When one thinks of the Chatterbox at Mandarin Hotel, the first thing that flashes into mind immediately is the all-famous Mandarin Chicken Rice, with a capital C. The Mandarin name has become almost synonymous with Chicken Rice. This humble hawker dish is undisputedly Singapore 's most iconic dish, popular and well loved by most. Chatterbox has come a long way- from its days as the first hotel coffee house in Singapore to feature local hawker fare 35 years back, to the present: a modern and reputable local icon, that has garnered a cult following. What makes the Mandarin Chicken rice so different from others? The freshest ingredients and finest flavors used perhaps. Or the top quality COBB 500 chickens. It could be the wholesome premium jasmine rice grains. Or perhaps the fragrant, specially made chilli sauce. Whatever the reason, no one can deny that there is something magical in the dish, that has kept locals and foreigners enthralled likewise.

• The Vibe
  Where else can you get your local hawker food fix without sweating bullets in the cramped and stuffy confines of the hawker centre? “Hawker dining” takes on a new meaning in the air-conditioned comfort of the Chatterbox coffee house. No dirty, wet tables here, or rushing frantically to “chope” seats with packets of tissue paper. Instead, this spacious and simply decorated place is fuss free, with neat-as-a-pin surroundings. Constantly buzzing with vibrant conversation, but never a cacophony of jarring sounds. Elegant black tables and comfortable chairs make the perfect perch for relaxing into after a long day of work or shopping. Or perhaps a quick pick-me-up during lunch. Modern and casual, this is the perfect ambience for enjoying a simple, wholesome meal with family and friends.

• The Food
  The Mandarin Chicken rice. Four simple words that send shivers of pleasure down the spine of many a fan. For 35 years since its conception, this award winning dish has become a household name, rolling loosely off the lips of many, and remains the most popular item on the menu. For $19.00, expect tender and succulent slices of de-boned chicken, fragrant, steaming hot rice served with an assortment of home made sauces. Some may argue that $19.00 is a steep price to pay for a dish of chicken rice, considering it is only a fraction of the price in Hawker centers. Perhaps one should then consider the Mandarin Chicken Rice experience as more then just the food, but as a whole branded dining experience in itself, where quality takes precedence over functionality. Although the chicken rice is purportedly the best item on the menu, there are other local favorites which are a worthwhile indulgence as well. The Lobster Laksa ($27.00) is the ultimate comfort food. Thick white noodles, come with a generous helping of ingredients, simmered in mouthwatering, piquant gravy. The sauce is full-bodied and rich, with the delicious accents of coconut. Most Laksa gravies tend to be too watery and thin, but in this case, it is wholesome and creamy, with lots of shrimp to give it an added texture! Two huge lobster halves grace the bowl, like twin crowns sparkling in all their glory. One can't help but salivate at the sight of such an indulgence. The grilled Satay ($15.00) is good for sharing as well. Take your pick from beef, mutton or chicken, all soft and tender, grilled to perfection. Dip into the delicious homemade peanut sauce for the perfect accompaniment.

  If you aren't yet bursting at the seams already after such a hearty meal, you may like to try the Tau Suan. ($8.00) Nothing very unusual about this well-loved local dessert, but many people swear by this version. It's hard not to love the feeling of the smooth, syrupy gravy sliding down your throat, or the soothing sensation of having something warm in your tummy.

The SD Food advisor's take on Chatterbox.
One can probably wax lyrical forever about the chicken rice, but there are other notable dishes that deserve to share the limelight as well. It has been fiercely debated whether the price is truly worthwhile for the “hawker fare”. It remains an issue of controversy. Some say it is all overhyped, while others claim it is heaven condensed in a plate. Whatever your take, one thing remains for sure- Countless loyal regulars continue to flock back here daily to satiate their chicken rice cravings despite the prices. “High class hawker food”? Perhaps some may say. But call it magic or what, there is something markedly special about the dishes that give it that incandescent sparkle. And I am sure as anything spellbound.