Korean Fried Chicken is all the rage in Singapore right now with restaurants popping up like popcorn chicken. I must say, the Korean method of double-frying the chicken and adding addictive sauces has transformed the humble fried chicken into quite something else. After having tried 4 Fingers, the Korean Fried Chicken that started this craze, let’s check out Chicken Up, which many Singaporeans feel is the best Korean Fried Chicken in Singapore.
Situated on the ground floor of the Jurong East MRT station, it is right next to the food court. If you are coming on a weekday evening, try to reach before 6.30pm because it can really packed after 7pm.
Cup Bab is like the Korean version of the Japanese bento of rice topped with ingredients and sauce of your choice. You have a choice of Ganjang Chicken, Gochujang Chicken and Beef Bulgogi and Gochujang Pork while sauce includes Non-Spicy, Spicy and Freakin Hot. I opted for Ganjang Chicken topped with Non-Spicy Sauce. Fragrant rice topped with chicken pieces and ganjang which is a unique Korean soy sauce made from fermented soybeans. The simplicity of the dish makes it perfect as a take away item to be enjoyed at your convenience.
The star of the restaurant is their chicken, available in Soya -Salty, Yangnyum (Sweet), Spicy (Really Hot) and Original (So-So) flavours. You can order Wings (4 pieces) or Drumsticks (4 pieces), have your chicken in Popcorn (12 pieces) or as Chicken Ginseng Soup if you looking for something a little more healthy, or simple get a Whole Chicken (20 pieces). I ordered Drumsticks (4 pieces) in Soya flavour (I was told it is one of the most popular flavours, together with Spicy). The drumsticks are huge, they make 4 Fingers‘ Drumsticks look rather shrivelled and dry in comparison. Chicken Up has adapted the Korean method of removing the fat from the skin and double-frying, resulting in drumsticks juicy with thin and crispy skin. Dipped in sweet soy sauce, it is perfection in every bite.
Wash your food down with a cup of Korean tea such Honey Ginseng Tea, Honey Ginger Tea, Green Tea or Barley Tea, or choose one of the canned drinks such as Strawberry Milkis, Demi Soda (Apple/Grape), Bong Bong (White Grape), Peach Juice and Pear Juice.
The outlets at Jurong East, Tampines, Dover and Bugis only serves part of the menu. If you want the full works with innovative drinks such as Watermelon Soju or mouth-watering desserts, do visit their flagship outlet at Tanjong Pagar.