Chicken of the Sea?

We have just completed our travels around the Indochina peninsula and are now heading west towards Sri Lanka.

We have two days at sea to relax and accomplish a few tasks. Today, we have a meeting to learn more about our upcoming visit to the Taj Mahal, another one of the Wonders of the World that's included in the Ultimate World Cruise. Additionally, there is an enrichment lecture about Sri Lanka as well as a presentation by a professional cricketer. [Perhaps Jeff will be interested in taking up cricket after attending the presentation?] During this adventure, we are learning about a number of things, not just geography and culture. While dining, we are being introduced to various local cuisines, such as huli huli chicken, chicken satay with peanut sauce, spicy chicken 65, and more.

This world cruise is actually divided into a total of 17 cruises. After each of these cruises, there is a change in the wait staff for our dining room seating. On this cruise from Singapore to Dubai, our newest waiter, Andika from Indonesia, raises a unique breed of chickens. [Not on the ship, of course – his father is taking care of them during Andika's contract on the Serenade of the Seas.]

The chickens being referred to are known as Ayam Cemani, which literally translates to "Cemani Chicken" or "All Black Chicken" in Indonesian. This breed originates from Java, Indonesia and is characterized by its hyperpigmentation, meaning they have an excess of dark pigment melanin throughout their body tissues.

Historically, the Ayam Cemani breed has been used in ceremonial contexts or as offerings, and was sometimes regarded as a lucky charm to ward off bad luck and black magic spells. Their distinct all-black appearance, inside and out except for their bones, dates back to the Majapahit era which ruled in the 12th century.

While considered a delicacy, the taste of Ayam Cemani chicken can vary based on how it is cooked, seasoned or marinated. Some claim there is a slight difference in flavor due to the breed's unique black pigmentation, but this is largely subjective and difficult to quantify objectively. In essence, one can expect the Ayam Cemani chicken to have a similar taste to other high-quality, free-range chicken breeds, but with its striking visual appearance as a distinguishing feature.The Ayam Cemani is not easily bred and as a result they are a rare breed that can cost up to $2,500 per chicken.

On this fantastic voyage, we continue exploring the distinct traditions, customs, and environments that make each corner of the globe special. Who knows what amazing new plant, animal, or cultural practice we'll discover next?!