5 Reasons To Try Chicken Feet Yum Cha At Your Next Meal
By Lisa Bot | Published 31 January 2025
What Are Chicken Feet at Yum Cha?
Chicken feet, also called "phoenix claws," are a popular dish served at yum cha, a traditional Cantonese meal that includes tea and small plates of food. They are prepared with a rich and savoury sauce, making them a standout item at yum cha restaurants.
Loved for their unique texture, chicken feet are a must-try for anyone exploring Chinese cuisine.
Let’s take a look at 5 reasons why you should order chicken feet at yum cha.
1. Unique Texture and Flavour
Chicken feet have a texture that’s hard to find in other dishes. They’re gelatinous and tender, thanks to their collagen-rich skin and tendons.
When braised, the sauce infuses deeply, creating a deliciously savoury and slightly sweet flavour. This dish is perfect for adventurous eaters or anyone looking to expand their palate.
2. A Healthy Treat
Chicken feet are high in collagen, a protein known for supporting skin elasticity, healthy joints, and stronger hair. They also contain calcium, making them a nutrient-rich addition to your meal.
While they might not look like your average health food, they pack plenty of benefits into each bite.
3. A Cultural Experience
Trying chicken feet at yum cha is more than eating — it’s about experiencing an authentic part of Cantonese culture.
Yum cha itself is a tradition, and chicken feet are one of its most iconic dishes. Sharing this meal with friends or family connects you to a centuries-old culinary practice.
4. Fun and Interactive Eating
Eating chicken feet is an interactive experience. To enjoy them, hold them with chopsticks or your hands, chew the skin and tendons for their rich flavour, and spit out the small bones.
It’s a dish that’s best enjoyed slowly, adding a fun and social aspect to your meal.
5. Widely Available in Australia
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy chicken feet yum cha. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are home to fantastic yum cha restaurants that serve this dish.
Local favourites include Chinatown eateries and restaurants known for authentic dim sum. For those who prefer cooking at home, plenty of recipes online guide you through the process.
Check out my review of the following yum cha restaurants in Sydney:
How Are Chicken Feet Prepared?
Chicken feet go through a detailed preparation process to ensure they taste amazing:
- Cleaning: The feet are washed, trimmed, and blanched to remove impurities.
- Deep-Frying or Air-Frying: This step softens the skin and creates the signature texture.
- Soaking: They’re soaked in cold water to further enhance the texture.
- Braising: Finally, they’re slow-cooked in a sauce with soy sauce, oyster sauce, black bean paste, and spices like star anise.
The result is a dish that’s both tender and flavour-packed.
Tips for Eating Chicken Feet Yum Cha
If you’ve never tried chicken feet before, here’s how to enjoy them:
- Hold the chicken foot with chopsticks or your hands.
- Chew around the skin and tendons to savour the flavour.
- Spit out the bones.
It’s simple, fun, and worth trying!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are chicken feet healthy?
Yes, they’re high in collagen, which supports healthy skin and joints, and calcium, which is good for bones.
Can you make chicken feet at home?
Absolutely. Many recipes online guide you through the cleaning, frying, and braising process.
Are chicken feet popular outside of yum cha?
Yes, chicken feet are enjoyed in many cuisines, including Filipino, Korean, and Mexican dishes, each adding their own twist.
What does chicken feet taste like?
Chicken feet have a unique, gelatinous texture with a savoury and slightly sweet flavour. While there’s little meat, the skin and tendons provide a chewy, satisfying experience.
Final Thoughts
Chicken feet yum cha offers a unique combination of flavour, texture, and cultural significance. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious meal, an interactive dining experience, or just something new to try, chicken feet are an excellent choice.
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