A quintessential staple in South Korea and one that has significantly impacted the country’s drinking culture is chicken and beer, otherwise referred to as “chimaek”. For as long as Korean pop culture is still rampant here in Singapore, so will chimaek.
Crowned Singapore’s number one Korean Fried Chicken due to their phenomenal, contemporary approaches to Korean food and fried chicken, Chicken Up is a joint that we really like. We love the loud, bustling atmosphere, the food and especially their extensive array of beer and soju offerings.
Open until 2 AM on most days, Chicken Up also doubles up as a great place for pre-drinks before hitting the club.
We’re absolute suckers for loaded fries and just when we thought we’ve explored the full spectrum of guilty pleasures, Chicken Up decides to introduce something as mind-blowing as their Beef Bulgogi Fries (S$18).
Topped with sour cream, sesame seeds, diced red onion and scallions, the fresh flavours complemented the sweet slivers of bulgogi beef really well. The fries—in all its golden, crispy glory—formed the perfect base to mop up all those savoury flavours.
Definitely, a dish to consider ordering to share if you’re planning on doing drinks.
A closely guarded secret, Chicken Up prides itself on its signature fried chicken varieties with the popular favourite being the Gangjang Soya Sauce Chicken Wings (S$12).
To begin with, the chicken is moist, succulent and incredibly crispy without being overly greasy and the sticky-sweet soy glaze that it gets liberally tossed in makes it ten times better. Savoury and sweet with a good amount of umami, every bite was as addictive as the first.
We recommend pairing it with either an ice-cold Hite or CASS which are both light-bodied and refreshing beers.
With something as flavour heavy as soy sauce-drenched wings and meat-loaded fries, something refreshing to wash it all down is a must.
We opted for the Pineapple Soju (S$30) which came presented in an actual pineapple along with a dry ice moat around it—full marks for presentation.
Don’t be fooled by its appearance because it was anything but child’s play. Bolstered by the sweet, tartness of the pineapple lies a fairly potent (and generous) amount of soju.
Disclaimer: Uncover Asia made an anonymous visit and paid for their own meal.
Address: 48 Tanjong Pagar Road, 01, Singapore 088469
Contact: +65 6327 1203
Opening Hours: 5.30pm – 2am (Sun to Thu), 5.30pm – 3am (Fri), 5.30am – 12am (Sat)
Nearest MRT Station: Tanjong Pagar
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