The evolution of Hainanese chicken rice and its representations of Singapore’s culture and identity.

• Main Author: Goh, Rachael Cai Yun.
• Other Authors: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/51667
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Food is claimed to be a marker of Singapore culture and identity. Yet, there is a paucity of sociological research in this area. This exploratory study seeks to analyse the dish Hainanese Chicken Rice from a sociological standpoint using data collected from semi-structured interviews with experts in the food industry. Firstly, the evolution of the dish since is emergence is discussed, where the process of cultural hybridisation and Islamisation have contributed to the popularity of the dish. Secondly, meanings that respondents attribute to the dish are explored. The position of chicken rice as Singapore’s national dish reflects contradictions within the notion of multiculturalism in Singapore’s society. The concepts Orientalism and misrecognition are used to explain why there is a threat to the continuity of Singapore’s food culture. Lastly, nostalgia is a tool used by respondents to negotiate changes in Singapore’s development.