Duck's head is a spicy local specialty from the Chinese city of Wuhan, but it is also a snack that is commonly eaten throughout China, most notably in Shanghai. The dish is made by stir-frying a head of duck with the addition of herbs and spices. Duck's head has a crispy taste as a result of the stir-frying method, and it is claimed to be a healthy food, with one of the duck's head store owners claiming that it helps one's brain power when consumed. Some say that the taste of the dish is not unlike eating a spicy chicken wing, while the others, such as Kellie Schmitt of CNN, describe it as one of Shanghai's weirdest foods. When the head is served, it should be pried open with one's fingers to get to the tender meat on the interior.
Cantonese in origin, moo goo gai pan is an Americanized version of a pre-existing Chinese stir-fry made with mushrooms and sliced chicken as the main ingredients. Additional ingredients typically include snow peas, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, and bok choy, all doused in a simple white sauce made with chicken broth and seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sometimes Shaoxing wine. In contrast to the original Chinese version of the dish, moo goo gai pan has a thicker sauce that's more seasoned and incorporates a wider range of ingredients. In the United States, this simple stir-fry is served over steamed rice and is one of the most popular take-out foods.
Often dubbed a Shanghainese specialty, drunken chicken is, in fact, an authentic dish originating from the Zhejiang province. The main ingredients of this chicken dish are a fresh, whole chicken and Shaoxing wine, a renowned rice wine produced in Zhejiang province. Originally, the recipe calls for a whole chicken to be cooked, chilled in ice water, and then soaked in a Shaoxing wine-based marinade, overnight, or for 2-3 days. The chilled chicken is then cut into large chunks and traditionally served cold, covered with the wine-based marinade. The dish is usually served on its own, as an appetizer, but it can also be accompanied by rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Feng zhao is the name for dim sum-style braised chicken feet. The chicken feet are cleaned, salted, dried, then deep-fried in oil in order to puff up the skin around the bones and to caramelize the exterior. The next step is braising, which tenderizes the chicken feet – they are simmered in a pot of water with star anise and sliced ginger. The chicken feet are drained, mixed with a marinade consisting of oyster sauce, sugar, pepper, and black bean sauce, and then sautéed in sesame oil with garlic until the sauce thickens. These aromatic chicken feet are served while still hot, typically with black bean sauce on the side.
Beggar's chicken is a whole chicken dish from Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province, prepared by wrapping the bird and cooking it slowly until the meat becomes tender and aromatic. It is associated with the culinary practices around West Lake, where poultry farming and the use of lotus leaves, clay, and long cooking times were part of regional cooking methods. The dish developed in an environment where wrapping food before slow heating helped retain moisture and protect ingredients from direct heat. Over time, Hangzhou cooks adopted the method of marinating a whole chicken, covering it in layers of leaves and an outer seal, and then cooking it in an enclosed form so the flavors concentrate inside the bird. Preparation begins with a cleaned whole chicken that is marinated with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, ginger, scallions, and seasonings such as salt and a small amount of sugar. Some versions include a stuffing made from mushrooms, pork, ham, or chestnuts, while others leave the cavity empty. The chicken is then wrapped in lotus leaves, followed by layers of paper or cloth, before being encased in clay or a thick dough seal. It is cooked slowly, either baked or roasted, until the meat separates easily from the bone and the aromas remain inside the wrapping. When the outer shell is cracked open, the chicken emerges moist and heavily seasoned by its own juices and the marinade. There are many legends in regard to its origin. One tells about a Qing-dynasty Emperor that happened to walk by and was attracted by the aroma, so he stopped and consumed it with the beggar. He liked it so much that he added it to the list of dishes to be served at the Imperial court. Today, jiàohuā jī is served in restaurants and hotels throughout Hangzhou, particularly those emphasizing regional specialties linked to West Lake cuisine. It is typically eaten hot, presented at the table while still encased so guests can break open the covering themselves. The dish pairs well with simple accompaniments such as steamed rice, mild vegetable dishes, and broths that do not compete with its concentrated flavor. It is frequently enjoyed with Shaoxing wine or Longjing tea, both of which complement the gentle sweetness and fragrance that develop during the long, enclosed cooking process.
Swiss wings is a dish with origins disputed between Hong Kong and Guangzhou. The dish consists of chicken wings that are similar to soy-sauce chicken wings, only with a sweeter sauce. The wings are usually marinated in a combination of sugar, soy sauce, Chinese wine, and spices such as star anise, garlic, and ginger. The gleaming sauce clings to the chicken wings, which are poached, then slowly simmered in the sauce until it's reduced to a thick and glossy consistency.
The Japanese chikuzenni is a dish which combines chicken and vegetables that are slowly simmered in a flavorful broth infused with soy sauce, mirin, and sake. Originating from the Japanese Fukuoka region, known in the past as Chikuzen, it is usually made with shiitake mushrooms, konnyaku, and decoratively sliced root vegetables such as taro, burdock, lotus root, and carrots. Traditionally served on New Year’s Day, chikuzenni is also commonly prepared as an everyday dish in many Japanese households and it is often included as a side dish in bento boxes.
Influenced by African and Portuguese cuisine, galinha à Africana is a chicken dish traditionally associated with Macau. It is made with barbecued chicken that is coated with a spicy sauce usually consisting of peanuts, coconut milk, paprika, grated coconut, and shallots. Macau is a former Portuguese colony, and the story says that the dish was invented by Americo Angelo, a chef who assembled it by using ingredients that he found in Portuguese colonies in Africa. However, another theory says that the dish was initially made by Portuguese families located in Macau. Today, this flavorful dish is a staple in Macau, often prepared at home and found on the menus of traditional restaurants. It is quite popular to serve it with fresh potato chips on the side.
Dakjuk is a traditional chicken porridge originating from South Korea. Although there are many variations, the porridge is usually made with a combination of rice, chicken (shredded and poached or roasted), sesame oil, chicken stock, garlic, scallions, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds. The rice is soaked, drained, and stir-fried in sesame oil before it's covered with chicken stock and simmered for a few minutes. Garlic is added to the pot and the mixture is simmered until the rice breaks down and the porridge becomes thick. Once fully cooked, dakjuk is garnished with shredded chicken, toasted sesame seeds, and scallions, while soy sauce is offered on the side. These types of porridge (juk) are usually served to babies, the elderly, and sick people. Dakjuk is especially popular on cold winter days.
Hangzhou-style duck pickled in soy sauce is a delectable specialty dish of Hangzhou cuisine that delivers the authentic flavors of the region. This dish consists of duck meat cooked in a marinade, and it is then covered with soy sauce and served alongside rice or noodles. Deliciously crispy on the outside while remaining tender and moist on the inside, the duck is commonly served chilled. This dish is aromatic, predominantly savory, and slightly sweet in flavor. It is traditionally prepared and consumed during the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
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