Why did the chicken cross the road? So it can be marinated, breaded, and fried until golden brown. Of course, some of the best-fried chicken comes from a random Hatyai chicken stall around 11 pm — we’re just recommending some fried chicken places in Bangkok to sit down and start your adventure with.
When it comes to food, this city has almost everything you might need. Fried chicken is a dime a dozen in Bangkok, so when you get to chomp down on a really good one, the world stands still for just a moment. Pair that with a good sauce and a drink of choice, and you have a good evening.
No fast food joints up in here, but herbs and spices will sweep you off your feet.
Where to find the best-fried chicken in Bangkok, because you deserve it
Birdies Bangkok
Vibe: Cool kid chicken shop, above a cannabis store
What to order: Hot honey chicken tenders with caviar on top
Birdies are not cluckin’ around when it comes to a good batch of fried chicken. Crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, they offer a choice of flavours (naked, hot honey, and spicy) along with a variety of dips to pair. If you’re feeling fancy, you can request a dollop of caviar on top of your fried chicken, because why not? Their small plates are also banging: the burrata with sesame and chilli will stay in the back of your mind for days on end.
More info: Birdies Bangkok
Opening times: Wed-Mon, 11.30am-midnight
Location: 3rd Floor, 663 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Nearest station: Phrom Phong, BTS
Foulmouth
Vibe: Spicy with a capital “S”
What to order: Hot chicken and waffles, loaded curly fries
When it comes to a chicken tender, we like the protein deboned, skin spiced, and the mouths absolutely fowl. At Fowlmouth, the anti-biotic and hormone-free chicken is brined in buttermilk and an array of spices overnight. The cayenne pepper surely makes Nashville proud, and us extremely impressed. Spice levels are available from “mild” to “death.” Proceed at your own risk.
More info: Fowlmouth
Opening times: Mon-Sat, 11.30am-10pm (12pm onwards on Saturdays)
Location: 872 Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini, Khet Patumwan, Bangkok
Nearest station: Ploen Chit, BTS
Henryfry
Vibe: Relaxing and intimate, nothing feels too stuffy
What to order: Fried chicken and root beer
Available in limited rounds and seatings, booking a spot at Henryfry may be a bit frustrating. But when you get a taste of their fried chicken amidst the Bangkok chaos, all those frustrations fade away like magic. Their housemade cooking makes any day better, with highlights including their brunch set, serving fried chicken with scrambled eggs, grilled bacon, toast, and maple syrup, as well as their root beer which is meticulously selected to pair well with their fried chicken.
More info: Henryfry
Opening times: Tue-Sun, 11am-7pm
Location: 747 Charoen Krung Road, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
Nearest station: Hua Lamphong, BTS
Changwon Express
Vibe: Eat your heart out, Bonchon
What to order: Gochujang chicken and ramyun
When a Korean restaurant ferments its own kimchi, you know it’s going to be a good meal. Changwon Express shines the most when it comes to their fried chicken, doused in gochujang sauce and peanuts, and served with pickled radish. Bring some company, get the party going, and order their homemade kimchi as sides.
More info: Changwon Express
Opening times: Open daily, 5-11.30pm
Location: 37 Asoke-Dindaeng Rd., Makasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok
Nearest station: Phetchaburi, MRT
Brassica Doughnuts
Vibe: The best of both worlds
What to order: Fried chicken doughnuts
Come for the doughnuts, stay for the chicken. It’s a match made in heaven, with the crispy-fried goodness doused with their special sauce, and jammed in the middle of two glazed doughnuts. No need to go elsewhere for desserts. They also have a Japanese-style variant named the “Fried Chicken NANBAN SANDOughnut” made with sweet and sour Nanban sauce made with dried bonito.
More info: Brassica Doughnuts
Opening times: Open daily, 9am-6pm
Location: 19, 12 Ekkamai 12 Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Nearest station: Ekkamai, BTS
Polo Fried Chicken
Vibe: Classic, old-school, proper Thai fried chicken
What to order: Whole fried chicken, spicy pork soup, Singh
Fried chicken can sometimes be overlooked when you go to a som tam spot. Polo Fried Chicken’s dishes are so good they’re on the Michelin Guide. Their fried chicken recipe has been beloved for over 50 years, is fried to perfection, topped with a generous portion of deep-fried garlic, and uses a Southern-style sauce created two generations ago by the family.
More info: Polo Fried Chicken
Opening times: Open daily, 7am-9pm
Location: 137/1-3 Sanam Khli Alley, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest station: Lumphini, MRT
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This story first appeared here.
(Hero and featured image credit: Shardar Tarikul Islam/Unsplash)
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