| Thursday, 20-May-2004 00:00 |
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Snap Shot - Chicken Rice
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:arrow: MALAYSIAN-CHINESE FOODS
Chinese merchants and traders have long ago been linked to the Malayan Peninsula in the South China Sea. The natural port of Malacca was a strategic trading post and a vital link to other traders from far away. In order to establish trade and diplomatic ties, the ruling Chinese Emperor ordered a royal entourage to escort Chinese Princess Hang Li Po to marry to the Sultan of Malacca. It was then that the Chinese first settled on the Malayan Peninsula in Malacca. These first Chinese settlers integrated with local Malays and formed a unique community called Peranakan.
It was, however, later on in history during the 1800s, that the Chinese came in masses to the Malayan Peninsula. It was during the period of the last European colonists, the British that a large influx of Chinese journeyed to the Malayan Peninsula for employment. Tin had long since been discovered in the jungles of the Malayan Peninsula. It was only now under the British, that large scale tin mining was operational and viable. The booming tin mining industry attracted the much needed workforce of Chinese who came in large numbers, mostly from the Southern provinces of China. Although most of the Chinese who came were employed in the tin mining industry, many were artisans and started small businesses. These Chinese immigrants were guest workers who came with the intention of one day returning to their homeland and families. Many however, had established themselves in various businesses contributing to the initial economic growth of the country. When Malaysia became independent from the British in 1957, although many Chinese returned to their homeland in China, many more chose to stay making up about 25% of today's population of 25* million of Malaysia (*National Statistics Department).
:arrow: HAINAN CHICKEN RICE
Since most of Malaysia's Chinese are from the South, particularly from Hainan and Hakka, it is quite easy to find food from this region. Throughout Malaysia, one of the most widespread economical meals is Hainan Chicken Rice. The Hainanese also produced Steamboat, an Oriental version of the Swiss Fondue or Japanese Shabu-shabu. Thin slices of raw meat, seafood and vegetables are cooked at the table in a pot of soup broth heated by hot charcoals. Nowadays 'electric Steamboats' are more the norm especially in restaurants.
Originating from Hainan in China, Hainan chicken rice is one of the most popular everyday meals served in food stalls and eateries all over Malaysia. A fresh whole chicken is cooked by poaching in water. It is quickly cooled and cut up into bite-sized pieces. Rice is then made using the flavorful chicken broth. This chicken and rice dish is garnished with cucumbers, scallions and cilantro - sometimes served with a side of soup from the broth. A dipping sauce of chili, garlic, ginger, and lime juice is a must-have to complete this meal!
:arrow: BB HAILAM CHICKEN RICE
Located in the Bukit Bintang (BB) shopping district, next beside BB Plaza, BB Hailam Chicken Rice is undeniably the gastronomical heaven for chicken rice lovers and hungry souls alike. I am no food critic, but for sure the food there was simply delicious. I think BB Hailam Chicken Rice is a Malay restaurant as I saw some Islamic calligraphy within the business premise. I love KL. It is all about foods, foods and foods everywhere, every time, and every thing.
In celebration of the 30th Anniversary Celebration of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relationship. Our Prime Minister will travel to China next week, an invitation from his Chinese counterpart, for the official state visits.
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