A few weeks ago, I had a pleasant dining experience at a chicken rice restaurant on Seah Street. The food was delicious, and it was reasonably priced, which is becoming increasingly hard to find these days. There’s a saying I always keep in mind when choosing food:
"If it's good, it won't be cheap. If it's cheap, it won't be good."
While this isn't true for everything, I find it applies to most things we consume, including food.
Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at Hainan Story (Chapter 1), located at the intersection of Victoria Street and Jalan Sultan. It was my first time visiting, and I was excited to try it.
The exterior of the restaurant features a "modernized" traditional Hainanese design, which is both lively and inviting. The color scheme is an excellent choice, as it easily catches the attention of passersby from a distance. As I walked along the street, I could already see the large red faux windows, which piqued my curiosity.
Upon getting closer, I realized it was a Chinese restaurant offering Hainan-style cuisine.
Outside the restaurant, there’s a creatively designed menu that resembles a newspaper, allowing potential customers to browse it before entering. One of the staff noticed me and kindly invited me to dine there.
I asked a few questions about their chicken rice set, and after he explained the options, I decided to give it a try.
The food at Hainan Story is slightly more expensive than what you'd find at Swee Kee, but it appears to be of higher quality, especially with the side dishes that come with the meal.
Entering the restaurant gave me a good impression. The ambiance blends modernity and tradition beautifully, with vibrant colors and interesting features throughout. One wall even features an artistic backdrop and impressive lighting, making it a perfect spot for selfies.
Half of the dining area was already occupied, mostly by locals, with a few tourists scattered about. It’s clear they are doing well in attracting customers.
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The staff was courteous in taking my order, though there is also the option to scan a QR code and order online.
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The menu offers a variety of delicious dishes, which made it hard to decide what to pick. Eventually, I opted for the Chicken Rice and Vegetable set, along with plain tea, which I felt would pair well with the heavier meal.
When the food arrived, I was impressed by the presentation. The plates were not the typical ones you’d find at a budget restaurant. They paid close attention to detail, not just with the food, but also with the presentation.
They also served a soup on the side, which is a rare and thoughtful touch. This kind of service is something that will definitely bring me back, in addition to the excellent food.
It’s clear they know how to treat their patrons well—though they might have noticed me taking photos (perhaps like a food blogger? :D).
Anyway, the portions were generous! As I looked at the main dish, the chicken rice, I noticed that it wasn’t Kampong chicken, but it was still tender and delicious, with a generous serving.
Another dish that impressed me was the vegetables. I initially thought they would just be boiled vegetables with oyster sauce, but I was wrong. The dish contained a variety of vegetables and plant-based ingredients, making it flavorful and nutritious on its own.
In conclusion, my experience at Hainan Story (Chapter 1) was truly enjoyable, offering delicious food and a welcoming ambiance that blends modern and traditional elements. While slightly pricier than other options, the quality and thoughtful presentation of the dishes make it worth the visit. With attentive service and generous portions, this restaurant is a place I’ll happily return to for a satisfying meal and a unique dining experience.
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