Hainanese Chicken Rice and Culinary Identity of Food in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Hainanese chicken rice is a popular dish in many countries, especially in Southeast Asia, due to its delicious taste, convenient eating style, and easy adaptability to the eating cultures of consumers in each country. This dish originated from the Hainanese people of China and then spread to many countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand through migration and settlement. As a result, Hainanese chicken rice has developed differently in terms of taste, cooking methods, seasoning, and side dishes according to each area. This academic article discusses the popularity of Hainanese chicken rice in Southeast Asia and compares differences to study the adaptation of recipes, tastes, and cooking methods in each country. To study the identity of food and cultural integration in Southeast Asia. The study employed literature review and document analysis based on academic articles, research studies, and other relevant secondary sources. The findings reveal that Hainanese chicken rice remains popular because it is easy to eat at reasonable prices. It also reflects that Hainanese chicken rice is an example of food that travels across cultures through the process of migration and cultural exchange until it was modified in accordance with the context of each country and gradually became a part of the food identity of many countries in Southeast Asia. Furthermore, it is adaptable to the different cultural contexts of each country. This popularity reflects the transmission of culinary wisdom from generation to generation, as well as the cultural integration found throughout Southeast Asia.