KuKu Chicken

Have been passing through the Kampong Glam neighbourhood quite a fair bit of the late and got to know of the opening of the new Kuku Chicken that is located along Bali Lane. These folks had taken over the former premises of the now-defunct FATPAPA’S Burgers and Shakes — other notable F&B establishments located along the same street would include KOWBOY (an establishment serving up UFO burgers), Pita Bakery and PerghChicks; just to name a few. Kuku Chicken is an establishment that primarily serves up Korean-style fried chicken; the space it occupies being one that is relatively small compared to most dining establishments serving up similar fare. The interior is decked in a way that has a rather retro vibe with the large use of rather warm and earthy colour tones — think maroon, tiled floors matched against brown, textured walls matched against marble-esque elements with furniture and fittings coming in both metallic and wooden accents. Most of the tables at Kuku Chicken are configured to seat groups of four (4) pax; an ideal size considering how they serve up Korean-style fried chicken that is usually best enjoyed in smaller groups. With its focus entirely being on Korean-style fried chicken, the food menu at Kuku Chicken features various chicken parts and finger food; beverages available at Kuku Chicken would include a variety of canned drinks as well as mineral water.

Kuku Chicken does serve up a Set Meal alongside its Korean-style fried chicken which is also probably the best way for one to give all of their offerings a go in one entire seating. Whilst Korean-style fried chicken is usually best to be enjoyed in a small group rather than individually or in pairs considering the usual serving size of such dishes, it is interesting to note that Kuku Chicken does offer their Korean-style fried chicken in smaller serving sizes which suits those whom are visiting the establishment in pairs or individually. Apart from serving up their Wings in a portion size of two (2) pieces, Drumettes are also available in four (4) pieces as well — exactly what we went for. Opting for a Set Meal will add a choice of drink, a choice of Fries, two (2) rice balls, three (3) fried Tteokbokki and pickled radish to the Korean Fried Chicken order at a top-up of $6. It is interesting to note that Kuku Chicken doesn’t serve up their Korean Fried Chicken offerings with sauces by default despite the menu indicating flavour options such as Sweet & Spicy and Peppercorn; rather than drenching the Korean Fried Chicken in sauce, the sauces can be obtained from the self-service sauce bar where patrons can also try more than one flavour whilst at it — some flexibility to their patrons there.

Sinking our teeth into the Korean Fried Chicken, these do come with a batter that was suitably thick; we did feel that there is a lingering spiciness within the batter itself that was fairly similar to that of KFC’s spicy variant of their fried chicken — the batter being all crisp while the meat remains tender and juicy, having been brined for a slight saltishness. The Sweet & Spicy sauce didn’t really looked the part but does taste pretty much like the standard Yangnyeom sauce that one can find other Korean-style fried chicken establishments; there is definitely an underlying sweetness that also comes with a familiar note of bean paste before the spicy flavours coming from the Gochujang takes over. Whilst not listed on the menu, there is also another sauce that comes in a brown hue that can be found at the self-service sauce bar; this does seem to be the Ganjang which is essentially a soy sauce-based sauce that is offered for those whom prefer their Korean-style fried chicken to come non-spicy.

Patrons are presented with the option of going for Original or Cheese-coated variants of their fries here; Kuku Chicken also allows patrons to choose between the shoestring fries or straight-cut fries (slightly thicker) — all these options coming with no added charges if one opts for the Set Meal. Our order was for the Cheese-coated version of the straight-cut fries. The sprinkling of cheese powder does seem to be rather liberal here; we were initially expecting it to be a little bit more excessive as what one would expect out of Korean finger food that comes dusted with honey butter powder, though this does seem to be a little more controlled and less sinful as a result. The fries are fried to a beautiful shade of golden-brown; the straight-cut fries also meant that the fries do seem to remain being crisp for longer, while the fries still come with fluffy potatoes within — the cheese powder adds a light savouriness that is a flavour twist to the usual salt seasoning.

The Rice Balls that comes alongside does come well-executed; the rice balls do retain its shape whilst being chewed into — one can also detect the slight sweetness that is typical of that short-grain rice, while the rice ball is easy to chew through without feeling mushy. Opting for the Original Fried Tteokbokki over the Cheese-coated Fried Tteokbokki, these came with a slightly crisp exterior with a firm bite — something well-expected considering the typical density of Korean rice cakes in general; we weren’t too much of a fan of the vinegary ketchup-like sauce that was being drenched above it however. The accompanying pickles of the side are that of Korean Pickled Radish that is otherwise known as Danmuji; these were served chilled and carried a crunch whilst cooking with a tangy note that resets the tastebuds from all of the fried food and carbs that are going on in the Set Meal. It is interesting to see Kuku Chicken offering patrons with quite a bit of flexibility whilst also being an establishment that is particularly friendly towards those whom intend to have Korean-style fried chicken alone or in pairs — after all, such fare is usually considered to be more of a communal nature and it does feel like Kuku Chicken does cater to a targeted group of people. Its fare is considered pretty fair with a quality which we would find decent; it does scratch the cravings for Korean-style fried chicken, though there are many other establishments that provide a more authentic experience around. With prices of their Korean fried chicken being listed from $12.90 for Full Wings 2pcs to $19.90 for Boneless Chicken Thigh 300g ala-carte, they do seem to be reasonably-priced for the occasional treat of craving for Korean-style fried chicken whilst being alone.