Nope, this is not your usual Indonesian Sambal Ijo Chicken Rice, if that's what you're thinking. Although the green chilli dressing looks somewhat similar to what you'll see in the Indonesian cookbooks, it actually tastes surprisingly different. Sweeter than savoury, and also less grassy and spicy, the flavours in this unique dressing are truly one of a kind. And it's a perfect match with the delish fried chicken and fragrant flavoured basmati rice that go with it!
It's absolutely normal that you'll assume that a green chilli dressing served at a Muslim or Indonesian food stall is the Sambal Ijo (or Sambal Hijau), for that iconic vibrant green colour is a hallmark of this unique condiment.
And that's why it kept me wondering what's so special about the Green Chilli Chicken Rice here at Sims Vista Market & Food Centre that many will gladly brave the long queue to satisfy their cravings? To me, although the Sambal Ijo chicken rice isn't widely available at the non-restaurant food establishments here in Singapore, it probably isn't special enough to make me queue for it.
Above: Unbelievably short operating hours and a hard cap on portions per pax
Even more interesting is that this Muslim chicken rice stall literally only opens for three hours a day, and each person is only limited to eight portions per order! And so, encouraged by my curiosity, I decided to join the long queue as well.
A unique chilli dressing & lovely fried chicken
Above: Sweet, savoury, and comes with a mild amount of heat from the chillis, the green chilli dressing and the super-flavourful and tender fried chicken are a match made in Heaven
I have to say that the green chilli dressing truly surprised me! Instead of the usual savoury and grassy flavours with the fiery heat from the chillis you'd expect from a Sambal Ijo, this chilli dressing tasted sweeter and more savoury with a pleasantly mild amount of heat.
Part of the sweetness, I gathered, came from the caramelised shallots which were cut into larger pieces instead of being pounded or ground into a paste like what you'd find in a typical Sambal Ijo. And, there's also a certain sweet fragrance that emanates from the chilli dressing.
According to Uncle Jab, the founder and owner of this food business, he spent a good five years perfecting the flavours of this unique green chilli dressing, before he started business in 1999.
And together with their signature fried chicken that's oh so flavourful, tender, and moist, this is match made in Heaven!
Above: Don't miss this yummy spicy-tangy chilli sauce that packs a punch too!
Although it doesn't take centre stage in this entire dish, the orangey sambal that's served by the side is not to be missed too. Fiery and tangy, this chilli sauce is the spicy kick you'd certainly enjoy with the already perfect Green Chilli Chicken Rice dish!
Tuck into the nasi-lemakish basmati rice
Above: Flavoured basmati rice that smells so good and somewhat like nasi lemak, but less intense
The rice that goes with the green chilli chicken was delicious too. And I would say that the choice of using the basmati rice was a clever one because its texture is fluffier and it soaks up the sauces without a cinch, making every mouthful of it more delightful and flavoursome.
There's also a delicious fragrance from the rice that smells somewhat like nasi lemak, but less intense. And I believe that pandan leaves may have been added to give it the pleasant scent, which whet my appetite even more.
Never quite enough
So that's why there's a snaking queue for this, and that explains the super-short operating hours and a hard limit on the number of portions per person. And to be honest, I really thought of getting another portion right after I finished my first, but the dreadfully long queue totally discouraged me.
And oh, for those of you who like to visit Batam on short trips, you might be delighted to know that they also have an outlet in Batam Center. So that's another food stopover for you, if you happen to be in the vicinity!
Locate it
Address:
Green Chilli Chicken Rice
49 Sims Place
Sims Vista Market & Food Centre
#01-09 Singapore 380049
Operating Hours:
Opens daily, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Call:
8280 0096
Comments