Soy Sauce Chicken [Si Yau Kai / See Yao Gai]

Soy Sauce Chicken [Si Yau Kai / See Yao Gai] is a classic, iconic quintessential American-Chinatown favorite. It is composed by gently poaching a whole chicken in an intoxicating soy sauce, filled with aromatics. As a result, the chicken becomes juicy and succulent; filled with an alluring, briny but sweet, umami taste. It is then cut up (Chinese-stye) to be served with, or over rice. #ftw

Note:

In observance of the week of Tết, it is standard practice to prepare foods prior to Tết that will last the Lunar New Year week; it’s custom to not cook or work during this period. Naturally, the generations-old Vietnamese/Chinese preparations that kept well from being spoiled have evolved to be Tết’s staple dishes: thit kho bo (braised beef stew), bánh tét (savory sticky rice roll), crispy pork belly, and roasted ducks. Soy sauce chicken being the favorite in family.

Even though Soy Sauce Chicken can be enjoyed anytime of year. It’s particularly special, “when served during [Lunar] New Year celebrations, [as it] signifies unity.” - @genevievefyam