The Place Not to be confused with the more popular Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice, this chicken rice restaurant along Upper Thomson Road has been around since 1968. Nam Kee Chicken Rice Restaurant retains its nostalgic look, with its latest change perhaps the air-conditioned which was installed in the late 90s. Be greeted by retro-looking white and blue wall tiles, brown-coloured booth seating by the side and a cashier that only still accept cash. 

Been visiting Nam Kee since I was a kid, a popular restaurant in the 90s in the area, before cafes and other hipster joints started to fill up the shophouses in the Upper Thomson area. Decided to revisit Nam Kee again whilst searching for a dinner spot, and oh boy, was wondering what took me this long to return again. 

The Food No, I shall be honest and say that this is not the best Chicken Rice you can find in Singapore. It is perhaps not even amongst the better ones, but Nam Kee provides a homely restaurant for diners to return to, especially for days where you are seeking for an unpretentious comforting zi-char stall for a family meal. 

Starting with their Hainanese Steamed Chicken (Half at S$15), the chicken here comes across a tad drier and tougher than what I typically prefer.

Having said that, their Steamed Chicken Rice (S$1) is not overly oily and is a perfection combination for you to go with the rest of the zichar food you order. 

Another popular dish at Nam Kee is their signature Sweet & Sour Pork (S$12 for Small). Prepared ala minute by the kitchen, the crispy fried pork retains its crisp with a well-balanced sweet & sour sauce. Had meant to order another dish, though the waiter recommended us to go with this and glad we did! 

Another popular dish here is their Braised Beancurd with Seafood (S$12 for Small). This dish will be even better if served on a hotplate, but the flavourful sauce, together with a variety of seafood and vegetables, makes it a perfect dish to go with the steamed chicken rice. A very homely dish! 

Rants Love that the restaurant has managed to retain its old-school charm since, though it might help to offer diners other forms of payment mode including a PayNow option. Physical cash payment is perhaps not such a nostalgic aspect to retain. 
 
Will I Return Again? Surprised myself with my recent trip to Nam Kee. Will be returning again for its comforting food, and glad that little has changed since. 
 
TheRantingPanda says: 
Taste bud: 3.5/5 
Hole in the pocket: 3/5 
Ambience: 4/5 
Overall Experience: 4/5  
 
Nam Kee Chicken Rice Restaurant 
201 Upper Thomson Road 
Singapore 574343 
Tel: +65 6253 4502 
 
Opening Hours 
Monday to Sunday: 10:45am to 8:30pm 
 
Ranted by The Rantee