At the table
Follow the restaurant’s cooking process and ask staff to confirm the chicken is fully cooked. Taste the broth, then eat the chicken with dipping sauce if desired, removing bones carefully.
Contains chicken and bones, so not vegetarian or vegan. The plain broth is not chilli-hot, but dips may contain chilli and soy sauce.
Ginger or water chestnuts may be added. Dips can use sand ginger, kumquat, chilli and soy sauce; rice and sauce are not a guaranteed fixed set.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Ginger or water chestnuts may be added. Dips can use sand ginger, kumquat, chilli and soy sauce; rice and sauce are not a guaranteed fixed set.
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Gently sweet coconut broth and savoury chicken; dipping sauce may be tangy or spicy.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Tender chicken and soft coconut flesh in a light broth.
- How it’s made
- Chicken pieces simmer in coconut water and water with coconut flesh.
Ginger or water chestnuts may be added. Dips can use sand ginger, kumquat, chilli and soy sauce; rice and sauce are not a guaranteed fixed set.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Hainan.
About this regional connection
Hainan: Supported local food association, not exclusive origin.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有海南椰子鸡吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Coconut and chicken together
Coconut and Wenchang chicken are familiar ingredients in Hainan cooking. A lightly seasoned coconut broth lets their sweetness and savouriness mingle; rice turns the soup and chicken into a fuller meal.