Yēzi Jī is Hainan's signature dish — a clean, natural chicken soup made by boiling free-range Wenchang chicken directly in fresh coconut water. No other liquid is added. The result is a clear, sweet, fragrant broth with incredibly tender chicken, served with two dipping sauces.
Hainan coconut chicken has become a viral food trend across China in recent years. The dish exemplifies Hainan cuisine's philosophy: simplicity and natural flavors. Wenchang chicken is one of China's most famous chicken breeds, known for its lean meat and thin skin. The dish is traditionally served with sand ginger (sha jiang), a uniquely Hainanese aromatic.