A Hainanese Chicken Rice Kind of Day at Nanyang in GH Mall

Laksa, Char Kway Teow, Fish Head Curry, Kaya Toast, Chili Crab or Hainanese Chicken Rice? It can be difficult, even impossible to pick one singular iconic and national dish from Singapore's rich and diverse multi-cultural culinary tapestry of world-renowned flavors. There's no doubt the debate will continue to spark endless rounds of impassioned discussions fueled by intense gastronationalism, but today belongs to Hainanese Chicken Rice. And you'll find some of the best renditions at Nanyang...

Consistent with its hawker center origins, Nanyang brings authentic and sumptuous Singaporean street food fare and the vibrant kopi tiam culture at the heart of the new Greenhills commercial complex at GH Mall. And yes, there's nothing quite like a hearty dish that takes you deep into the Lion City's colorful culinary heritage and traditions with its nostalgic range of specialty dishes made with the freshest ingredients at prices that won't bust your wallet. And the first dish that comes top-of-mind when it comes to Singaporean cuisine is usually Hainanese Chicken Rice. It's a Hainanese Chicken Rice kind of day at Nanyang...

The modern and sleek interiors of Nanyang in GH Mall may be a far cry from the often chaotic and busy hawker center vibe but the kitchen dishes out the same flavorful cuisine you'd expect from one of Singapore's leading food chains (for more on Nanyang, see my earlier post A Taste of Singapore Signature Flavors by Nanyang Comes to the New GH Mall in Greenhills Shopping Center from late last year). Settle down with the refreshing Iced Honey Yuzu (P 130) to open up the palate...

...and just after a few sips your Hainanese Chicken Rice (P 268) is served with all the traditional components in one plate. Fast, affordable and full of flavor just like the hawker centers, Nanyang offers a taste of Singapore Signature Flavors in a modern and casual setting at GH Mall. 

Singapore's history and role as a major trade route and influx of migration have resulted in one of the world's truly rich and diverse melting pot of culinary influences. The origins of the iconic dish can be traced to the Wenchang Chicken dating as far back as the Quing Dynasty and brought to Singapore by the region's wave of immigrants from Hainan eventually evolving into the dish regarded as Singapore's own. The story of food parallels both history and migration, and the version of today's Hainanese Chicken Rice is a perfect example. At Nanyang, this proud and cherished tradition is preserved with its wide array of Singaporean hawker food fare bannered by the specialty Hainanese Chicken Rice. 

The dish itself is composed of different components starting with the soft, moist and flavorful rice. For many, it's the rice that is the heart and soul of the iconic Singaporean dish. Cooked in chicken stock along with various aromatics like ginger, garlic and even pandan leaves, the rice glistens from the richness of the stock while a fragrant aroma teases your nose and palate. A bowl of the chicken stock is also served adding to the medley of flavors from this one dish. The gently poached chicken with cucumbers complements the rice with its buttery texture and soft jelly-like skin achieved with a traditional and tedious process of boiling and dipping in ice. The flavors are both clean and fresh, draping the palate with a lingering richness. The trio of sauces consisting of red chili, dark soy sauce and finely minced ginger completes the lavish play on flavors and textures along with a side of blanched bok choy slathered in a dark sauce. 

Fans of Hainanese Chicken Rice have their own ritual in enjoying the flavors of the iconic Singaporean dish, starting first with a sip of the broth followed by a bite of tender chicken. Then, the trio of sauces joins the fray with its own distinctive notes coming together to enhance the flavors of the gently poached chicken. And finally, that spoonful of rich, flavorful, moist and aromatic rice seals in the flavor rounding up the hearty meal. The Lion City's rich culinary heritage has more than one specialty that deserves the title as the national dish but one more bite of the Hainanese Chicken Rice settles the case for me. This is the flavor of Singapore on a plate. 

And if you're craving for an authentic rendition of a true Singaporean classic like Hainanese Chicken Rice, you can simply head on over to the Nanyang branch nearest you. 

Nanyang is located at the Lower Ground Floor of the new GH Mall in Greenhills Shopping Center, Greenhills, Ortigas Avenue, San Juan, Metro Manila. You may visit their FB Page and website at https://www.facebook.com/nanyangph and http://nanyang.com.ph/ for more updates and information.

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