Half a chicken for 158k, but the rice at this famous Singaporean spot is the real star?
qponx
2026-03-04
Craving Hainanese chicken rice? Wee Nam Kee in Jakarta offers a stylish, retro-Chinese tavern setting perfect for gatherings. While the chicken is tender, the real star is the surprisingly fragrant rice, packed with garlic and chicken oil aroma that's worth the visit alone. Don't miss the addictive salted egg yolk youtiao! Though a bit pricey and not an exact replica of its Singaporean counterpart, the amazing rice and fantastic ambiance make it a delicious spot for a meal.
Whenever friends ask where to get authentic Hainanese chicken rice in Jakarta, Wee Nam Kee is always an unavoidable answer. Riding on its reputation as Singapore's national chicken rice, its opening at BSD The Breeze immediately made it a go-to spot for family gatherings. But to be honest, I was a bit nervous before coming. It has a high score of 4.7 on Google, but the reviews are incredibly polarized... So today, I'm checking it out for you guys!
The Ambiance is Truly Mantap!
I was stunned the moment I walked in; it doesn't look like your typical chicken rice shop at all. It has a retro Chinese tavern design vibe[1], with red brick walls and warm yellow lighting. The space is spacious and bright, with two floors, and the atmosphere is maxed out. For family dinners or small get-togethers with friends, it's great to just chill here. The photos will definitely turn out amazing, and your mood will instantly improve by 80%.
The Soul of the Chicken Rice is... the Rice?
Alright, let's just say, the star of the show has arrived! We ordered half a chicken, and you can ask for a half-and-half combo of steamed and roasted chicken[2], which is such a huge plus! The chicken itself is indeed tender and smooth, not dry or gamey, and it's delicious with the sauce.
But! I have to award the MVP of the entire meal to its rice! 🍚 That bowl of fragrant rice[3] is the real star, everyone! It's glossy and fragrant, packed with garlic flavor, with distinct grains that have soaked up all the chicken oil aroma. I could finish a whole bowl on its own! Anjay, I'd come back just for this bowl of rice!
Also, the salted egg yolk youtiao (fried dough sticks)[4] deserves a shout-out! The portion is huge, fried to be crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, and fully coated in salted egg yolk sauce. It's so good you can't stop eating it.
Let's Get Real...
Honestly, if you're coming here expecting a 100% replica of the original Singapore shop's flavor, you might be thinking, "That's it?"[5]. The taste is good, but compared to the original version in Singapore, it still misses the mark a bit. Plus, the chicken can sometimes be on the cooler side. Also, considering the price, the chicken portion is a bit small[6], so it'll sting your wallet a little. Oh, and by the way, the tea here isn't free-flow.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls & Ordering Guide (Get your notebooks ready!)
- Ordering: If you're in a group, just order half or a whole chicken. Remember to ask for "campur" (mixed) to get both the steamed and roasted chicken styles.
- Choosing a Seat: For families or groups of more than 6, head straight for the loft area on the second floor. It's more private and spacious, but remember to ask the staff to turn up the AC full blast![7]
- 【Pet Owners, Pay Attention! Key Point! ️】 Although The Breeze is a pet-friendly area, this restaurant does not allow pets, not even in the outdoor area! Don't make a wasted trip![8]
- Mindset: Don't think of it as a perfect substitute for the original Singapore branch. Treat it as a Halal Chinese restaurant with a fantastic ambiance, super delicious rice, and great for gatherings. Your experience will be much better that way.
- Amazing retro Chinese tavern vibe! Red brick, warm lights, spacious & photogenic. Great for groups [1].
- Tender chicken, but the fragrant rice is the soul! Garlicky, rich with chicken fat, and so good you can eat it plain [2].
- Must-order salted egg yolk youtiao! Huge, crispy-chewy portion smothered in addictive salted egg yolk sauce [3].
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