Salty, savoury, and simply delicious: Where to feast on the best har cheong gai (prawn paste chicken) in Singapore.
There’s nothing more comforting than fried chicken, we say. Whether it’s from a fast food chain or an old school western stall at hawker centress, nothing beats that crunchy first bite of crispy battered skin and succulent meat underneath. But if you wanna kick it up a notch, go with prawn paste chicken (aka har cheong gai). This local variation adds fermented shrimp paste into the batter, giving it its distinct smell and taste. Dare we say, it might even be better than regular fried chicken. But don’t take our word for it, try it for yourself! Visit one of these top spots for prawn paste chicken in Singapore.
Where to find the best prawn paste chicken in Singapore
1. Har Har Chicken
Founded by Lg Han of one Michelin-starred Labyrinth, social media personality Lennard Yeong, restauranteur Tay Jianli, and investment pro Bevin Desker, this is probably the hippest har cheong gai spot in Singapore. You can enjoy this zi char staple in the form of wings, rice boxes, or burgers! Have ‘em with a side of fries dusted in sambal belachan powder for that spicy kick.
Har Har Chicken, B1-K15, Junction 8, 9 Bishan Place, Singapore 579837
2. Two Chefs Eating Place
This spot may be famed for its butter pork ribs, but we think the prawn paste chicken shouldn’t be slept on either. The wings are generously coated in seasoned batter and give you a satisfying crunch with every bite. We recommend coming in a big group to order an array of dishes so you can try (almost) everything!
Two Chefs Eating Place, multiple locations including Commonwealth Crescent and Sin Ming Avenue
3. Oriole Coffee + Bar
This cafe-by-day-bar-by-night spot is a great place for brunch or drinks, depending on your mood. We can’t get over its cafe classics served alongside specialty coffee. But whether it’s brunch, dinner, or a late night catch up with friends over drinks, we think the bowl of prawn paste chicken here is perfect for sharing. If you’re not into prawn paste (we don’t know why you wouldn’t be), you can get the wings in a spicy sweet soy sauce or just fried without the frills.
Oriole Coffee + Bar, 96 Somerset Road, Singapore 238163
4. Sin Ho
Established in 1992, Sin Ho started its operations in Jurong before calling Bedok home. Regulars will tell you that the homemade marinade used on the har cheong gai here is crispier than other spots in Singapore. Other specialties you can consider trying are the bittergourd fish head, and the garlic and chilli clams. Absolutely delicious with rice! You can even wash it down with a bowl of fish soup.
Sin Ho, #01-75, Bedok Food Centre and Market, 216 Bedok North Street 1, Singapore 460216
5. No. 5 Emerald Hill
No. 5 Emerald Hill is best known for its one-for-one martini deals in funky flavours. They range from fruity ones like longan, mango, and pear, to indulgent like popcorn and espresso. And if there’s anyone that proves prawn paste chicken could be the perfect bar snack, it’s this Emerald Hill icon. Don’t surprised to see every table ordering up baskets of this crispy delight!
No. 5 Emerald Hill, 5 Emerald Hill Road, Singapore 229289
6. Chef Kang’s Private Kitchen
A Michelin-starred chef cooking up Cantonese fare? You already know everything you get is going to be high quality and so delicious. With over 40 years of experience, chef Kang is diligent with ensuring all dishes are made with only the freshest ingredients. The prawn paste chicken isn’t overpowering and is ultra light and crispy. Top tip: this spot only takes reservations, so be sure to call in to snag a table.
Chef Kang’s Private Kitchen, 25 Mackenzie Road, Singapore 228681
7. Ah Tan Wings
Opened by a young hawker in 2017, Ah Tan Wings has proven itself to be quite the contender for the best prawn paste chicken in Singapore. Founded by the love for fried chicken, this brand started off as weekend pop-ups before finding home within multiple hawker centres. The two-step fry process and different batters give these wings their crispy edge. If you prefer cutlets, you can have them served with rice and a sunny side egg.
Ah Tan Wings, #02-14, Anchorvale Village Hawker Centre, 339 Anchorvale Road, Singapore 540339
8. Ban Leong Wah Hoe Restaurant
What started as a humble economic rice stall soon boomed into a zi char establishment thanks to delicious food and a slew of regular customers. It even boasts patrons coming all the way from Germany and Japan! If you’ve got a hankering for chilli crab and har cheong gai, this is where you need to be. It’s a hot spot though, so expect to wait a little while before your food comes. But it’ll be worth it, we promise.
Ban Leong Wah Hoe Restaurant, 122 Casuarina Road, Singapore 579510
9. Ka-Soh
Otherwise known as Swee Kee Eating House, the establishment got its nickname from a stern waitress who worked at Swee Kee during its days as a hawker stall. Despite her temper, she was a beloved figure, with regular customers remembering her fondly. Since then, Ka-Soh is now a household name. It’s best known for its rich Cantonese-style fish soup and prawn paste chicken, which has maintained its high quality over the years.
Ka-Soh, 22 Greenwood Avenue, Singapore 289218
Trust us, you’ll get the perfect bite when you munch down on prawn paste chicken in Singapore.
