He is recognized for introducing the first-ever deboned Hainanese chicken rice, an early rendition of the now-famous dish at Chatterbox restaurant. Additionally, he played a role in establishing hawker stalls such as Sergeant Chicken Rice and Jiang Ji Traditional Hainanese Chicken Rice.
Renowned for his role in shaping Singapore’s culinary landscape with the iconic Chatterbox chicken rice, Kiang Joon Toh, affectionately known as Sergeant Kiang, passed away on April 23, 2024, at the age of 86. As a pioneer in the industry, he not only crafted the famed chicken rice at Chatterbox but also founded several hawker stalls, including Jiang Ji Traditional Hainanese Chicken Rice, which ceased operations in 2022.
News of his demise surfaced through a post on the Facebook group Hawkers United, although further details regarding his passing remain undisclosed. He is survived by three children, all of whom continue the family legacy in the chicken rice business.
A MEMBER OF THE ORIGINAL CHATTERBOX CHICKEN RICE TEAM
Beginning his culinary journey as a cook in the British army during the 1960s, Kiang Joon Toh, famously known as Sergeant Kiang, honed his skills in the Army Food Battalion Regiment. His expertise led him to prestigious hotel kitchens, including the Mandarin Hotel (now Hilton Singapore Orchard) in 1971.
During his tenure there, the executive chef entrusted him with the task of crafting a signature local dish for Chatterbox restaurant. Sgt Kiang’s innovative twist on Hainanese chicken rice, featuring deboned chicken, is believed to be the pioneering rendition that birthed Chatterbox’s renowned S$25 Mandarin Chicken Rice.
Following his stint at Mandarin Hotel, Sgt Kiang embarked on his entrepreneurial journey, establishing his own chicken rice stall named Sergeant Chicken at Rasa Singapura in the 1980s. His culinary prowess earned him recognition, and he became renowned for training staff at prominent food chains like the Kopitiam group, specifically for their Chicky Fun and Sergeant Chicken Rice outlets.
In a collaborative effort with his children, Sgt Kiang co-founded Jiang Ji Traditional Hainanese Chicken Rice in the late 2010s. The stall initially operated successfully on Havelock Road, later relocating to Yishun in 2020. Unfortunately, due to challenges posed by escalating rental and food costs, Jiang Ji Traditional Hainanese Chicken Rice ceased operations in 2022.
A five-day wake in honor of Sgt Kiang is scheduled to take place at 787 Yishun Ring Road starting from April 24th.
