Malaysian
Hainan Chicken House
Hainan Chicken House, a family-owned and operated spot, quickly gained fame after New York Times critic Pete Wells, a neighborhood regular, unexpectedly included it in his top restaurants list. This unassuming eatery brings the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asian hawker stalls to Brooklyn, offering a genuine taste of Malaysian culinary traditions. Regulars know to look for the daily specials taped to the walls, often featuring unique dishes not found on the main menu.
★ The Legend
House Hainan Chicken with Chicken Rice (海南鸡饭)
Chef Chris Low emphasizes that the magic of this dish lies in all components working together: the delicate poached chicken, aromatic rice cooked in chicken broth, and three signature sauces (dark soy, ginger-lime-garlic chili, and ginger-scallion). It's a dish he grew up eating and has perfected, earning praise from critics like Pete Wells and being called the 'best Hainanese chicken rice' by food enthusiasts.
◆ Fan Favorite
Char Siu Kon Loh Mee (叉烧干捞面)
This Malaysian noodle dish features skinny egg noodles tossed in a fragrant shallot-sesame oil and dark soy sauce, topped with tender char siu pork belly and choy sum. Many regulars rave about the pork belly, noting its marvelous texture and flavor combination that's hard to find elsewhere.
● Chef's Pick
Char Kway Teow 炒粿条
This noodle dish is described as a 'noodle masterpiece' by a food blogger, a gorgeous concoction of egg noodles, shrimp, clams, squid, and bean sprouts stir-fried to perfection. Chef Low's family restaurant, Hainan Chicken House, gained quick fame after Pete Wells praised their food, and this dish is a standout.
◇ Hidden Gem
Burrata Paratha (奶酪印度面饼)
Most first-timers overlook this, but it's a creative and delicious dish featuring flaky roti paratha amply filled with burrata, served with red lentil dhal, a seasonal herb salad, and sambal. The combination of textures and flavors, particularly the unexpected pairing of burrata with Malaysian elements, makes it a standout for those in the know.
Insider Tip
Don't just focus on the chicken! The true magic of the Hainan Chicken with Chicken Rice lies in experiencing all its components together. Drizzle the dark soy over your rice, dip the chicken in the ginger lime garlic chili sauce, and use the cucumber slices as a palate cleanser between bites to fully appreciate the nuanced flavors and textures.
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