Hainanese Chicken Rice

Originally invented on Hainan, a tropical island located south of China, the humble Hainanese chicken rice has evolved into one of the most popular dishes in Singapore. It consists of steamed chicken that is cut into bite-sized pieces, then served with fragrant white rice.

When plated, the dish is drizzled with soy sauce and sesame oil, and it is served with sliced cucumbers and a spicy chili sauce. Frequently, the steaming liquid is subsequently spiced and served as a soup. The recipe was brought to Singapore by Hainanese migrants in the 19th century, and the first vendor selling this unique dish in Singapore opened his stall in the 1940s.

There is, however, some difference between the Hainanese and Singaporean varieties of the dish: the Hainanese prefer to use pork broth and serve the dish with pounded ginger instead of chili sauce. Regardless of the original, the Singaporean version became the favorite variety, and today it is often referred to only as Singaporean chicken rice.

Although it is also served in restaurants, this well-known dish is usually sold by street vendors which can be found on every street corner in Singapore.