I get pretty excited about new arrivals in Chinatown; often restaurants are changing their names for whatever reason and not much else changes, but on a wet and windy trudge through Soho I saw a shining yellow beacon; Bigbe Chicken, a specialist Taiwanese fried chicken shop.
I popped in one evening, late, around 9:30pm to see what was up. Obviously still very new, it's a really simple set up; fried chicken, fried squid, sweet potato fries, and soft drinks. That's it. Don't come here looking for a salad.
I asked the nice chap behind the counter lots of questions; they're new, the chef is from Taiwan, and they serve really good fried chicken. The powders are for you to select to have shaken on your chicken. I asked so many questions, in fact, that the chef offered me up some of their off-menu chicken skin, freshly fried, and for the other customers waiting too. He raised his eyebrows - "are you sure?" - surprised that I hoovered it up (I think a lot of Chinese are still surprised by white people enjoying the 'undesirable' bits. They also never notice the Chinese bit of me.)
The man is obviously incredibly talented at the fryer, for that was one tasty chicken-pop. I was talked into a behemoth chicken breast, battered out flat and bigger than my head (£5.50). Once out of the frier, I asked for a mixture of plum powder (sweet and tangy) and chilli (not spicy enough, but a good tingle).
The chicken is well marinated, crisp and juicy. I burnt my tongue and scraped the roof of my mouth scoffing it down. Sweet potato fries, which they very sweetly insisted I have after I'd paid for just the chicken, were great; crisp, salty and with soft insides, and also garnished with flavourings. Next time - curry powder.
Afterwards, I died of salty thirst. It's probably not going to win any health awards, but it was so filthy-good. Shame the sign printer managed to print off all their wall art with 'deep fired chicken'.
I'll be back, undoubtedly.
Bigbe Chicken
10 Little Newport St,
London WC2H 7JJ
13 comments:
they seriously missed a trick calling it Bigbe when surely Trainspotting's lover of all these deep fired Begbe would've been a much better ambassador
I was there at 11on on a Saturday night and it was closed. Very disappointed, I'm gonna pop in next weekend and I hope it's really that good
Living in a culinary desert rich in seafood I love your reportage. My last chickpiphany was Nashville hot chicken, there and in Asheville N.C. One of these days I shall again pass thru London and you shall be one of my lodestones.
It's on the list. Thank you!
Anon - Hah! Yes.
Mario - How disappointing, but I'm not sure of many places open to serve past 11pm. Westminster licensing is quite strict. Get there earlier!
Pete: Thanks, so nice of you to say. I would LOVE to try nashville hot chicken. I wonder if there's a recipe I could recreate...
I was in Chinatown yesterday since 5 weeks and noticed this new chicken shop. Naturally I decided to try some, went for the popcorn chicken and it was so tasty. I was also shocked at how big the portion was especially for £2.99. Will need to try the squid and chips next time I visit!
Anon - HURRAY! Glad you liked it.
I love their popcorn chicken - I've not yet stepped up to the plate with the BIG chicken.
Do you know where their chicken is from?
Anon - nope.
I love Hot Star Chicken in Taipei (which Bigbe has very obviously taken the concept from) so was excited to try this. Finally had it the other day and thought it was really good but not quite up to Hot Star standards.
Biggbe Chicken is now Good Friend Chicken, and has moved a couple of doors down.
Bigbe Chicken is now Good Friend Chicken, and has moved a couple of doors down.
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