Singapore’s first full-fledged Hainanese restaurant direct from Hainan Island is ushering in the Year of the Horse with a seasonal speciality that celebrates purity of flavour and island tradition. Mr Hainan introduces its limited-time Hainan Style Prosperity Tossed Kampung Chicken, alongside eight new dishes rarely seen in Singapore.

Available until 2 March 2026, the festive toss is priced at S$38 and reflects the hallmark characteristics of Hainanese cuisine — light seasoning, natural sweetness and an emphasis on ingredient quality.

A Lighter Take on Yu Sheng with Hainan Roots

At the centre of the Prosperity Toss is Mr Hainan’s signature free-range kampung chicken. Specially bred for 180 days on an antibiotic-free diet, the chicken is prized for its firm texture, smooth skin and clean, naturally sweet flavour.

Served chilled over freshly shredded vegetables and lightly dressed with fragrant citrus notes and homemade Hainanese sauces, the dish delivers a refreshing, balanced profile. Diners can pair it with the restaurant’s chicken rice made from aged grains cooked in chicken broth for added depth and aroma.

Unlike the bolder, sauce-heavy versions of yu sheng commonly found during Chinese New Year, this interpretation leans into Hainan’s understated culinary philosophy — enhancing freshness rather than masking it.

Baby Threadfin With Assam Sauce and Yellow Lantern Chilli

Bringing Rare Hainan Dishes to Singapore

While Hainanese Chicken Rice is widely loved in Singapore, many traditional Hainan dishes remain unfamiliar locally. Mr Hainan aims to showcase the broader food culture of China’s largest island province, where cooking methods prioritise freshness and minimal seasoning.

Hainan’s culinary identity is shaped by its coastline and natural produce — from seafood sourced from mineral-rich waters to free-range poultry and naturally reared livestock. To maintain authenticity, the restaurant imports key ingredients such as black soya beans, tamarind and fish directly from Hainan.

Among dishes rarely seen here are:

• Luffa and Glass Noodles in Chicken Broth (S$18.80) – a slow-simmered, collagen-rich soup known for its gentle sweetness and nourishing qualities.

• Baby Threadfin with Black Bean Sauce (S$29.90) – steamed to highlight the fish’s delicate texture and clean flavour.

Eight New Additions to the Menu

In conjunction with Lunar New Year, Mr Hainan introduces eight new dishes that highlight Hainan’s preference for light yet flavourful cooking:

• Braised Dongshan Goat (S$28.80) – a treasured Hainan signature, lightly wok-fried with aromatics for fragrance and tenderness.

• Hainan Drunken Duck (Jiaji Style) (S$25.80) – marinated with Huatiao wine for a fragrant, balanced savoury finish.

• Beef Brisket Pot (S$25.80) – a 500-year-old Haikou speciality slow-braised with spices.

• Braised Pork Trotter (S$22.80) – simmered until tender with rich yet naturally sweet flavours.

• Paper-Wrapped Garlic Pork Ribs (S$8.80 per piece) – crisp exterior, juicy interior and aromatic garlic notes.

• Hainan-Style Stir-Fried Lotus Stalk (S$15.80) – light, crunchy and reflective of countryside cooking.

• Chilled Hainan-Style Salad with Bird’s Eye Chilli (S$5.80) – tangy glass noodles with pickled vegetables.

• Hainan Cooling Dessert (S$6.80) – a refreshing coconut milk dessert with taro and chendol.

Several dishes also reflect Hainan’s proximity to Southeast Asia, including the Hainan Fortune Pot, reminiscent of Peranakan chap chye, and handmade coconut pastries crafted from fresh shredded coconut.

A Cultural Tribute Beyond Chicken Rice

Founded in 2022 by Hainan native Dong Haideng, Mr Hainan was established to deepen appreciation for authentic Hainanese cuisine beyond its most famous export.

The restaurant’s interiors incorporate cultural references from Hainan Island, including motifs inspired by coastal landmarks and Li ethnic heritage. For the founder, the restaurant is not simply a dining concept but a platform to share the island’s culinary heritage with a global audience.

With its Lunar New Year offerings, Mr Hainan continues its mission to spotlight Hainan’s natural, clean flavours — inviting diners to experience the cuisine in its fuller context.

Mr Hainan Singapore (Global Flagship Store)

Address: 1 Harbourfront Walk, VivoCity #02-116, Singapore 059858
Opening Hours: Daily, 12pm – 9.30pm
Website: www.mrhainan.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mrhainan
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mrhainan

---

Images: Mr Hainan