TLDR
Authentic Hainanese chicken rice destination in Hell's Kitchen. Renowned for ginger-infused rice and excellent dipping sauces.
Instagram Posts References
The reviewer considers Uncle Ray's Chicken and Rice a favorite restaurant in Hells Kitchen. They ordered the trio combo chicken rice and Kailan (Chinese broccoli). Specific praise was given to the char siu and the complimentary chicken broth. The reviewer mentioned that there might be a wait due to the restaurant's popularity, but the service is efficient.
Details
Renowned for its authentic Hainanese chicken rice that rivals Singaporean counterparts, this Hell's Kitchen spot delivers a satisfying pre-theater experience under $25 [3]. Diners frequent this bustling eatery for its expertly poached chicken, gingery rice, and flavorful dipping sauces [2]. While often praised as a top destination in the city, the menu also extends to include comforting claypot seafood porridge and sweet-salty char siu [1], [2].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on Hainanese cuisine, anchored by poached and roasted chicken rice, which is widely considered among the best in the city [1], [2], [3]. Customers consistently recommend the ginger paste, excellent dipping sauces, and char siu [2], [4]. Some diners found the cabbage-infused soup to be a deviation from the traditional broth, and feedback on the chicken's flavor profile can vary [2].
Highlights / Recommended
"The poached Hainanese chicken rice, coffee pork ribs, and char siu are frequently highlighted as standout menu items [1], [2], [4]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •hainanese chicken rice(2)
- •poached hainanese chicken rice(2)
- •roasted hainanese chicken(2)
- •claypot seafood porridge(2)
- •char siu(2)
Customer Sentiment
Overall sentiment is highly positive, with many diners considering it their favorite spot for Hainanese chicken rice in New York City [2]. While the flavors are widely celebrated, a few visitors have noted inconsistent seasoning, such as the chicken being described as bland or the rice being overly salty [2].
Caveats
The restaurant operates as a walk-in-only establishment and can be quite busy, which may lead to wait times [1], [2]. Some patrons have noted physical quirks, including a small interior and bathroom access that requires walking through the kitchen [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About UNCLE RAY'S
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Wheres The Good Food In Midtown Thats Not 50 And
"Listed as a recommended spot."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Hainanese Chicken Rice Roundup Hainan Chicken
"This user inquired whether the original poster tried both poached and roasted chicken at Uncle Ray's, expressing a personal preference for the roasted chicken, though noting its flavor can vary."
NeutralFrom post: Nyc Hainanese Chicken Rice Roundup Hainan Chicken
"This commenter stated that the same person founded both Uncle Ray's Chicken Rice and Hainan Jones, and they prefer Uncle Ray's, especially because it includes ginger paste. They also mentioned that Uncle Ray's is in the former location of Hell's Kitchen Tradisyon, another favorite."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Hainanese Chicken Rice Roundup Hainan Chicken
"The original poster noted that Three Roosters is located right next to Uncle Ray's but they hadn't noticed it before."
NeutralFrom post: Nyc Hainanese Chicken Rice Roundup Hainan Chicken
"This commenter recommended 'Three Roosters,' a Thai-style restaurant, as an alternative, noting it's located next to Uncle Ray's and is equally delicious."
NeutralFrom post: Nyc Hainanese Chicken Rice Roundup Hainan Chicken
"This commenter found Uncle Ray's Chicken Rice to be terribly salty, particularly the rice, and recommended Wok Wok Noodle House or Singapore Social instead."
NegativeFrom post: Nyc Hainanese Chicken Rice Roundup Hainan Chicken
"The author found Uncle Ray's Chicken Rice to have excellent dipping sauces and well-prepared chicken rice, offering a typical NYC restaurant experience and convenience. However, the chicken itself was described as bland and requiring ample sauce. The bathroom access through the kitchen and its small size were noted as cons, as was the soup, which had added cabbage flavors instead of being a typical chicken broth."
NeutralFrom post: Where Does Stephen Colbert Order His Steamed
"Mentions Uncle Ray's in relation to the discussion about chicken."
NeutralFrom post: Visit Soon Are There Any Singaporean Restaurants
"Uncle Ray's is stated to have the best Hainanese chicken in NYC, possibly better in flavor than Singaporean places but more expensive."
PositiveFrom post: Visit Soon Are There Any Singaporean Restaurants
"Uncle Ray's in Hell's Kitchen is mentioned."
NeutralFrom post: Visit Soon Are There Any Singaporean Restaurants
"The commenter found Uncle Ray's after a trip to Singapore and started a quest for similar foods."
NeutralFrom post: Visit Soon Are There Any Singaporean Restaurants
"Commenter calls Uncle Ray's their personal favorite for Hainanese chicken rice in NYC and also mentions the coffee pork ribs."
PositiveFrom post: Visit Soon Are There Any Singaporean Restaurants
"Uncle Ray's is recommended as an excellent option for Hainanese Chicken Rice."
PositiveFrom post: Visit Soon Are There Any Singaporean Restaurants
"Uncle Ray's Chicken Rice is mentioned as being good and specializing in chicken rice."
PositiveFrom post: Something Easy Lunch Or Dinner For 2 Demoralized
"Uncle Ray's Chicken Rice is recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"This is one of many restaurants listed by the commenter from the NYTimes list."
Neutral