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Header image courtesy of Uncle Padak (Deliveroo)
Forget about Popeyes and KFC—this is where the best fried chicken in Hong Kong is at. Chick out our top picks!
Uncle Padak in Sai Ying Pun has gained an almost cult-like following amongst devoted Korean fried chicken fans, and for good reason. A serving of the best-selling Padak Chicken ($138) is perfect for two or three diners, though whether you would want to share these dangerously addictive, boneless chicken pieces is another question in itself.
Served with a melange of rice cakes and fried dumplings, and topped with green onion and a homemade sauce of your choice, this golden fried chicken is one of the best we have ever tried in Hong Kong. Swill it down with a few bowls of Makgeolli ($88) and we guarantee you’ll be in K(orean)FC heaven.
Uncle Padak, Shop D, G/F, 53–65 High Street, Sai Ying Pun | (+852) 2117 9792
This newcomer to the chicken scene got its start as a month-long pop-up at PMQ Taste Kitchen while the owners were experimenting with their concept, but that’s ancient history. Now armed with two brick-and-mortar shops in Central and Wan Chai, these wing-lovin’ dudes are here to spread the joy of fried chicken.
We’re big fans of the signature Hoisin & Black Sesame flavour, as well as the sweet and sour Thai Sweet Chilli with Dried Garlic option. Heat enthusiasts will dig the Carolina Reaper style. Wings are available in sets ranging from six to 48 pieces. Wingman is now open for lunch, dinner, and they also do a two-hour all-you-can-eat deal ($350) that includes all items from their wings and nibbles menus as well as selected small plates and wraps.
Bawk, bawk, chicklets! If it’s Southern fried chicken you’re after, then The Chicken Bar is where you’ve got to go. Launched as a passion project between award-winning chef Max Levy, whose casual izakaya concept Okra has won garnered acclaim over the years, and restauranteur Michael Chan, whose homegrown brand Honbo has taken Hong Kong’s burger scene by storm, The Chicken Bar pays homage to the irresistible aromas and mouthwatering flavours of Levy’s native New Orleans.
Befitting of its chic locale at H Code, this dynamic shack is dolled up in retro-inspired American diner duds, complete with counter seats, bold colour palettes, and faux-neon signs. Good for both a casual meal and after-work drinks, The Chicken Bar channels the best of Louisiana with their bite-sized Chicken Poppers ($60), New Orleans Hot Chicken Sandwich ($90), and the finger-lickin’ good Chicken Fingers ($60). There’s also a Japanese-inspired Okonomiyaki Bun ($90) if you’re looking to try a bite of Chef Levy’s signature MO, now available for takeaway and delivery via Deliveroo and Foodpanda.
The Chicken Bar, Shop 3, G/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central
This popular Australian-style eatery is small and snug, with only a handful of seats available for diners, but they sure are big on their flavours. Their attention is focused exclusively on hormone-free chicken in all its delicious forms (and the occasional healthy greens and superfoods), from fried and grilled to rotisserie-style.
We particularly like to shop for our meal in the “naughty corner” of the menu, where there are treats like the Heisenberg ($80), a crispy chicken burger topped with cheddar, pickles, and garlic aioli. Their fries, too, are hands-down some of the best we’ve come across in Hong Kong. Also, Little Birdy is one of the only places in Hong Kong that serves mind-blowing chicken and waffles! Y’all ain’t ready for this.
Little Birdy, G/F, 15–17 New Street, Sheung Wan | (+852) 2320 2218
Note: While Little Birdy has closed, we are hotly anticipating the opening of Big Birdy in Sai Ying Pun, Little Birdy’s follow-up.
Another contender on the market for superb KFC is Dodam Chicken, whose chicken is famous for its consistently crispy skin, succulent meat, and intoxicating aroma. Armed with a variety of flavours and styles—from Sweet Soy Sauce Chicken ($192) and Original Fried Chicken ($182) to the more on-trend Salted Egg Yolk Chicken ($198)—Korean export Dodam is fully prepared to cater to a myriad of different tastes. And if you are dining with health-conscious friends, know that baked and roasted chicken are also on the menu—though you’ll definitely get more divine enjoyment out of the fried options.
Dodam Chicken, 18A Lee Theatre Plaza, 99 Percival Street, Causeway Bay | (+852) 2333 8365
What used to be Linguini Fini and Stone Nullah Tavern has now merged into a singular entity called Fini’s, but rest assured that they’ve kept all of the good stuff from their respective menus—the good stuff being, of course, Fini’s Hot Wings ($95). This take on buffalo wings is perfectly juicy with the right amount of mouth-tingling heat, served with roasted carrots and a sharp Gorgonzola sauce.
Fini’s, locations across Hong Kong Island
No fried chicken list would be complete with a Jollibee mention. The Philippines’ most iconic export continues its Hong Kong expansion, now with seven locations across the island and Kowloon—and boy, their shops are hard to miss, luring you in with a tantalising fragrance of fried chicken.
A regular order of the famous Chickenjoy ($40)—which includes both a drumstick and a thigh, a side of fries, and a drink—is served piping hot, with a crunchy, crisp exterior and wonderfully tender meat. Best of all, you don’t walk away with an oily aftertaste.
We think Chicken Hof & Soju is one of Hong Kong’s best-kept secrets. This mom-and-pop shop does one of the most authentic versions of Korean fried chicken in town. Also referred to amongst in-the-know foodies as “Lee Family Chicken.” step inside this no-frills, K-pop-blasting hole-in-the-wall for a taste of genuine chimeak (which is, simply put, a winning combo of chicken and beer).
Be prepared to queue to get your hands on double-fried chicken doused in Sweet & Spicy ($160) sauce, or Honey and Garlic ($180) seasoning, or simply good ol’ Salt & Pepper ($150). Chasing each bite of chicken with a swig of Korean lager is a must.
Chicken Hof & Soju, locations across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
Born in Hong Kong, raised in Germany, and educated in the U.S., Jen is an award-winning creative with a background in illustration, communication design, art direction, and content creation. When she’s not getting lost in a good book, you’ll find her doing crosswords, eating dim sum, covering all sides of a “Hamilton” number, and taking naps.
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