Hidden next to fan favorites within The Shops at Santa Anita such as Din Tai Fung and Uncle Tetsu is an unsuspecting restaurant that serves some of the most delicious and authentic Hainanese chicken rice spots. Although most people just walk past it, Side Chick serves quality food that will satisfy almost every hungry patron within the mall.

Side Chick is located at 400 S Baldwin Ave, in the corridor beside Uncle Tetsu. They are open every day of the week from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Sunday. They offer a small seating area but food can be taken to-go

The menu specializes in Hainanese Chicken Rice, a well-known fast food in regions of Asia such as China and Singapore. Their food menu ranges from around $3.50 to $14. Their Hainanese Chicken Rice consists of tender white or dark meat chicken accompanied by buttery rice cooked in chicken fat, paired with three different sauces and fresh vegetables. They do offer a fried chicken version as well, which is equally, if not more tasty. However, their chicken soup shouldn’t be ignored. If you’re craving a warm and nourishing beverage on a cold day, their chicken soup stands out for its rich and savory flavor.

After being told to wait in a two-hour queue for Din Tai Fung, I aimlessly walked around The Shops until I found Side Chick. Despite not having a line, the food looked fresh and the prices were decent compared to the neighboring restaurants. The staff was friendly and helpful, providing me with suggestions on what I might enjoy or not. Eventually, I was convinced to try their classic Hainanese Chicken Rice. The food was packaged in a plastic container, containing crispy vegetables and warm chicken rice with the chicken and three sauces: Spicy, Garlic, and Soy Sauce. Although some establishments expect the customer to only use one or two of the sauces, I believe that the dish is incomplete without all three. When all three sauces are combined, it adds another layer of spicy, salty, and umami-filled flavors that complement the dish very well. This, along with the crispy texture of the vegetables with the tender chicken was very enjoyable. The well-seasoned rice, paired with fresh, crispy vegetables, and juicy chicken meat, along with three amazing sauces, was by far one of the most authentic and tastiest things I have ever tasted in that mall. In fact, the meal was so good, that I had to try their chicken soup right after my first bite.

Since Hainanese Chicken Rice is boiled chicken with seasonings, it would only make sense that the soup left behind would be as good as the chicken dish, and it was. Served piping hot, the rich, golden soup was an excellent pairing to my Hainanese Chicken Rice. Since the chicken was cooked in it, there is a deep depth of flavor, one that would require hours of simmering in order to achieve. Although my first sip of the soup was scalding, it became much more enjoyable once it was cooled. I think that anyone who gets the Hainanese Chicken Rice has to pair it with the soup, as it lets you wash down the bold flavors of the chicken rice with a delicate, light, yet flavorful soup, rounding out the whole experience.

All things considered, Side Chick is a hidden gem in the Santa Anita mall. The fresh, tasty food is a welcoming addition to the wide variety of restaurants. I recommend it to anyone wanting to try something new or needs a bite to eat when lines are too long.