Even before the Chicken Rice trend began in Manila, I was already harboring affection for the Singaporean favorite.
This love affair began when we were first introduced in 2009 during one of my family weekends in Singapore. We were staying at then newly renovated Meritus Mandarin Hotel along Orchard Road and had access to Chatterbox, which served the hotel’s daily breakfast buffet.
Initially, I only knew of Chatterbox because of our access to its daily breakfast. Fortunately, my dad began reminiscing on his earlier visits to the hotel and commented that Chatterbox has been popular since its opening in 1971 because of its best-selling and award-winning Mandarin chicken rice.
To satiate our curiosity, we managed to squeeze in a lunch reservation and I immediately fell in love with the Mandarin Chicken Rice!
Beginning 2011, I witnessed the landfall of the chicken rice trend here in Manila. Some have lived up to their claims of being as close to the local SG fare. However, there must some truth to that saying on first love and its apparent longevity. Because upon my family’s return to Singapore this July, a return visit to Chatterbox became a top priority.
After a long day of walking around Sentosa and Gardens by the Bay, we arrived at the Mandarin Gallery by 9pm.
Upon entering Chatterbox, we were immediately seated in the brightly lit dining hall with modern, minimalist fixtures and the same green chairs we used 5 years ago.
CHATTERBOX MENU
Aside from the signature chicken rice, Chatterbox offers common Singaporean fare from lobster laska, nasi goreng and bak kut teh. However, it is worthy to note that the prices are steep when compared to hawker stalls (Mandarin Chicken Rice costs $27 at Chatterbox vs. $3 at a hawker stall).
THE DINING EXPERIENCE
The staff was attentive and delivered quality service. They promptly returned with our orders within a limited waiting period of about 8-12 minutes. Our water glasses were constantly being refilled without request.
Mandarin Chicken Rice
It was exactly as I remembered. The clear chicken broth and chicken rice were both tasty from the chicken stock. The chicken portion was generous and would be good enough for two people. And the chicken was just delicious! The specially imported chicken was lean, not greasy and perfectly cooked. No need to check for uncooked portions with blood!
Nasi Goreng Itsimewa
Spicy, fragrant and simply filling. The rich sauces covering the shrimp and chicken skewers were perfect to go with the fried egg and rice. I have yet to find a nasi goreng variant that would let me down.
Happy smiles!
VERDICT: 5 out of 5
Chatterbox definitely remains famous for a reason and it works hard to maintain its standards. Kudos to Chatterbox and Mandarin Orchard for making every visit memorable!
CHATTERBOX
Meritus Mandarin Hotel, 333 Orchard Road
Website: http://www.meritushotels.com/mandarin-orchard-singapore/dining_71-en.html
Email: dine.orchard@meritushotels.com
Tel: +65.6831.6291
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS23)
Operating Hours
All-day Dining
Sunday – Thursday: 10.00am – 1.00am
Friday, Saturday & PH: 10.00am – 2.00am
TRIP AND TELL 