Chop Chung Wah Hainanese Chicken Rice Ball, Melaka

Who are these people lining up under the very hot sun just for a chicken rice meal?

Chop Chung Wah Hainanese Chicken Rice, Melaka - lining up
Joyce with my colleague from Hanoi

Tourists, that’s who! We were in the historical city for a day trip, and NO WAY would we miss out on the renowned Melaka Hainanese chicken rice balls!

At Chop Chung Wah; the famed corner eatery at Jonker Street, the queue begins well before its 8.30am opening. Demand exceeds supply so be prepared to wait for a table, which you may have to share with other diners.

But that’s to be expected of popular spots. So suck it up and get in line like a hungry tourist.

Chop Chung Wah Hainanese Chicken Rice, Melaka - corner shop
Front part of the shop

What is Hainanese chicken rice? Boiled or steamed chicken and white rice cooked in chicken broth, deliciously served with a spicy sauce made of chilli, ginger and lime. Mmmmm!

It is curious that despite its name, Hainanese chicken rice is no where to be found in Hainan. What they have is Wenchang Chicken, cooked using free range chicken so they are bonier, tougher and has less meat. Hainan people who migrated to South East Asia took this concept and created their version of Hainanese chicken rice as we know it today.

Chop Chung Wah Hainanese Chicken Rice, Melaka - preparing village chicken

True to the original Hainan Wenchang Chicken, Chop Chung Wah uses ‘kampung’ (village) chicken. Do not expect plump meat as you may normally get with commercialised chicken.

Chop Chung Wah Hainanese Chicken Rice, Melaka - preparing rice balls

5 makes one serving of chicken rice ball. Order a couple more if you will, just like me because I cannot stop at 5. Every chicken rice ball costs RM0.30.

Chop Chung Wah Hainanese Chicken Rice, Melaka - spicy chilli

Get your fill on their chilli sauce. It packs a punch so go easy especially if the first touch burns your lips.

Chop Chung Wah Hainanese Chicken Rice, Melaka

I really enjoy their chicken rice ball. Tightly packed rice balls opened up to reveal warm, fragrant, fluffy rice… simply delectable! Smelled fresh and chicken-ny too!

Chop Chung Wah Hainanese Chicken Rice, Melaka - chicken rice balls

Today (in 2014), a whole chicken costs RM42 and half costs RM21. I did a little googling and found that in 2009, they charged RM24 for a whole chicken and RM18 for half. Got to love inflation, huh?

Chop Chung Wah Hainanese Chicken Rice, Melaka - kampung chicken

Ah, the prices we do pay. I think it’s still worth the money… for now.

Chop Chung Wah
No. 18, Jalan Hang Jebat,
(Jonker Street)
75200 Melaka.

Opens daily from 8.30am to 3pm.