Chicken rice is comfort food for a lot of us. Which is why as a local, you might not think to visit a chicken rice store of all places when you’re in Bangkok . Surely there are other better things to eat other than Hainanese chicken rice which is in abundance here? But if you strolled past Go Ang Kaomunkai opposite the shopping heaven Pratunam market, you’ll see that the long queues will have a lot of Singaporeans.
And now the famous chicken rice store, which was awarded a Bib Gourmand in Bangkok’s inaugural Michelin Guide, has opened its first overseas outlet in Singapore so you can see what’s all the hype about chicken rice. Go Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice is now open in NEX, having taken over Thai Express next to Koi.
Go Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam was established back in 1960 by Sombat Pruekpaiboon, serving up his version of Hainanese chicken rice that follows his father’s recipe that he brought with him when he moved from China to Thailand. Whilst bringing their famous chicken rice over, they’ve taken extra care to ensure that the taste is exactly the same.
While we’re not as obsessed with chicken rice as @kuey.png, we do enjoy a good plate of chicken rice.
And we weren’t disappointed as the aromatic chicken rice was delicious – served exactly like they do in Bangkok with a side of cucumbers and soup. We weren’t expecting anything too fancy (it’s a roadside store after all), but the humble plate of chicken rice was satisfying. We dare to say that it’s even better than those overpriced chicken rice served in hotels! The poached chicken is tender and juicy, and you’ll find that the rice isn’t too oily.
Aregular plate of chicken rice will cost you $4.50, and you have cough up $5.50 if you choose to have the thigh portion of the meat. The same plate of chicken rice at the Pratunam branch is much more affordable at 40 baht ($1.70 a plate!!), but sadly we’re not in Thailand.
The true hero of the chicken rice is the chili, which is nothing like the garlic chili that most hawkers serve alongside their chicken rice. Made to suit the Thai tastebuds for sweet, savoury and spicy all in one mouthful, the soy sauce chili packs a fiery punch. Be warned: it can be too spicy for those who can’t take spice well.
It’s not all about chicken at Go Ang. Other than their famous chicken rice, the menu also has an extensive menu of other Thai dishes, including gizzards, double-boiled soups, and you can even get a whole fish, Thai-style.
Another popular Thai dish that won all our hearts is the Stir-Fried Basil Chicken With Kai Lan. The crunchy veg is marinated in a spicy basil sauce that can be easily eaten with a bowl of simple white rice. The fried tofu dishes are also a must-try. The tofu fried to crisp perfection in dark soya sauce is soft and tender, and didn’t have the rubber-y taste of substandard tofu.
We all know that it can get too boring if there’s too many chicken dishes on the table at once. The signature braised pork is juicy and tender, soaking in a fragrant herbal sauce. Or if you can’t go without an omelette when you’re having Thai food, get the Chai Poh Omelette. Again, the star of the fluffy omelette is in the sour and spicy dipping sauce.
Thai food is all about the harmony of contrasting flavours, and their whole fish is served in various sauces. If you’re in a big group, you might want to consider ordering the Steamed Sea Bass With Chilli, Lime & Garlic. The fish is drenched in a refreshing sweet, spicy and sour sauce and showered with chili padi. Although you might want to avoid the chili padi or you’ll suffer fiery hell for a while.
Round up your meal with a cup of Thai Chendol or Thai Iced Milk Tea. Traditional Thai desserts are also on the menu – you can’t go wrong with Red Ruby & Coconut Ice Cream or some Steam Tapioca With Coconut Cream.
GO-ANG PRATUNAM CHICKEN RICE
23 Serangoon Central, #B1-05/06, Nex, S556083
Open daily from 11am to 10pm
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