Special Hainan Chicken 和记海南鸡饭

Special Hainan Chicken 和记海南鸡饭, located at 699 Lewelling Blvd #104 in San Leandro, California, 94579, is a Chinese restaurant that, as its name suggests, specializes in Hainanese chicken rice. They can be contacted at (510) 842-3308 or via mobile at +1 510-842-3308. According to customer reviews, this restaurant has focused on perfecting this signature dish, making it a go-to place for those specifically seeking Hainan chicken in the Bay Area.

One reviewer enthusiastically states that if you are looking for Hainan chicken, "this place has it," emphasizing their specialization. They also highlight the value of the combo deal, which includes both noodle soup and chicken for a reasonable price. The ginger scallion sauce is particularly praised, with the reviewer noting its deliciousness and versatility. Additionally, they mention that the duck is also a good option on the menu.

Another customer found the Hainan chicken to be quite tender and juicy with a firm texture. While they noted that it didn't have a strong flavor on its own, they still considered it better than many other Hainan chicken offerings in the Bay Area, especially given the price point of around $14. However, this reviewer found the ginger scallion sauce to be more salty than flavorful in terms of ginger and scallion. Despite this, they concluded that the overall experience wasn't bad due to the good texture and juiciness of the chicken, suggesting that the quality of the chicken itself is a significant draw.

Beyond the signature dish, customers have also commented on other menu items. The fried chicken gizzard received positive feedback for being well-prepared, appropriately sized with not too much breading, and having the right amount of crunch and flavor. In contrast, the fried tofu was described as "okay" and "nothing special," leading the reviewer to suggest skipping it, especially if it's a favorite dish. The braised duck was considered "decent" and somewhat bland, but its texture was noted as not being mushy, which is appreciated as mushy texture can be a common issue with duck dishes.

The lemon tea at Special Hainan Chicken received a less favorable review. One customer described it as watered-down Lipton black tea with lemon slices, lacking the characteristics of an authentic, concentrated lemon tea with a rich balance of tea and lemon flavors without bitterness. The reviewer noted that finding such authentic lemon tea in the Bay Area is rare and recommended skipping this drink if it's a personal favorite.

In terms of service, customers reported positive experiences, with everything coming out in an orderly and fast manner. The restaurant also appears to be able to accommodate larger groups, as they have the flexibility to combine tables for parties of six or more. Parking is also convenient, with "plenty" of parking available in the plaza where the restaurant is located.

Overall, Special Hainan Chicken 和记海南鸡饭 seems to offer good value, particularly for lunch and a quick dinner, with meals priced under $15. One reviewer even suggests that it could be one of the top Hainan chicken restaurants in the Bay Area for this price range. The focus on perfecting their Hainan chicken appears to be a key feature, with customers appreciating its texture and juiciness, even if the flavor is described as mild by some. The ginger scallion sauce receives mixed reviews regarding its flavor profile.

For local users in San Leandro and the surrounding areas looking for a Chinese restaurant specializing in Hainanese chicken rice, Special Hainan Chicken 和记海南鸡饭 is definitely worth considering. It seems to be a place where the emphasis is on the quality and value of their signature dish, along with efficient service and convenient parking. While other menu items like the fried chicken gizzard and braised duck are available, and receive varying degrees of positive feedback, the Hainan chicken remains the star of the show. If you appreciate tender and juicy Hainan chicken at a reasonable price, this restaurant could be a great option. However, those with specific preferences for a strongly flavored ginger scallion sauce or authentic, rich lemon tea might want to adjust their expectations accordingly based on the recent reviews.

Located at 699 Lewelling Blvd #104 in San Leandro, Special Hainan Chicken 和记海南鸡饭 offers a focused menu centered around their specialty. It provides a casual dining environment with the capacity to host small to medium-sized groups and benefits from ample parking. If your craving is specifically for Hainan chicken and you value good quality at an affordable price, this Chinese restaurant appears to be a strong contender in the local area.