In 1979, Mr. Thian Boon Hua started a small stall in Chinatown serving Cantonese chicken rice. Building upon the popularity of his silky white sauce chicken rice and emphasis on quality service, he rallied his family members to establish Boon Tong Kees first restaurant at Balestier Road in 1983.

In its second year of operation, the restaurant started to garner rave reviews and accolades from industry luminaries and customers. Before long, outlets at MacPherson Road, Whampoa West, River Valley Road, Cheong Chin Nam Road and East Coast Road followed in rapid succession.

The company diversified its operations in 1999 to include "Zi Char" (home-style cooked food) and eateries. From the traditional Balestier Road outlet to the upscale River Valley branch, Boon Tong Kee has enthralled Singaporeans and tourists alike with its delectable food and friendly staff.