Halal Eats At Your Fingertips
Written By: Nurin Qistina
Pictures By: Nurin Qistina
CHIX HOT CHICKEN
Dive into the world of spices with Singapore’s first Nashville Fried Chicken’s joint – Chix Hot Chicken.
Singer-actor Taufik Batisah and business partner, Ismail Bober, share the same love for fried chicken. It’s also the reason why their fried chicken eatery, Chix Hot Chicken, was born. Inspired by an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s: Parts Unknown on Nashville hot chicken with its American roots, the duo behind the brand had to introduce it to Singaporeans.
“Asians love fried chicken and anything spicy,” said Ismail, “and the concept of Nashville hot chicken is somewhat unique that I feel Singaporeans will enjoy.”
Situated in the bustling area of Bugis, specifically at Jalan Pisang, the sight of their outdoor street art graffiti done by the boys of Kampong Glam, will be the first thing anyone sees. Stepping further into the joint is a concept of celebrating art and hot chicken. One can enjoy the vibrant colours of unique art pieces that were done specially by a friend of the duo.
When they first started out, the hardest part about the business was educating people about Nashville hot chicken. But according to Ismail, “It was a fun challenge to tackle.” Eventually, they won the hearts of many with not just their fiery chicken but also their hospitable service.
However, nothing had prepared them for when the pandemic hit. Everything turned rocky when Covid-19 came unexpectedly. That was when they knew they had to do something to ensure their business stayed afloat.
“We had to learn to adapt and pivot towards this challenge,” said Ismail with a grin.
By listening to their customers’ suggestions, they were able to sustain their business. The introduction of island-wide food delivery during the lockdown period deemed successful. This service remained even after the Circuit Breaker due to the positive response from their fans and customers. To be able to enjoy the taste of Nashville at the comfort of your home became enticing to its regulars.
Their signature dish being the Nashville Hot Chicken, there is a choice of spice level – from Mild, Medium, Hot, to Insane Hotness. For the daredevils out there, there is an off-the-menu spice level – Atomic. It’s been advised to proceed with caution as the spices they use to dry rub their chicken includes the world’s hottest peppers such as Carolina Reaper and Ghost Pepper.
Aside from that, they have multiple other items including sliders, grilled cheese sandwich, chicken & waffles, as well as milkshakes.
REVIEW TIME
My team and I had the opportunity to try Chix Hot Chicken’s signature dishes and our favourites are definitely the Nashville Hot Chicken and the grilled cheese sandwich also known as “The Melt”. Although we had the mild version for the chicken, it was incredibly flavourful without it being too salty nor oily. The juicy and tender chicken meat together with the crispy skin paired well with the side of pickles.
As for “The Melt”, it is definitely not your ordinary grilled cheese sandwich. Instead, the sandwich is dusted and loaded with cheese. It is then fried to perfection. When we first cut open its slightly crunchy exterior, hot melted cheese oozed out. Each component of the sandwich complimented each other and it is definitely an experience one should try.
If you would like to be transported to Nashville, Tennesse without having to actually travel all the way there, do give Chix Hot Chicken a visit here:
Chix Hot Chicken
1 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199069
Opens Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 9pm
Website: chixhotchicken.com
Tel: 8893 7031
Check out the video we did on Chix Hot Chicken here:
THREE’S A CROWD
The kitchen was where it all began. The halal-certified humble cafe opened back in 2017, after a group of guys succeeded in their ice-cream experiment. Being a fan of ice-cream themselves, the three long-time friends wanted to share this passion for the treat by coming up with creative flavours.
Located in the small neighbourhood of Tampines West, Three’s A Crowd is not one to miss! Specially known for their unique artisanal ice-creams, one can also expect to find European-style cakes, waffles and coffee.
Despite being a neighbourhood cafe, the dessert cafe was a part of Singapore’s National Day Parade 2020 as a dessert sponsor. Having fought so hard to get in that position, they still remain thankful for the opportunity.
“It was the first time we participated in something so big,” Amanda Koh, their Head of Marketing, recalled excitedly, “We were all very excited.”
In other news, Three’s A Crowd is in the midst of opening their second outlet in Little India. One can expect to find more creative flavours and other new dessert items. As for any updates on their second outlet, do follow their Instagram account for more information – @ThreesACrowdCafe.
REVIEW TIME
We were pleasantly surprised by the texture and the sweetness level of their ice-creams. We tried two of their premium flavours – Salted Horlicks and Dark Gianduia, the latter was the winner. This particular flavour is definitely for chocolate lovers. The combination of rich dark cocoa and hazelnut gave a luxurious feel to it. We paired it together with their homemade Nutella waffles. Doused in more Nutella and chocolate coco puffs, it definitely was a sinful yet delicious treat.
Aside from Nutella Waffles, their Churros Waffles took the cake. Coated in cinnamon sugar with a side of toasted marshmallows and melted chocolate, it is already flavourful on its own. We recommend topping it off with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream to get the best of both worlds and ensure that the flavours complement each other instead of clashing.
If you would like to try these sweet treats for yourself, do give Three’s A Crowd visit here:
Three’s A Crowd
802 Tampines Avenue 4 #01-11
Website: Threesacrowdcafe.com
Tel: 6702 0700
