with prices like '$2 per slice'. A ceiling fan is visible to the left. The setting appears to be an indoor food stall or market.
Food Stall Interior Display
A close-up view of a food stall's interior, showing shelves stacked with blue plates and bowls below a menu board displaying steamed chicken rice and crystal chicken feet.
Ah Tai Chicken Rice Stall
A food stall display featuring whole chickens hanging, a menu board with dishes like Oyster Sauce and Bean Sprout, QR codes for payment, social media links, and various award stickers.
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