The best crispy fried chicken joints in Singapore

Chix Hot Chicken’s Nashville hot chicken is worth seeking out. Co-owned by Singapore Idol alumnus Taufik Batisah, the spot at Jalan Pisang is touted as Singapore’s first Nashville hot chicken joint. The crunchy fried pieces are smothered with the world’s hottest peppers, promising dry and hot sensations instead of the usual saucy versions. For the bold and brave, the joint offers several levels of spice to test your tolerance. Armed with a good crunch and made from using 100 per cent organic spices from the US, this fried chicken spot certainly leaves diners vying for the last piece.

Chix Hot Chicken
Address: 1 Jalan Pisang, S(199069), +65 8893 7031

If it’s fiery heat you seek, Mrs Hen brings on the spice. The undisputed heavyweight when it comes to consistent and authentic fiery-hot Indonesian ayam geprek, we recommend arming yourself with a cold glass of water—or some milk—before digging in. Each morsel of crunchy chicken is slapped on with classic hot and spicy sambal that guarantees a tear fest for the fainthearted. But for those looking to test your threshold, there is no chickening out. The sambal repertoire isn’t limited to just the classic as there are also other flavours such as the tangier lemongrass sambal mahtah and sweeter green chilli sambal hijau.

Mrs Hen
Address: Multiple locations, 430 New Upper Changi Road, #01-43, S(487048), +65 487048

Founded by an Indian-Pakistani couple, Mahmud’s Tandoor has steadily become a cult hotspot for youth perusing the touristy Haji Lane and Arab Street. Nestled in a lifestyle marketplace, the stall is accessible from a back alley along Kandahar Street, making it a great pitstop to refuel in between an afternoon of shopping. The viral sensation is none other than the signature Crispydoori burger, where a thick slab of chicken thigh meat, marinated with tandoori spices, is fried to a red hot crisp. The spiced succulence is then imbued with smoke from a liberal shower of harissa-infused mayonnaise, and sandwiched between fluffy brioche buns and American cheddar cheese. The same recipe is rendered for the house wings, which promises a truly finger-licking good time.

Mahmud’s Tandoor
Address: 730 North Bridge Road, S(198698)

If Carona fried chicken wings ever rang a bell, you’re probably old enough to enjoy as many wings as you’d like. The popular fried chicken franchise had its heyday during the 1980s when it was commonly found islandwide. Today, this nostalgic flavour can be found at Victor’s Famous Fried Chicken Wing Rice and Hainanese Chicken Rice. Having been around for over 30 years, Victor came out as the original recipe proprietor, before it was sold to a larger business entity—experiencing roaring success until its ultimate demise in the 2000s. Today, Victor still insists on having no special recipe; the unpretentious wings are executed with precision and are marinated overnight to obtain the best flavours and textures in one bite.

Victor’s Famous Fried Chicken Wing Rice and Hainanese Chicken Rice
Address: 638 Veerasamy Road #01-101 S(200638)

Yardbird’s farm-to-fork dishes mean serious business. They’re crunchy, they’re savoury, and they’re crafted using a century-old family fried chicken recipe. You’re looking at the restaurant’s signature Chicken and Waffles, a must-have dish paired with honey hot sauce, refreshing cubes of chilled spiced watermelon, fluffy cheddar waffles, and a splash of bourbon maple syrup. Welcome to the deep South.

Yardbird Southern Table and Bar
Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, B1-07, Marina Bay Sands, S(018972)

“We do all things chicken, and we do it well” is a bold claim for any cook. But for the young sibling hawkers of Salt at Old Airport Road Food Centre, their recipe for fried chicken proves their weight in gold. Each freshly prepared batch promises juicy succulent chicken meat, encased in a crackling crust that is seasoned to a tee. The secret behind such an addictive crunch lies in the special flour formula inspired by Korean fried chicken and Japanese kaarage. And if you’re not down to deal with the pesky bones, Salt offers a boneless cutlet option that is equally crunchy and tasty.

Flavours aren’t limited to the popular Korean spicy sauce. Instead, alternative flavours of soy garlic, Thai chilli lime, and salt and pepper help please different palates. Once only available at the Old Airport Road Food Centre, they have since expanded into the CBD, with a second location in CIMB Plaza catering to the suits.

Salt
Address: 51 Old Airport Road, 01-128, S(390051), +65 8831 7258

Eng Kee Chicken Wings needs no introduction. Over time, it has become a major institution for classic hawker-style fried chicken wings. Their renowned wings first took flight in 1989 and have endured the test of time, especially with younger generation joints as its competitors. With six outlets islandwide, those looking for golden brown wings with a good balance of crispy batter and tender chicken meat can look no further as Eng Kee Chicken Wings is certainly one of the top on the list. 

Eng Kee Chicken Wings
Address: Multiple locations, 117 Commonwealth Drive, 01-711, S(140117)

For a true walk down memory lane, Waffletown is a nostalgic retro American diner that has earned a loyal following over four decades. Known for recreating the vibe and food of old-school fast-food joints, the real draw here is the iconic Fried Chicken & Waffle. Served with a crispy-edged waffle and tender chicken, this dish is the classic sweet-and-savoury pairing that defines American diner food. Despite its unpretentious, old-school decor, the chicken is consistently lauded as being "much much better than KFC" and cooked to perfection.

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