Considered one of singapore's national dishes, hainanese chicken rice traces its roots to the chinese immigrants who came from the hainan province and settled in different parts of what is now southeast asia. Although often associated with singapore, hainanese chicken rice is also found in the cuisines of thailand, malaysia, and vietnam. By tradition, hainanese chicken rice consists of four elements: the chicken, the rice cooked in chicken broth, the broth served as a soup, and the dipping sauce or sauces. Each element is crucial to a delicious and true representation of this dish.