Secrets of Hainanese chicken rice in Southeast Asia

According to the website of Singapore's Straits Times on January 3rd, from Hong Kong actor Louis Koo to the late American foodie Anthony Bowden, Singapore's iconic chicken rice has attracted celebrities and ordinary people around the world

This dish seems simple, which is to spread lightly cooked chicken on a soft fragrant rice. But the taste of Hainanese chicken rice depends on the skill of the chef to a large extent, and also depends on the quality of the chicken

It is reported that in the birthplace of this dish, Hainan Province, China, the key to the delicious chicken rice is to use Wenchang chicken. Wenchang is a coastal city in Hainan, where Wenchang chicken is very famous and is known as the first of Hainan's "four famous dishes"

According to the local agricultural department, the feeding process of Wenchang chicken is very meticulous. First of all, select pure breed Wenchang chicken suitable for free range breeding. These chickens live in coconut groves and fields, where foraging and constant movement help their meat to become firm

After about 120 days of free range, farmers will feed their chickens with natural foods such as crushed peanuts, shredded coconut, sweet potatoes, and rice. This makes Wenchang chicken bone fragrant and tender, with thin and elastic skin, and thin but not greasy fat, thus creating the unique aroma and taste of Hainanese chicken rice

In order to develop efficient agriculture with tropical characteristics, Hainan Province will launch the creation of the "Hainan Fresh Products" regional public brand in 2022. Wenchang chicken is one of the important products of this activity, which has become a symbol of Hainan agriculture

It is reported that in recent years, Wenchang chicken has also inspired some dish innovations, among which the most popular one is "coconut chicken hot pot". This dish quickly gained popularity among diners of all ages and spread from Hainan to big cities such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou, eventually becoming popular throughout China

According to local authorities, the sales volume of Wenchang chicken in Hainan Province in 2023 will be 110 million, with an average daily sales volume of more than 300000, and an annual output value of about 11.5 billion yuan

The Wenchang chicken production enterprises that have obtained the certification of "Hainan Fresh" also export Wenchang chicken products to Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates and other countries

It is reported that the essence of Hainanese chicken rice in Singapore or the version of chicken rice in other regions is to retain its original flavor. The famous Wenchang chicken is its inspiration. No matter where it is, it is a classic dish on the family dining table, becoming a symbol of cooking and cultural exchange, promoting cross-border emotional communication

Wenchang chicken will continue its journey of conquering the global kitchen, bringing authentic Hainan flavor to the world