In the heart of east China’s Shandong Province lies the city of Dezhou, a place renowned not just for its historical significance but also for a culinary masterpiece—Dezhou Braised Chicken. This delicacy, often hailed as one of Dezhou’s “three treasures,” has captivated taste buds across China and is now enticing food enthusiasts worldwide.
Dezhou Braised Chicken’s story began in the early 20th century. With the construction of the railway linking Beijing and Shanghai in 1912, Dezhou became a bustling hub. The city’s strategic location along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal further amplified its importance, transforming it into a vital port connecting the north and south. Amidst this growth, braised chicken emerged as a favorite among travelers, sold by numerous restaurants near the train station. Its reputation soared as passengers shared tales of its unique flavor on their journeys.
What sets Dezhou Braised Chicken apart is its meticulous preparation. Unlike Western methods that favor frying or roasting, this dish involves frying the chicken after coating it with honey, creating a crispy exterior while sealing in the juices. The chicken is then simmered in a rich broth infused with spices like nutmeg, aniseed, cinnamon, and dried tangerine peel. This slow-cooking process allows the flavors to permeate the meat, resulting in a tender, succulent texture that easily separates from the bone.
The allure of Dezhou Braised Chicken extends beyond its taste. It symbolizes the city’s cultural heritage and economic vitality. Once produced in small rural workshops, the dish faced challenges in reaching a broader audience due to issues like authenticity and freshness during transportation. To overcome these hurdles, Dezhou embraced technological advancements, integrating the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence into livestock farming. This innovation ensured real-time monitoring of animal health and environmental conditions, enhancing the quality and taste of the chicken.
Packaging evolved as well, transitioning from traditional lotus leaves to modern vacuum sealing. These developments have allowed Dezhou Braised Chicken to maintain its freshness over longer distances, making it available not just locally but throughout China. It has become a staple in highway rest areas and is even served on trains, from traditional green-liveried trains to high-speed rail.
Despite its popularity, Dezhou Braised Chicken faces challenges, particularly in appealing to younger generations who might opt for fast food chains instead. As Zang Renfeng, director of the Department of Commerce and Trade Development of Shandong Province, noted, converting brand awareness into purchasing power is a common challenge for longstanding brands. Nevertheless, efforts continue to promote this culinary gem. In 2007, the Dezhou Braised Chicken Museum was established to celebrate and preserve the city’s chicken culture, sharing its rich history with visitors from around the world.
Dezhou Braised Chicken is more than a dish; it’s a journey through China’s cultural and historical landscape. For travelers and culinary explorers, tasting this delicacy offers a window into the heart of Chinese cuisine. So, if you find yourself in Shandong Province, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the tantalizing flavors of Dezhou Braised Chicken—a taste that carries the legacy of a city and the warmth of its people.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
