Hainanese chicken rice

Hainanese Chicken Rice

A plate of Hainanese chicken rice

Hainanese chicken rice is a dish adapted from early Chinese immigrants originally from Hainan province in southern China. It is considered one of the national dishes of Singapore but is also commonly found in Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia.

History

Hainan is an island province of China, and the dish is named after it. The original Hainanese chicken dish was adapted from the Wenchang chicken, a dish that is still served in Hainan Island. The dish, as it is known today, was established by the Hainanese immigrants in the Nanyang area (present-day Southeast Asia) and particularly in Singapore.

Preparation

The dish is prepared with a whole chicken that is poached at sub-boiling temperatures. The resulting stock is skimmed off and some of the fat and liquid, along with ginger, garlic and pandan leaves, are used in the preparation of the rice, producing an oily, flavorful rice sometimes known as "oily rice". The chicken is usually served at room temperature, with some light soy sauce, sesame oil and oyster sauce for taste.

Serving

File:Hainanese Chicken Rice Ball.jpg

Hainanese chicken rice ball, a variation of the dish

Hainanese chicken rice can be served with a variety of accompaniments. These can include a dipping sauce of freshly minced red chilli and garlic, usually accompanied by dark soy sauce and freshly ground ginger. Cucumber slices, cilantro and occasionally, some slices of tomato or a lettuce leaf may be served on the side.

Variations

There are several variations of the dish, such as the Hainanese chicken rice ball, where the rice is shaped into balls and served alongside the chicken. In Thailand, the dish is served with a bowl of soup, and the chicken is often served with a layer of jelly-like fat under the skin.

Cultural Significance

Hainanese chicken rice is considered one of the "national dishes" of Singapore, and is often served at international expositions and global events showcasing Singaporean cuisine.

See Also

• Singaporean cuisine
• Malaysian cuisine
• Chinese cuisine