At the table
Pick up a small piece of chicken, watching for bones. Ask about the vegetables, dressing and chili level before the order is mixed.
Contains chicken. Poaching stock and sauces vary; sesame oil may be used. Choosing vegetables alone does not establish that the stock, dressing or shared preparation is vegetarian. Check the version served if you avoid particular ingredients.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Vegetables and dressing are selected with the chopped chicken.
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Salty and garlicky.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Firm bite.
- How it’s made
- Poach, cool and chop.
Vegetables and dressing are selected with the chopped chicken.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Taiwan.
About this regional connection
Taiwan: A Taiwanese specialty.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有鹽水雞吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Seasoning after cooling
Saltwater chicken is finished in two stages: the chicken is seasoned and poached, then cooled before it is cut and mixed with aromatics. Garlic, pepper, scallion and ginger give the final toss its character. Vegetables can join the chicken, while dressings vary. The appeal is the springy bite of cool chicken with freshly mixed seasoning, so ask about the chosen additions before everything is combined.