Disclosure: If you click on the affiliate links in this post, I might make a few cents from a sale. If I'm lucky, I will make enough to splurge on a plate of chicken rice by the end of next year.

Hainanese Chicken Rice is a beloved Singaporean dish with roots tracing back to Chinese immigrants from the Hainan province. This dish comprises poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, accompanied by various condiments like chili sauce, ginger paste, and dark soy sauce.

Gluten risks at hawker stalls

Soy sauce is the single biggest gluten culprit in for chicken rice. Traditional soy sauce is made by fermenting soy beans and wheat. The fermentation process may break down some of the gluten, but it is impossible to know how much remains.

The second gluten risk is cross contamination. Limited space, shared equipment, and ingredients with soy sauce contribute the the chance of added gluten. The poached (white) chicken should be gluten-free, but stalls typically also offer roasted chicken rice, roasted duck, char siew, and more. Keep in mind, this is almost always prepared on the same cutting board with the same knife.

Gluten awareness is low in Singapore. Communicating with the uncles and aunties at a stall may be challenging. Gluten-free as a concept is not well understood in Singapore.

Is chicken rice gluten-free?

The answer is simultaneously yes, no, and maybe. With hundreds of hawker stalls serving chicken rice across Singapore, there is a wide range of possible ingredients and preparation methods.

Finding gluten-free chicken rice at hawkers stalls depends on knowing what red flags to look for and how to ask

While many of our celiac and gluten intolerant friends are willing and happy to eat chicken rice, you need to make an informed decision if it will be safe for you.

Typical Chicken Rice Ingredients

• Chicken (whole chicken or chicken pieces)

• Rice

• Chicken broth

• Garlic

• Ginger

• Pandan leaves (for fragrance)

• Soy sauce

• Sesame oil

• Cucumber (for garnish)

• Coriander leaves (for garnish)

• Chili sauce (chili, ginger, garlic, sugar, salt, vinegar)

• Ginger sauce (ginger, chicken stock, sugar, sesame oil, garlic)

  How to make Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice

  (we have no association with this stall or youtube channel, but it is a good video on how it is made!)

Potential Allergens

• Gluten: In general, the poached chicken (white) and the seasoned rice will be naturally gluten-free. The roasted chicken (brown) will likely have been marinated in soy sauce before roasting. In most hawker stalls, all types of chicken, duck, and char siew are cut on the same chopping board, so cross contamination is a possibility.

  It is also possible that prepared soup stock is used in the preparing the rice, chicken, or sauces. Some prepared soup stocks may contain dehydrated soy sauce It is unlikely, but still a possibility. Getting a firm answer about this is difficult.

  

  Our chicken rice has tested gluten-free BUT Nima Sensors are not able to accurately detect hydrolyzed (fermented) gluten in soy sauce.

• Dairy: Chicken rice and all sauces are generally considered dairy free.

• Soy: Roasted chicken rice is likely to contain soy sauce.

• Egg: Chicken rice and all sauces are generally considered egg free.

• Nuts: Sesame oil is often used in the rice and sauce.

• Vegetarian & Vegan: Nope, chicken rice is not vegetarian or vegan.

Tips for finding gluten-free chicken rice

Speak to the stall owners at a quiet time when you can explain what you need. Avoid going to stalls at a busy time of day when it is difficult for the owners to have a conversation, check ingredients, or make a special order.

Order poached (white) chicken and request no sauce. Be sure to watch your food preparation carefully as it is easy for busy hawkers to forget and add sauce out of habit. The red chili sauce and yellow ginger sauce are typically gluten-free.

Be sure to take a look at the other types of meats the stall offers; many meats such as duck and char siew will include soy sauce as an ingredient. If the stall also served breaded meat, than it is not recommended to eat there.

Make Your Own Chicken Rice

If you want to be confident of no gluten from soy sauce or cross contamination, it is best to make chicken rice at home where you can control the ingredients and preparation. We frequently use a packet mix (see product links below) to make "chicken rice rice" and add our own grilled chicken.

Videos

How to make Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice

Recipe Links

Hainanese Chicken Rice by Daphne Goh (Healthy GF Asian)

The Perfect Chilli Sauce for Chicken Rice by Nomadette

Authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice Recipe by Singaporean and Malaysian Recipes

Product Links

Asian Home Gourmet Chicken Rice Paste

New Moon Chicken Rice Paste

Pacific Chicken Broth

Gluten-Free Resources

Singapore Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Singapore? Ensure a stress-free journey with The Gluten-Free Traveler's Guide to Navigating Singapore. This essential guide is packed with vital information you'll need before you arrive. Get your copy now and discover where gluten hides, empowering you to enjoy your travels to the fullest.

Gluten-Free Online Courses
Are you embarking on a gluten-free transformation and feeling a bit overwhelmed? We've been there and want to lend a hand! Introducing our Gluten-Free Made Easy online course – your ultimate guide to taking control of your kitchen and adapting to a gluten-free lifestyle with confidence. Let us empower you on this journey towards better health and wellness. Join us now and start your gluten-free life with ease!

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in this blog post is intended to be helpful and informative based on our understanding and experience as gluten-free educators living in Singapore.

However, ingredients and preparation methods may vary among different restaurants and regions. It is essential to exercise caution and conduct due diligence when ordering food, especially if you or your loved ones have specific dietary requirements such as celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Always communicate your dietary needs clearly to restaurant staff and inquire about ingredients and potential cross-contamination risks.

While we strive to provide accurate information, we cannot guarantee the absolute safety of any dish, and individual experiences may vary. We encourage you to make informed decisions and prioritize your health and well-being when enjoying Singaporean cuisine.

Product Links: As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.