5 Star Hainanese Chicken Rice is Efficient

Lunch was a shared plate of Hainanese chicken rice with roast pork and a side of stir-fried taugeh for Jen and I. The set came with clear chicken broth and cost RM24.40 for two. The shop, bright and clean, felt organised — orders came quickly, and the staff were attentive and polite.

The chicken turned out a little dry, missing that tender succulence usually found in good Hainanese poached chicken.

The roast pork, unfortunately, didn’t fare better — while the skin had a hint of crispness, it was smothered in thick black sauce, masking the flavour of the meat. It’s a style that might appeal to those who like a sweet-savoury glaze, but not my preference.

The bean sprouts (taugeh) were decent.

I did like the rice.

5 Star Hainanese Chicken Rice & BBQ Pork deserves mention for its cleanliness, efficiency, and central location. Situated along Jalan Gaya, it’s an easy and convenient stop for travellers exploring the heritage strip of Kota Kinabalu.