Today we were at Chicken World for fried chicken in the West End, by the water. Admittedly they aren’t my first choice for chicken, and I almost wrote them off given how cartoony their exterior looks. However, I am glad I didn’t, lest I missed out.
Although aged, the restaurant isn’t coated in grease, nor does it smell like it. An impressive feat considering they are constantly frying their chicken to order. A fact you can immediately tell given the pale colour of the breading from clean oil, and that the meat is hot through to the bone.
Despite its origins being Indian, there aren’t too many dishes inspired by the cuisine or made with the use of their iconic spices. Outside of the name inspirations and masala fries, this is classically done fried chicken. The taste is as light as it looks, not oily or heavy, making them a solid grab and go option in the area.
You can order their chicken as is or with an
accompanying side of your choice, as add ons. The usual suspects of potato as wedges, onion rings, and poutine are available. I was tempted by the jalapeño poppers, but ultimately could not pass up on the rice.
I grew up eating KFC and rice with ketchup as treat meals, and this was an upgrade on quality, taste, flavour. Especially as both of their rice options were seasoned. The Rice ‘n’ Spice had a little heat and tang, and the Arabian Rice more so with the addition of chicken chunks.
Their burgers feature the same quality chicken, normally thigh, but with the ability to upgrade to a breast meat for the patty. Just as well, as I prefer dark meat and the Gabbar Burger comes with two breaded and fried boneless chicken thighs. With just mayo and lettuce this chicken burger reminded me of a McChicken, but a whole lot more refined.
For something different try their Nashville Hot Billo Burger which comes with a chicken breast patty, crispy and creamy coleslaw, and the sweet tang pickles for acid. Hot, but not too spicy.
However, if you do need help cooling down, you can look to one of their “Icecream Sheikhs”, a regular milk shake made with either vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or the wild card mango. I would get the latter and found it a nice palate refresher.
Overall, not what I thought and better than expected. Terrific fried chicken and chicken burgers at affordable prices.
Chicken World
1181 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2N1
(604) 681-0007
chickenworldcanada.com
