Yes Chef! Liew Tian Heong on the Nostalgia of S’porean Chicken Rice
Asia is one food-crazy continent! We take great care to pick restaurants based on culinary vibes, rankings in international gourmand guides, mentions in magazines, Instagramability, and added allure. Yes, Chef! features the region’s chefs' stories of love and labor in kitchens, which has made some of our restaurants the next big thing in Asia.
The city-state of Singapore is renowned for many things, among which are: the Merlion, Gardens by the Bay, salted egg chips, and of course, the city’s beloved chicken rice. Needless to say, there’s been plenty of debate about where to find the best of the latter, this iconic national dish. Among the top contenders is none other than Singapore’s very own Chatterbox, a dining establishment that specializes in elevating the traditional and the commonplace.
“I think everyone, from all generations, has always loved eating hawker dishes,” said Liew Tian Heong, Executive Chef at Chatterbox. “People appreciate the history of it and of course, they are very delicious! This is especially true of the chicken rice, because [the dish] is a part of [many people’s] childhoods.”
A fairly young republic, Singapore had only gained independence in 1965. Since then, it has sought to establish its own identity, successfully securing distinction despite its size. Through years of progress came the marvelous skyline and the rich cuisine that we know and love today.
Only six years after its independence came the birth of Chatterbox, now a staple for many a local and tourist. Established in 1971, Chatterbox began with the straightforward dream of bringing authentic hawker food – traditionally enjoyed amid the city’s streets – to the comforts of a luxury hotel. “We have many guests who enjoy having a glass of wine or cocktail to go along with their dishes,” remarked Chef Liew. Alongside sophisticated tipple, diners are invited to partake in their signature chicken rice.
Made with free-range, Malaysian chicken, each cut is promised to be flavorful and tender. But surprisingly, that’s not what Chef Liew thinks tickles his diners’ palate. “The fragrance of the rice is always the first to catch everyone’s attention when the dish is served,” he commented. “The strong aroma is what keeps you wanting more as you eat.”
While Chatterbox’s menu has “blossomed into a freewheeling tour of Singapore’s multicultural food scene” with lunch and dinner specialties that include traditional Hokkien Bak Kut Teh soup and Lobster Laksa, Chef Liew maintains that chicken rice has consistently been the star of the show at his famed eatery. That’s not to say that Singaporeans aren’t adventurous when it comes to food, however. Everyone knows that there is a multitude to explore in the city-state.
“Singaporeans are foodies!” maintained Chef Liew. “They enjoy eating and understanding their food and its origins. They are keen to know what this dish is, how it is prepared, the taste of it is no longer just the only factor for them.”
But of course, nostalgia – with its comfort and familiarity – will always dwell on diner’s taste buds (no matter the nationality). “Anything interesting or close to their hearts will attract Singaporeans,” Chef Liew observed, musing on the popularity of the famed rice dish.
Having spent the most decorated part of his career at Chatterbox, Chef Liew understands the importance of having passion in a field as challenging and cutthroat as culinary. It’s not enough to have a love for cooking, it’s also important to surround oneself with the right people – the kind that will allow one’s business to succeed for over five decades.
“Being a part of Chatterbox for so many years, I am very blessed and lucky to have my team members on board with me together doing what we love doing,” said Chef Liew. “It is teamwork that keeps everyone going.”
Chatterbox Singapore is located at the Hilton Singapore on 333 Orchard Rd
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