Savoring the Rich History of Beggar’s Chicken
In the realm of Chinese culinary treasures, where simple dishes are given extravagant names to sound fancy (and upsell to diners), there’s one that chose a different route – Beggar’s Chicken. This is an iconic dish with roots deeply embedded in folklore that take us on a flavorful journey through time and tradition.
Legend has it that Beggar’s Chicken traces its origins back to the banks of West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It might very well be true, because if you take a trip to Hangzhou, almost every restaurant has Beggar’s Chicken on the menu, and every restaurant along West Lake claims theirs is the most authentic.
The dish’s intriguing name involves a captivating tale. A beggar was given a chicken, but lacked a stove to cook it. So, he ingeniously devised his own technique. He covered the bird in clay and mud, creating a makeshift oven. The result was a revelation – a succulent and aromatic chicken encased in a natural, earthen cocoon.
Today’s version of Beggar’s Chicken is an art form in itself. The chicken is seasoned with a marinade of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine and an assortment of spices. It’s then stuffed or coated with fragrant herbs such as ginger, garlic and scallions, imparting a symphony of flavors.
What makes Beggar’s Chicken truly unique is the traditional clay-baking method. The marinated chicken is wrapped in lotus leaves, which are commonly found at West Lake, to infuse an additional layer of aroma. Then it is covered with a thick layer of clay and mud. This clay cocoon serves not only as a cooking vessel but also as a natural seal, trapping the chicken’s juices. Some modern restaurants today opt for tin foil to save time, but the more traditional places still hold true to the dish’s origins.
The chicken is then slow-cooked, allowing it to absorb the clay’s aroma, resulting in a tender, moist and flavorful meat. As the clay hardens, cracks appear, signaling the masterpiece’s imminent unveiling.
The reveal is a spectacle in itself. The hardened clay is ceremoniously cracked open tableside, revealing the perfectly cooked Beggar’s Chicken. The aroma is a heady mix of earthiness, herbs and the enticing scent of marinated poultry. The chicken’s skin is a golden hue, while the meat remains exceptionally juicy and infused with a rich amalgamation of flavors.
With its humble origins and exquisite preparation, Beggar’s Chicken has evolved into a symbol of Chinese culinary ingenuity, captivating taste buds and hearts alike. Whether enjoyed for its historical significance, the theatrics of its preparation or the unparalleled taste, Beggar’s Chicken remains a cherished culinary legacy, inviting diners to savor the essence of tradition with each delectable bite. It’s a perfect main centerpiece dish as well as a great snack and if you ever do happen to have leftovers, as they taste even better cold the next day. And because it has become so popular since its fateful discovery, Beggar’s Chicken can be found all over China with the tap of a delivery app.