Where to eat the best fried chicken in the Year of the Rooster

Whether you eat it at KFC or in a Michelin-starred restaurant, fried chicken is a much-loved staple around the world. In Singapore, we have a fair assortment of cuisine styles; Korean, Southern,Thai, and all the local twists to indulge in. In honour of the Year of the ‘Chicken’ (sorry, couldn’t resist), here’s where to find some of the best fried chicken in Singapore this year.

Chicken Up

Photo: Chicken Up

Chicken Up has 6 outlets nationwide, but the outlet at Tanjong Pagar, along with many other fried chicken eateries there, has a very homey and cosy appeal. Some of the best fried chicken in Singapore can be found at Chicken Up (in fact, this was the very first place that I ever ate Korean fried chicken). The soya chicken wings dish is a wonderful introduction if you’re eating Korean fried chicken for the first time, while the yangnyum chicken is perfect for those who like that finger-lickin’ sweet and spicy coated goodness (#musttry!).

On a sidenote, you have to try the watermelon soju. Be ready to oogle at the halved and gutted watermelon filled with soju that will be hauled to your table. Other than being so #instagramworthy, this soju is great for lightweight drinkers who may not appreciate regular soju.

Address: 48 Tanjong Pagar Rd #01-01, Singapore 088469

Phone: 6327 1203

Kko Kko Nara

Photo: Kko Kko Nara

Located in Tanjong Pagar, which seems to be a haven for Korean fried chicken places, is Kko Kko Nara. The eatery has a wonderfully relaxed and intimate setting, which makes this the perfect place to meet with friends for a nice dinner. Some would argue that Kko Kko Nara serves the best Korean fried chicken in Singapore, and for good reason. Their garlic chicken wings are coated in thick garlicky goodness that will leave you sucking every bit of flavour off of your fingers. The most addictive is the signature original fried chicken. Super crisp and crunchy, the batter that sometimes flakes off is so addictive that everyone will be picking it off the plate. For a group of at least 3, I recommend getting the chicken combo set at $25, especially if you want to try more than one of their 5 different fried chicken styles.

PS: They have watermelon soju too!

Address: 68 Tanjong Pagar Road, 088489

Phone: 6225 9282

The Beast

Photo: The Beast

Southern Louisiana-style food is indulgent, artery-choking and absolutely #worthit. Western comfort food at it’s best, one of the signature dishes at The Beast is definitely the southern fried chicken and waffles. The batter is perfectly crispy, and this unorthodox pair is absolutely heavenly. Generously season your fried chicken and waffles with maple syrup to achieve new gastronomical heights. While you’re there, do try the bacon jam. While it may sound weird now, it’s something that you won’t regret ordering.

Address: 17 Jln Klapa, Singapore 199329

Phone: 6295 0017

Nakhon Kitchen

My personal favourite Nakhon branch is tucked away in the heart of Kovan, and very worth the walk to reach it. Of all the wonderful Thai dishes like their green curry, tom yam and pineapple fried rice, their fried garlic chicken is the one to die for. Although small, Nakhon’s little morsels of goodness seem to explode in flavour. The batter is super crisp and light and balanced out with the unbelievably tender and juicy meat inside. It’s safe to say that everyone will want a plate of their own!

Address: 212 Hougang St 21, #01-341, 530212

Phone: 6286 8785

Nutmeg & Clove

Photo: Nutmeg & Clove

This cocktail bar is known for its unorthodox cocktails and beverages with a uniquely Singaporean twist (salted egg yolk and port wine flavour #omgwhateven), but they also serve surprisingly delicious fried chicken! Their salted egg yolk chicken is a favourite of the patrons there; fried to perfection and doused liberally in indulgent salted egg yolk sauce.

Address: 10 Ann Siang Hill, 069789

Phone: 9389 9301

Holland Village XO Fish Head Bee Hoon

How could we not mention har cheong gai, one of Singapore’s favourite zi char staples? Also known as prawn paste chicken, this dish is a must to complete any meal at a zi char. Although this stall is mostly known for its bee hoon, their fried prawn paste chicken is a customer favourite at the stall in Holland Village. The distinct flavour in the batter explodes crisply in the mouth, while the meat is steaming hot and very juicy. A definite must-try if you love har cheong gai!

Address: 19A Dover Crescent, Singapore 131019

Jollibee

I’m going to cheat a bit and slip in a fast food chain in this list, because it’s seriously worth a try! This popular Filipino fast-food chain Jollibee is home to their signature Chickenjoy. Many customers can be seen walking out with buckets of the fried chicken, and for good reason. The fried chicken at Jollibee is extremely addictive, and while it’s not the healthiest option, you won’t regret eating it. The skin is delectably crunchy with only the thinnest layer of fat, and while pretty oily, the tender meat counteracts the super salty skin. I found a little too salty at first, but found myself unable to stop eating! It’s a must to eat it with their brown sauce, which is slightly sweet and so #sedap. Definitely worth a try if you’re willing to brave the long lines.

Address:

(Lucky Plaza outlet) 304 Orchard Road, #06-048A Lucky Plaza, Lucky Plaza, 238863

(Square 2 outlet)  #01-160/161/162 2, 10 Sinaran Dr, Square 2, Singapore 307506

Phone: 6735 5117

If you like this story, check out REVIEW: Chir Chir, 4Fingers and 10 other places to get Korean fried chicken in Singapore and These are the best places to satisfy your prata cravings in Singapore.