All About Chicken Rice - A Brief History of the Favorite Dish

There’s no question about how prominent the poached chicken rice meal is among the locals. The meal itself is a monumental national dish of the country with CNN placing the dish in their 50 best foods in the world.

Finding the best chicken rice in Singapore is often a quest left among those who desire the best. It can be somewhat subjective but there’s no denying that the Hainanese meal is often a champion for those who like to relieve their hunger with an excellent taste.

Chicken rice restaurants can be seen anywhere in Singapore, from hawker stalls to dining places and fancy restaurants in the region. Perhaps, one can ask where it can be pointed out for the right direction by the locals for the ideal place. Some have their chicken rice place in River Valley, others have it in Century Square, etc. 

A Brief History of the Hainanese Dish

The original recipe and its way of cooking were derived from Chinese immigrants with a mix of Hainanese and Cantonese culture of cooking dishes before it found its way in Singapore. Deriving from the early famous dish which was called Wenchang chicken.

The dish was brought to the idea of serving tender meat in rice coated in oil fused with spices such as garlic and chilli sauce. Though, this may very well be different according to how they are cooked. From there on, different cultures have their own way of cooking and interpreting the legendary dish. Others made their own formulation which they saw as an opportunity to sell among the locals.

Early chicken rice restaurants in Singapore were opened as early as World War II while others started restaurants in the earlier years of the war. This was due to the loss of income in the Hainanese. On the other hand, bigger openings were seen in the 1950s shortly after the war.

As mentioned earlier there were several types of chicken rice in Southeast Asia. One of these is the now renowned roasted chicken which is also a derived variation of the poached chicken from the Hainanese. The variation happens when groups of people in the different cultural backgrounds are adapting the taste according to the traditional flavours of their region or country.

For some, they interpret the taste as somewhat lacking, bland or excess in flavour and blend. Others would add more spices to cater to their accustomed way of preparing home-cook dishes. But as such variations occurred, the chicken rice that was known in earlier times was remaining authentic and close to its customary preparation. 

The spread of popularity

As of today, the dish itself is gaining popularity among the Westerners. With critics and famous chefs penning their review and praises for the said dish. Publishing media also covered and promoted the dish. Gaining more exposure outside of Southeast Asia. The region of its origin.

If you are looking for chicken rice in Ang Mo Kio, Singapore then visit Boon Tong Kee with over several outlets that serve chicken rice all throughout Singapore. 

Resource:

https://ansymichuo.kinja.com/all-about-chicken-rice-a-brief-history-of-the-favorit-1842955801