Shànghǎi Zuìjī is a classic Shanghai cold appetizer. A whole chicken is gently poached until just cooked, then steeped in a fragrant broth of Shaoxing wine, ginger, and scallions. The result is silky, tender chicken with a delicate wine aroma. It is served cold, sliced, with the wine-infused jelly.
Shanghai drunken chicken is a beloved cold dish that showcases the refined elegance of Shanghai cuisine. The use of Shaoxing wine — China's most famous rice wine, produced in neighboring Zhejiang — is central to the dish. It is commonly served at banquets and family dinners, especially during summer when cold dishes are preferred.