National Dish Vietnam: Com Ga Hai Nam (Recipe)
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Meet Com Ga Hai Nam, the Vietnamese take on Hainanese chicken rice and one of the country’s most comforting plates. Tender poached chicken sits alongside fragrant jasmine rice cooked in the chicken’s own broth, all rounded off with a trio of savoury dipping sauces. It is wonderfully simple yet deeply flavourful — equally at home as a relaxed family supper or the centrepiece of a celebration. Bring a little Vietnamese warmth straight to your own kitchen.
About Com Ga Hai Nam
Com Ga Hai Nam, also known as Hainanese chicken rice, is a much-loved national dish of Vietnam. At its heart is gently poached chicken, served with aromatic rice and a selection of sauces. It is a hearty, delicious plate that is both straightforward to prepare and remarkably tasty. Whether for a simple family meal or a festive occasion, Com Ga Hai Nam is always a perfect choice. The combination of silky chicken and fragrant rice makes it a firm favourite across the whole of Vietnamese cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 chicken thighs or breast fillets
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 piece of ginger (about 2 cm), finely chopped
- 1 spring onion, sliced into thin rings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Soy sauce and fish sauce
- Fresh coriander leaves, to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for Com Ga Hai Nam are easy to find in most supermarkets or Asian grocery shops. Pay particular attention to the quality of the chicken and reach for fresh, organic produce wherever you can. The rice should be of good quality too — jasmine rice works best thanks to its fragrant aroma. Don’t forget to pick up some fresh coriander for the garnish, as it lends the dish a lovely refreshing note.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking, make sure all the ingredients are properly prepared. The chicken can be seasoned ahead of time with salt and pepper. The garlic and ginger should be finely chopped and set aside ready to use. Rinse the rice several times under cold water to wash away the excess starch — this is the secret to lighter, fluffier rice once it is cooked.
Step-by-step instructions
- Bring the chicken to the boil in a pan of water, then simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes, until cooked through.
- Lift the chicken out of the broth and set it aside. Keep the broth — it is the key to the rice.
- Drain the rice in a sieve. Heat a little oil in a pan, add the chopped garlic and ginger, and fry briefly until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice and let it sweat for a moment, then add the chicken broth and cook the rice as usual.
- Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve it over the rice. Garnish with soy sauce, fish sauce and fresh coriander leaves.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
To enjoy Com Ga Hai Nam gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce. The dish is naturally lactose-free, as it contains no dairy at all. Even so, always check the labels of the sauces you use to make sure there are no hidden ingredients that might contain gluten or lactose.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegan or vegetarian versions, you can swap the chicken for tofu or seitan. The rest of the recipe stays the same, apart from using vegetable stock in place of the chicken broth. Garnish the dish with fresh herbs and serve it with a selection of plant-based sauces for an extra layer of flavour.
More tips and tricks
A useful extra tip is to blanch the chicken briefly before cooking, to remove any unwanted scum and impurities — this gives you a clearer broth. You can also drop a few slices of fresh ginger and garlic into the broth while the chicken simmers, to deepen the flavour even further. Take care not to overcook the rice, so you end up with a perfect, fluffy texture.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe for Com Ga Hai Nam can be adjusted however you like. If you prefer it hotter, add chopped chillies or serve the dish with a spicy sauce. For a brighter flavour, a squeeze of lime juice works beautifully. Vegetarians can also stir all kinds of vegetables, such as carrots and pak choi, through the rice.
Ingredient substitutions
Instead of jasmine rice you can use basmati, though jasmine rice gives the more authentic taste. If you are not keen on fresh coriander, fresh parsley or mint make good alternatives. Soy sauce can be swapped for tamari, and in place of fish sauce a seaweed-based vegan fish sauce works well — much like the savoury depth you’ll find in Ga Chien Mam.
Drink pairing ideas
A traditional Vietnamese drink that pairs nicely with Com Ga Hai Nam is a light green tea or jasmine tea. Both complement the flavour of the dish without overpowering it. Alternatively, a lightly chilled beer or a glass of fresh lime juice works well to lift the aromas.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present Com Ga Hai Nam attractively, arrange the dish on a flat white plate. Place the rice in the centre and lay the chicken pieces artfully on top. Decorate with fresh coriander leaves and rings of spring onion. Serve alongside small bowls of the various sauces and dips. This not only looks beautiful but also lets your guests choose the sauces to suit their own taste. For a fuller spread, offer a refreshing side such as Goi Nam.
A bit of history
Com Ga Hai Nam originally comes from the Chinese province of Hainan and was brought to Vietnam by Chinese immigrants. In Hainan the dish is known as “Hainanese chicken rice” and closely resembles the Vietnamese version. It quickly grew popular thanks to its simplicity and delicious flavour. Today it is a widespread and frequently enjoyed dish in Vietnam, found everywhere from humble street stalls to upmarket restaurants — sitting comfortably alongside classics like Pho Ga.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Com Ga Hai Nam
Com Ga Hai Nam is a simple yet thoroughly delicious dish that is held in high regard across Vietnam. It brings together tender chicken, fragrant rice and aromatic sauces in a harmonious, satisfying meal. Thanks to its versatility, it adapts easily to all sorts of dietary needs. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Vietnamese cooking in the comfort of your own home.
