The celeb foodie has opened a halal chicken rice restaurant with his wife Anna Belle Francis. And he wants to play in the big leagues.

Imagine a local rapper, known for his rhythm and rhymes, setting his sights on a new stage: the culinary world. That's the story of Sheikh Haikel and Hai Ge Ji, as captured by Gwyn Lim in 8days. It's not just about opening a restaurant; it's about a vision, a passion, and a desire to elevate Halal Hainanese chicken rice to new heights. Let's step into this story.

Sheikh Haikel wasn't content with just another chicken rice joint. He had a dream, a bold one: to create Halal Hainanese chicken rice that could stand shoulder to shoulder with the 'big boys' like Boon Tong Kee. 'It’s high time we had halal Hainanese chicken rice [on the] same level [as] big boys like Boon Tong Kee,' he declared, as reported by 8days. This wasn't just a business venture; it was a mission.

“I think it was high time that we had a halal Hainanese chicken rice shop that plays at the same level as the old-school big boys like Boon Tong Kee and Five Star Chicken Rice,” he explained.

-Sheikh Haikel -

Gwyn Lim's article paints a picture of a man driven by a desire to challenge the status quo. He saw a gap in the market, a need for Halal chicken rice that could truly impress. It wasn't just about serving food; it was about serving excellence.

The 8days article delves into the journey, the challenges, and the dedication it took to bring this vision to life. You can almost feel the excitement, the determination, and the sheer passion that fueled Sheikh Haikel's ambition. It's a story of taking a leap of faith, of stepping into uncharted territory, and of pouring your heart into every dish.

And it wasn't just about the food. It was about creating an experience, a place where people could come and enjoy Halal chicken rice that was truly exceptional. It was about proving that Halal options could be just as delicious, just as memorable, as any other. It was a story of elevating a familiar dish to an extraordinary level.

“We wanted an authentic experience, and we can only replicate this if we work closely with our Chinese cooks. Aside from being halal, the restaurant replicates the complete Hainanese chicken rice experience with traditional recipes, Chinese chefs, Chinese decor and ambience” 

-Anna Belle-

Why You Should Read the Full 8days Article?

To truly understand the heart and soul behind Hai Ge Ji, we encourage you to read Gwyn Lim's full article in 8days:

‘It’s High Time We Had Halal Hainanese Chicken Rice At The Same Level As Big Boys Like Boon Tong Kee’ Says Rapper Sheikh Haikel

It's a story that goes beyond the plate, a narrative of passion and ambition.

Hai Ge Ji isn't just a restaurant; it's a chapter in Sheikh Haikel's story. It's a testament to his vision, his dedication, and his desire to bring exceptional Halal Hainanese chicken rice to Singapore. We invite you to be a part of this story, to taste the ambition, and to experience the flavors that are reaching new heights.

For media inquiries, collaborations, or partnership opportunities, contact us at enquiries@haigeji.com