Hainanese Chicken Rice

Another one of Singapore’s most famous dishes, Hainanese chicken rice can be found in almost every eating spot in the country – from hawkers to restaurants. These eating spots offer similar recipes at varying prices and in different serving size. Some serve the whole chicken while some serve bite-sized chicken rice meals, all paired with some chili and ginger paste. This dish is also considered to be one of Singapore’s national dishes.

The meal is cooked the Hainanese way – by boiling the chicken or blanching it in water and then putting it in cold water once it is fully cooked. Some would also roast the chicken or braise it in soya sauce. The Singaporean style recipe is also influenced by Cantonese flavors which is why they use the tangy red chili sauce dip. The way the rice and chili is crafted is what makes this dish extraordinary. The rice is cooked in chicken stock with ginger and pandan leaves, and the chili must have a balance of spicy and sour flavors.

The Hainanese chicken recipe has been influenced by the early Chinese immigrants from the island of Hainan located in the southern coast of China. The locals of Hainan call this dish the “Wenchang Chicken.” They pair the chicken with oily rice and use ground green chili as a dip.