Mr Hainan Brings True Hainanese Flavours to VivoCity – More Than Just Chicken Rice

As a proud Hainanese, I am delighted to share that Singapore now has a restaurant dedicated to serving traditional Hainanese cuisine – Mr Hainan, newly opened at VivoCity. For most Singaporeans, “Hainanese food” usually means chicken rice. But the truth is, even our beloved Hainanese chicken rice here is not the same as what people enjoy on Hainan Island. At Mr Hainan, you can finally savour authentic dishes prepared the way they are meant to be in Hainan, China.

The Star of Hainan – Wenchang Chicken

The Hainan Wenchang Chicken (Half: $28.80, Whole: $52.80) is the highlight. Unlike the softer textures of our local version, the Wenchang chicken is prized for its firm, flavourful meat. The chickens are free-ranged for 120 days to build muscle, then placed in smaller spaces for 60 days to intensify flavour. Fed on a natural, antibiotic-free diet, the result is tender yet firm flesh with a depth of taste unlike any chicken you’ve had in Singapore.

The meat is enjoyed with a dip made from coriander, garlic and calamansi – a refreshing, aromatic mix that perfectly complements the chicken. Do note: Mr Hainan does not serve the Singapore-style chicken rice red chilli sauce. Instead, they want diners to embrace the true flavours of Hainan, where the emphasis is on clean, aromatic, and balanced tastes.

Pair the chicken with the Luffa & Glass Noodle in Chicken Broth ($18.80). The broth is simmered for five hours until rich and nourishing, enveloping tender luffa and slippery glass noodles. It is hearty and one of my favourites on the menu.

Of course, no Hainan meal is complete without a bowl of Hainanese Chicken Rice ($1.60). Unlike the fragrant, oily version we know, Mr Hainan’s rendition uses aged rice grains that soak up chicken broth, resulting in a lighter, less oily, but equally aromatic version. The fragrance of chicken oil is there, but it’s subtler, and it pairs beautifully with the Wenchang chicken.

Beyond Chicken – You Should Try Their Steamed Threadfin

Hainan’s culinary treasures extend beyond chicken. Another must-try is the Hainan Jiaji Duck ($25.80). Braised with pineapple cubes, this dish balances savoury, tender duck with the natural sweetness and acidity of pineapple juice. The meat is flavourful and aromatic, pairing perfectly with a bowl of rice. This is one of Hainan’s “Four Famous Dishes,” and a real treat to enjoy in Singapore.

Seafood lovers should try the Baby Threadfin with Assam Sauce and Yellow Lantern Chili Peppers ($29.90). Steamed to perfection, the fish is lifted with tangy assam and the fiery kick of Hainan’s iconic yellow lantern chili. For something more familiar, the Baby Threadfin with Black Bean Sauce ($29.90) offers delicate flesh enhanced with savoury, aromatic black beans, steamed on a lotus leaf for extra fragrance.

Meat lovers can warm up with the Haikou East Gate Beef Brisket Pot ($23.80), a 500-year-old Haikou specialty stew that’s rich, hearty, and best enjoyed with rice.

Vegetables and More

For something comforting, the Hainan Prosperity Pot ($18.80) is essentially our Hainanese chap chye – a delightful mix of meats and vegetables, traditionally served at weddings and festive occasions as a symbol of harmony and prosperity.

You can also order the Hainan Jade Stir-Fry Winged Bean and Lotus Stem ($14.80), a light and refreshing dish where crunchy winged beans and crisp lotus stems are tossed quickly in the wok, highlighting their natural textures and flavours.

A simple yet essential side is the Pickled Vegetables ($3.80), crunchy, tangy, and refreshing, served at every major occasion back in Hainan.

Final Thoughts

Even as a Hainanese who grew up eating traditional dishes during Chinese New Year, I was surprised by the flavours I rediscovered here. Some dishes I’ve only heard of but never tried until now. Dining at Mr Hainan truly feels like stepping into a part of my heritage, and I am so glad Singaporeans now have the chance to experience authentic Hainanese cuisine. This is a restaurant I’ll definitely return to – and I hope you will too.