3 Sauces Hainam Chicken Rice 海南鸡饭

Restaurant · South Loop

6

@infatuation

"There’s not really a more efficient place to get a haircut, buy some pants, and grab a meal than the basement of Chinatown’s Richland Center. Despite its fairly small size, this underground food court/mall combo crams in a surprising number of great food stalls. 3 Sauces Hainam Chicken Rice is one of these, and their namesake dish is the main reason we descend into this subterranean oasis. Originally from China, Hainanese chicken rice—carefully poached slices of chicken on a bed of rice cooked in fat—has found popularity in many Southeast Asian countries. In Chicago, 3 Sauces is the only restaurant dedicating itself to this famous dish, with a short menu completely revolving around it. And this food stall’s concentrated effort pays off. photo credit: 3 Sauces Hainam Chicken Rice 3 Sauce’s chicken rice is sublime. The meat is buttery, with soft, chewy skin. Hints of ginger and scallion emanate from every juicy piece, like the palpable excitement of a Disney adult on a flight to Orlando. Three sauces are served on the side for additional flavor—sweet soy, ginger, and bright peppery chili sambal—so you can calibrate everything to taste. And the pillowy rice and comforting soup complement the chicken’s simplicity by adding richness and herbaceous flavor. They also have other variations on the chicken, like a fried, panko-crusted version or a noodle soup with a richer broth, both of which are fine. But the Hainanese chicken rice is the reason we go out of our way to spend time in a food court full of metal chairs, tables, and fans working overtime to add some ventilation. Ambience-wise, well, there is none. But when you’re spending quality time with the best Hainanese chicken rice in the city, it doesn’t matter. Food Rundown Crispy Shrimp Rolls Yes, we know, this isn’t chicken. But juicy pieces of shrimp in a crispy wrapper dipped in a spicy chili sauce are an ideal starter for the incoming chicken feast. photo credit: 3 Sauces Hainam Chicken Rice Hainam Chicken Rice This is why you’re here. Each pleasantly soft-yet-chewy piece of meat has an essence of ginger, scallion, and other herbs. And that flavor is enhanced when you season the chicken with chili, soy, and ginger sauces that add spice, sweetness, and tang. When eaten with spoonfuls of the light broth, and rich rice cooked with chicken fat, it's a comforting and filling $12 meal. photo credit: 3 Sauces Hainam Chicken Rice Fried-Nam Chicken Rice This version of chicken rice has a tasty, salty panko breading, but lacks the juiciness of the original dish. It does come with a tangy mayo and sweet chili sauce that we like, but we prefer the poached version. photo credit: 3 Sauces Hainam Chicken Rice Southeast Asian Chicken Noodle Soup The chicken is the same as the original dish, except this time it’s paired with light pho noodles, and a more robust broth with green onions, parsley, and a hint of lime. The added herbs and vegetables give the soup an enhanced flavor, making it a great alternative if you want to mix things up." - John Ringor

3 Sauces Hainam Chicken Rice - Review - Chinatown - Chicago - The Infatuation
John Ringor

2002 S Wentworth Ave b11, Chicago, IL 60616 Get directions

3sauces.com
@3_sauces

6 Postcards

Reserve
See full details

More Places For You

Annapurna Simply Vegetarian

Vegetarian restaurant · West Rogers Park

Annapurna is a beloved vegetarian cafe in Rogers Park, serving standout dosas and an array of authentic Indian snacks, all in a charming corner spot with patio seating.

12 Postcards

Khmai

Cambodian restaurant · Rogers Park

Khmai is a cozy fine dining spot in Rogers Park, serving flavorful Cambodian small plates, like spicy papaya salad and beef skewers, perfect for sharing.

22 Postcards

Bakery Garden Cafe

Bakery · West Loop

Charming family-run spot in Congress Center dishing out delicious breakfast sandwiches, soups, coffee, and baked treats with warm service.

1 Postcard

Ciccio Mio

Italian restaurant · River North

Ciccio Mio is a cozy Italian eatery in River North, serving hearty house-made pastas and classics amid elegant decor and a romantic atmosphere.

17 Postcards

Fatpour Tap Works - McCormick

Restaurant · South Loop

This lively bi-level brewpub boasts over 200 beers on tap, hearty pub fare, and a buzzing atmosphere perfect for catching the game.

9 Postcards

The Bakery at Fat Rice

Bakery · Logan Square

A vibrant haven for inventive Asian pastries and coffee by day, transforming into a lively restaurant-bar with bold flavors by night.

30 Postcards

HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen

Vietnamese restaurant · Pilsen

HaiSous in Pilsen serves up upscale Vietnamese cuisine with a creative spin, featuring family-style dishes like caramelized chicken wings and seafood delights in a stylish, relaxed atmosphere perfect for sharing.

41 Postcards

Kuma's Corner

Bar & grill · Avondale

In the heart of Avondale, Kuma's Corner serves up colossal, creatively topped burgers paired with a heavy metal soundtrack, making for a head-banging bite.

14 Postcards

Holy Bagels CO.

Breakfast restaurant · Park West

Holy Bagels is a cozy Lincoln Park gem, serving up NYC-style bagels with a satisfying bite and airy center, perfect for any sandwich or smear.

5 Postcards

Noon O Kabab Chicago

Restaurant · Albany Park

At Noon O Kabab, the Albany Park staple since '77, feast on cherished Persian classics and juicy kebabs in a vibrant, cozy atmosphere.

16 Postcards