What Are Chicken Gizzards? Where to Eat and Buy Them in Singapore

Chicken gizzards are the muscular part of a chicken's digestive system. The gizzard grinds food, so the meat is dense and chewy rather than soft. Cooked well, it has a springy, slightly crunchy bite.

Nutrition

Gizzards are high in protein and low in fat when trimmed and cooked simply. They also contain minerals such as iron and zinc, and B vitamins. Exact values depend on how they are prepared, so check the nutrition label on packaged products if you need figures.

How gizzards are cooked

• Grilled: skewered and grilled, as in yakitori, for a firm, slightly charred bite.
• Fried: coated and deep-fried for a crunchy outside.
• Braised or stewed: slow cooking in soy, spices or stock makes them tender.
• Boiled: poached gizzards are sometimes served with chicken rice or in soup.

Where to find gizzards in Singapore

Offerings change often, so check that a stall or restaurant has them before you go.

• Chicken rice stalls: some serve gizzards, liver or other offal as side items. Ask at the stall, as availability varies by day.
• Yakitori and Japanese grill restaurants: chicken gizzard, sometimes called sunagimo, is a common skewer on yakitori menus.
• Zi char and Chinese restaurants: braised or stir-fried offal dishes may include gizzards.
• Supermarkets and wet markets: poultry sellers at wet markets and larger supermarkets sometimes carry gizzards. Online grocery platforms may list them too.
• Halal options: if you need halal food, look for MUIS halal certification at the eatery or on the product.

Buying and preparing at home

Choose gizzards that look fresh and are kept chilled. Trim the silver skin before cooking, then braise or simmer until tender, or slice thinly for quick stir-frying. Keep raw poultry separate from other foods and cook thoroughly.