DA NANG CHICKEN RICE

Although chicken rice can be found in many places, the flavor of Da Nang’s chicken rice has a unique and distinctive charm. It leaves such a lasting impression that visitors often find themselves longing for another taste after just one try. Interestingly, many famous dishes in tourist destinations tend to be simple, rustic foods. However, in Da Nang in particular and Quang Nam in general, the specialty is chicken rice—a familiar dish often found in home-cooked meals. If you're exploring Da Nang's cuisine, you definitely shouldn't miss out on the delicious taste of its signature chicken rice.

INGREDIENTS AND PREPARATION

To make the best chicken rice, the rice must be cooked using fragrant, high-quality white rice. The chicken should be free-range to ensure the meat is firm and flavorful. Essential spices include cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and shallots.

There are two main types of chicken rice served in Da Nang restaurants: boiled chicken rice and crispy fried chicken rice (also known as "xoi mo" chicken rice). The most distinctive feature of Da Nang chicken rice is its golden hue and enticing aroma, complemented by the crispy chicken skin.

This unique flavor comes from the special preparation of the chicken skin, which is rubbed with rice wine and crushed ginger before cooking. The mixture is carefully strained multiple times to remove residue, ensuring that the chicken absorbs the flavors thoroughly. Before frying, the chicken is briefly boiled with traditional spices and left to drain.

During frying, the chicken is continuously basted with oil, allowing it to cook evenly while remaining crispy yet not greasy.

The rice is cooked and then left to cool before being mixed with seasoning powder, MSG, annatto oil, and fish sauce (sometimes with a touch of shrimp roe mixed with water for an enhanced red color). The rice is then stir-fried over medium heat until fluffy. To prevent the rice from drying out, chicken broth can be added during the cooking process.

ENJOYING THE DISH

The fragrant, golden rice is soft yet firm, paired with tender, juicy chicken—whether crispy fried or delicately boiled. The balance of flavors creates a dish that cannot be found anywhere else outside of Da Nang.

DA NANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER