Samsui Chicken with Ginger Dip

Samsui Chicken with Ginger Dip and Iceberg Lettuce

Every time we return to Singapore we would eat at the Soup Restaurant. The family's favourite is their Samsui Chicken which is actually cold white chicken served with a ginger dip and wrapped in lettuce. I make Hainanese Chicken Rice at least once a month and somehow never thought of doing the Samsui Chicken version. But there is always such a time.

My carving leaves much to be desired

I always feel a little sad when I think of the Samsui Women. These women came to Singapore in the early 20th century mainly from the Samsui districts in the Canton Province in China. While many other Chinese female immigrants worked as servants and prostitutes, the Samsui women took the better-paying but very laborious jobs on construction sites. They stood out in their big red hats that protected them from the sun. Their entire lives were devoted to pure hardship. They continued to work at construction sites until they were either too old or sick, or till there was no further demand for their labour. Most never married, preferring to keep their independence. One can imagine that most of them would die poor since they would have no retirement fund nor children to support them.

Samsui Women

This chicken dish was a special and expensive treat for them usually prepared during the Chinese New Year. These women were a symbol of female independence and courage. When I eat this dish, I will remember them. Though in my family, it also makes us remember our paternal grandfather. Dad tells us that his father used to make this dish for the family.

Ginger Dip

Ginger Dip for Samsui Chicken :

100g Fresh Ginger (preferably a mix of both young and old ginger)

50ml Toasted Sesame Oil

2 Tbsp Chicken or Vegetable Oil

2 Tbsp Chinese Rice Wine

1 Tsp Salt

Blend everything together into a smooth paste. Leave to macerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

The ginger dip is very addictive and is good for removing wind. But it is nonetheless very oily so best to eat it in moderation.