Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice opens a flagship outlet at Jewel Changi – how does it compare to the original?

Listed in almost every guidebook to Singapore and earning a nod from the late Anthony Bourdain, this Maxwell Food Centre icon might be the most famous chicken rice on the island. With a 40-year legacy since 1986, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice opens its sixth outlet – and first full-fledged restaurant – at Jewel Changi Airport on August 22, 2026.

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The 98-seater is located in Basement 2 of the mall, right beside Food Republic. Beyond chicken rice, diners can expect a line-up of exclusive dishes only available at this branch. Here's a breakdown of the menu, prices and how it fares compared to the original Maxwell stall.

An individual chicken set at the Jewel outlet ($11) gets you rice, chicken and soup, with the option to go half-steamed and half-roasted for 80 cents more. By comparison, a plate of medium chicken rice costs $6 at Maxwell – about half the price – while a small plate of roasted chicken rice costs just $5.

As for the chicken, the steamed version has our vote over the roasted, with tender, silky flesh and a noticeable gelatinous layer under the skin. Tian Tian's sauce is a thicker, sweeter gravy as opposed to the lighter, savoury sauces we're used to.

The gizzards are surprisingly tender, while the crystal chicken feet – painstakingly deboned till only its collagen-rich skin is left – have a nice, crunchy texture. The dish used to be a staple at the original stall and is now finally making a comeback.

Other exclusive items include the Tian Tian Heritage Platter ($25.80), a shareable spread of snacks, and founder Madam Foo's steamed chicken curry ($13.80), a homemade recipe that is now an official dish on the menu.

The verdict: the chicken rice at the Jewel flagship is consistent with Maxwell's – the same soft rice, silky chicken and sweet sauce – except you're paying airport prices. It is likely to prove most popular with international travellers looking to taste Tian Tian between flights.

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is at 78 Airport Boulevard, B2-243-244, Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore 819666. Opening hours are 10am to 10pm daily.

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