Rockstar Chicken at People’s Park Food Centre in Chinatown, Singapore, offers a unique take on Sichuan cuisine by featuring boneless stir-fried chicken cubes in a range of flavorful options. Let’s dine-in, exploring this hawker culinary gem in the heart of Chinatown.
A Chinese dish in the heart of Chinatown
The setting at Rockstar Chicken is a bustling one, situated on the ground floor of People’s Park Food Centre. This hawker center is conveniently located adjacent to People’s Park Complex, OG departmental store, and the Yue Hua Chinese products department store we visited sometime back. This central location makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists, and it’s an excellent spot to dive into the world of Chinese sichuan-inspired local-style chicken dishes.
Furthermore, one of the standout features of Rockstar Chicken is their signature “Never Ending” boneless stir-fried chicken cube dishes. This one-dish is the main staple offerings of the stall and are stir-fried in “mala-style” large white bowls.
A choice of 4 flavours
Also, it comprises of five distinct flavors to choose from: spicy, fried-spicy, cumin, green chili. If you prefer a non-spicy variant, their soya chicken flavour offers a compelling choice without any compromises. Also, their menu caters to a diverse range of taste preferences. This makes it suitable for both spice enthusiasts and those who prefer milder flavors.
Moreover, the pricing structure at Rockstar Chicken is another noteworthy aspect. The price of their diced chicken dishes range from $8 to $20 per plate in 3 sizes (small- $8, medium- $15 and large- $20), with the cost increasing as the portion size grows.
Also, a medium portion priced at $15 is perfect for two people, while the $8 option can satisfy a single, hearty appetite. The largest ~$20 is good for 3-4 pax, though I reckon you get the most value at the $15 range for two diners. If you are adventurous, the portions of two $8 small-plates can fill up 2 diners very well.
Additionally, the portions here are incredibly generous. The value for money at Rockstar Chicken is evident, as the servings are designed for multiple people to share the enjoyment of a meal, and the flavors don’t disappoint. Your dish is mixed stir-fried with potato chunks, black fungus, fried tofu, and a sprinkle of nuts. These additions enhance the overall dining experience by introducing various textures and flavors.
Speaking of flavors, the spiciness of the chicken dishes at Rockstar Chicken is a highlight. The mala-like spicy version, in particular, brings the heat. What’s great is that you have control over your spice level. I would recommend their mala tofu ($5) as a small vegetable side to be paired with your meal.
Not all dishes here are great though. My least favourite be their Spicy chicken, unless if you are a fan of pop corn chicken. The menu name of the dish does not imply deep-fried, considering there is also another similar “spicy chicken” dish of the same name. For the fried variant here, you get a bowl-load of them with lots of dried chills. The fried chicken is great at first, but hard to finish at the end as its tad too dry to my liking.
Go for their non deep-fried chicken
Instead, I would recommend their non deep-fried chicken dishes, like cumin and grilled-spicy chicken, where you can really taste Rockstar’s culinary gems. Also, by adjusting your intake of dried chili, you can make your dish as mild or as fiery as you desire. If you find it too spicy, you can easily remove the dried chilies to tone down the heat. It gives you the flexibility to cater to your personal taste preferences.
Pairing your dish with a bowl of rice for an additional dollar is a smart choice. The rice is served in Styrofoam bowls and complements the chicken dishes perfectly. Despite the complexity of the preparation and the crowd during peak hours, the service at Rockstar Chicken is impressively quick. During my visit for dinner on a weekday, I only had to wait for about 15 minutes to savor my meal, which is quite reasonable for a busy hawker center.
A rather filling and satisfying meal
Another striking aspect of Rockstar Chicken is the ample amount of chicken you receive for the price, making it very value for money. Also, the fact that it’s boneless is a real game-changer. It eliminates the hassle of dealing with bones, allowing you to fully enjoy your meal. This thoughtful touch enhances the overall dining experience, making it convenient and enjoyable for all ages.
Moreover, the chicken itself is sliced into small, easy-to-consume cubes. I particularly like that the chicken are not only boneless but also juicy and chewy. It offers a satisfying texture that appeals to a wide range of palates. This universal appeal makes the chicken a versatile ingredient that pairs well with the 5 dish variants offered on Rockstar Chicken menu.
While the main chicken dish is substantial on its own, Rockstar Chicken also provides a selection of side dishes to complement your meal. If you’re particularly hungry or enjoy incorporating greens into their meal, adding an extra plate of vegetables is a great choice. You can opt for green leafy vegetables or a mix of stir-fried cauliflowers. Other options include a side plate of kangkong for $5, or oyster sauce kai lan ($6).
Wrapping up
In summary, a visit to Rockstar Chicken at People’s Park Food Centre in Chinatown, is a tad a gem of an experience for anyone looking for stir-fried chicken done right. Whether you’re a spice aficionado or prefer milder options, Rockstar Chicken has something to satisfy your taste buds.
The boneless, juicy, and chewy chicken cubes are a delightful addition to the Singaporean hawker food scene, offering a unique twist on Sichuan cuisine that’s both accessible and delicious. It is filling and value-for-money. The never-ending boneless stir-fried chicken cubes, with their diverse range of flavors, generous portions, and quick service, gives this hawker stall a recommendation during your visit to Chinatown.
This review is not sponsored by the establishment nor did they provide any editorial input or reimbursements into the content and outcome of this review. Meals are paid in full out of my own pocket as a regular and anonymous patron.
Verdict:
Must Go! | Actually pretty Good | Worth Trying | Shortlist Optionally | Should Avoid
Rockstar chicken Chinatown Locality Map
People’s Park Food Centre
32 New Market Rd, #01-1132,
Singapore 050032
Opening Hours: 11am- 9pm, opens daily