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Portions are huge at this Korean fried chicken restaurant chain, so never dine alone at this eatery. Flavours are varied, ranging from the aromatic Garlicky Chicken ($28.90) that is doused with crunchy garlic flakes to the tamer (and healthier) Rosemary Chicken ($29.90), an oven roasted chicken seasoned in their rosemary recipe. But our recommendation is the Honey Butter Chicken ($28.90). This indulgent dish is served alongside dried cranberries, almond flakes, potato wedges and fried topokki (rice cake), so there are plenty of textures in it. For the full decadent experience, dip the chicken chunks in the accompanying honey garlic mayo dip.
#02-05/06, Bedok Point, tel: 6481-2098; #B3-04/05/06, 313@Somerset, tel: 6509-8364; #01-43, Chinatown Point, tel: 6702-0114; #04-13/14, Jem.
The best seller here are its Ganjang Soya Chicken Wings ($12 for 4). And it’s no wonder. The wings come with a lightly coated batter so the proportion between the crispy skin and the tender flesh is just right. Evenly coated with Korean soya sauce, the wings are moist with a sweet and savoury flavour that you can’t have enough of.
Various locations.
If you love your Korean fried chicken sauce free, go for the ones at SsikSin Chicken. The batter used here in its Original Chicken Wings ($6.50 for 3) is quite thick, although it is still crispy. Despite the thick batter, you can still taste the meat. There’s also a hint of spiciness in the seasoning, so you don’t feel jelat (overly satiated) so easily.
#02-04/06, Nex, tel: 6853-5054.
Things are kept light-hearted and fun in this hole-in-the-wall fried chicken joint that boosts interiors decked out in bright neon lights and industrial style furniture. The fried chicken served here are incredibly addictive, especially the ones slathered in sauces. For those up for an extra spicy kick, there’s Flaming Yangnyum ($13.90 for 6) that, while spicy, leaves a sweet and tangy aftertaste so you can’t help but want more. The popular choice however is the Honey Garlic ($15.9 for 6), where the fried chicken is topped with finely chopped garlic and honey sauce.
274 South Bridge Road, tel: 6221-5217.
This hot spot for supper – it opens till 3am – serves the usual Korean fare, but they are also known for their Korean fried chicken. While the wings here are scrawnier than those we’ve had at other places, they are still delicious. For those who love a bit of everything, go for their Chicken Combo Set ($25 for 9) which features three flavours: original, sweet (chicken is marinated in sweet and spicy sauce) and the garlic (chicken is marinated in a garlic and soy sauce combination).
68 Tanjong Pagar Road, tel: 6225-9282.
The generous sprinkling of sesame seeds add a definite crunch to the already crispy fried chicken ($7.90 for 6 wings and $8.90 for 3 drumsticks) offered here. Even the ones slathered in sauces retain their crustiness. Take them to a whole new level by dipping them in the creamy cheese sauce (the cheese dip is priced at $1). They’ve recently introduced a new flavour, the fiery Monster, which makes their Yangnyeom (sweet and spicy sauce) seem tame.
249 Victoria Street.
Their Soy Garlic Korean Fried Chicken Wings ($9.90 for 6) are for the win. While the chicken meat itself is nothing to rave about, the sauce was one of the best ones we had. Salty, with just a hint of sweetness and oh-so-addictive.
#01-45, East Village, 430 Upper Changi Road, tel: 6702-1396.
While the eatery specialises in jeongol (Korean stew served in hot pot), Guksu also has a decent offering of fried chicken. Their chicken, particularly their drumsticks, is succulent and tender on the inside despite their robust exterior. The Guksu Signature Drumsticks ($11.50 for 3) is available in three flavours: classic (original), spicy (Korean spicy sauce) and soya (Korean soya sauce). Can’t decide which to have? You can choose to have all the three flavours in one plate.
#02-385, Suntec City Convention Centre, 3 Temasek Boulevard, tel: 6334-7950.
This Korean fried chicken joint is perhaps known more for having two good-looking Korean owners, who are twin brothers by the way. But the food is really good and the fried chicken even better. Go for the bite-sized Original Fried Chicken Wings ($10 for 5) to taste how sweet and juicy the chicken is. If you’re looking for more flavour, the Soy & Garlic ($10 for 5) adds just the right savoury punch without being overwhelming.
7 Craig Road, tel: 6221-5205.
The chicken at Nene Chicken is just a bit dry, particularly for the tenders. But as if to compensate for it, they come with generous servings of sauce. The swicy sauce (sweet and spicy sauce) is thick and more sweet than spicy, but pairs really well with the chicken tenders ($8.90 for 6). For something more interesting, opt for the Bulgogi ($24.90 for 18) chicken wings and drumsticks, where the chicken is fried with bulgogi sauce, which is sticky, sweet and salty all at once.
Various locations.
Think Korean fried chicken and this local fast food chain is probably the first thing that comes to your mind. While it doesn’t have its origins in South Korea, their Korean fried chicken is decent with enough crunch on the outside. Their popular Wingettes & Drumettes ($8.45 for 6) come swathed in either a hot sauce or a soy garlic sauce. Our vote is for the latter, as the former is a twinge too fiery for our liking.
Various outlets.
Call it gimmick all you want, but the fried chicken served at the Chicken Clinic is pretty high on the awesome scale. The fried chicken, in keeping with the clinical theme, is served in a surgical tray and a syringe filled with chilli sauce. We love the Chicken Nanban ($18.50), which features boneless chicken chunks that are topped with pickled jalapenos and glazed in spicy soy sauce. And they were served with a side of fries, salad and pickles. The chicken could be crispier, we have to admit, but we give the flavours a thumbs up.
#01-13, Thomson V Two, 11 Sin Ming Road, tel: 8451-4011.