Sc 2215 Sociology of Food

Abstract: Hainanese Chicken Rice is one of the most outstanding dishes in Singapore and is embraced by most as a representation of Singapore’s national dish. The variations and social meanings attached to Hainanese Chicken rice reaffirms its status in Singapore. A socio-historical approach allows us to realize the notion the importance of a dish to a country as it allows the country to mark their territory with it and reflects on what constitutes to the uniqueness of the country. Also, the social meaning attached to Hainanese Chicken Rice is a standing prove that it is not just a dish to be eaten.

A Review of the Literature

In September 2009, Malaysian Tourism Minister Ng Yen Yen has laid claims to signature dishes such as Nasi Lemak, Laksa, Chili Crab and Hainanese Chicken Rice and declared that these dishes are Malaysian and Malaysia cannot continue to allow other countries ‘hijack’ their food [ (CNN Singapore, 2009) ]. This triggers the notion to understand the importance of the origin of dishes such that it has the potential to spark debates over its ownership across borders.

Also, in an article by Chua and Ananda Rajah (2003) she mentioned that the menu is part of the process of giving an ‘ethnic’ identity to an item of food that was previously not necessarily identified as ‘ethnic’. However, now anyone can prepare an ‘ethnic’ dish simply by just following the recipe. There is an interesting variation of Chinese food in Singapore and some has aligned itself to the Islamic Laws to cater to the Malay population in Singapore. This illustrates the diminishing authenticity and ethnicity of food in Singapore

One of the many reasons why Hainanese Chicken Rice is chosen out of all the other local dishes is because with more than 6 in 10 Singaporeans eating out everyday [ (Singapore Health Promotion Board, 2010) ], and 30% of them state that they will choose Hainanese Chicken Rice over other food, thus, a relatively high regard for Hainanese Chicken...