My affair with fried chicken has not always been straightforward. I’ve had my share of watery batters and dry chicken too, and I was convinced for years that the ultimate, crunchy, juicy fried chicken existed only in my imagination. After endless disappointing takeaway meals and a couple too many dinners where the “crispy” was completely nonexistent, I made it my personal mission to find the cream of the crop.
I wasn’t looking for merely a meal; I was on a quest for that golden-brown beauty. The first crunch of a bite giving way to a tender, flavorful interior was what I craved. I wished to taste the sort of fried chicken Dubliners and tourists alike might sing hymns to. So I donned my coat, gathered my appetite, and set out in search of a place that could restore my faith in this great comfort food.
Mad Egg Charlotte Way
I’ve passed Mad Egg on Charlotte Way for years, and the queues always caught my eye. With a cracking 4.6 on Google and 4.1 on TripAdvisor, I simply had to give it a go, and I’m glad that I did. It’s a top spot for fried chicken Dublin has to offer.
I ordered the chicken burger, which came with a full chicken breast fillet and a really good sauce. It was really a great burger. I had a wrap as well, which was so fresh, full of flavor, and delicious. We had a portion of mac ‘n’ cheese to share, and it was a big serving, which was a nice bonus. While the burger did have a bit of a fried oil taste, which I’m not usually a fan of, it still tasted brilliant overall.
The atmosphere was pleasant and serene, and that was just perfect for an actual conversation with my friend during our meal. The staff were also very courteous and hospitable. They took extra effort to inform me of everything since I was a first-time guest, and nobody rushed us, even if we stayed for an hour after eating.
In general, the food was excellent and the service was top-notch. It might have the faintest touch of takeaway about it, but it’s well worth a trip, and I would be more than willing to go back there again in the near future. You can phone them at +35319123492 or book from their website if you are going to make a visit.
Nando’s Dublin – St Andrew’s Street
You know, every now and again, a place actually does live up to its reputation, and Nando’s is one. My friends and I were so up for going because we don’t have one locally, and I was so thrilled we did. Based on St Andrew’s Street, this Afro-Portuguese chain is a great spot for peri-peri chicken. With a high score of 4.2 on Google and 3.7 on TripAdvisor, it’s an absolute must-visit for fried chicken in Dublin.
I was amazed at how many options were available on the menu. The peri-peri sauce comes in a range of heat, anything from sweet to as hot as you can handle, which suits me well since I am attempting to get used to spicy foods. The food was good that we went back for dinner the following day! I had the double chicken wrap, hot and spicy, and it was great. The hot sauce actually had a kick to it, which I like, and the fact that the chicken is grilled and not fried is a plus because it makes it a bit healthier.
Staff were just as friendly as could be and even recommended some of the best chicken I’ve had in a while. Food was out so quickly, but still fresh. While some might say it’s a bit expensive for what you get, I think the quality and taste are well and truly worth it. I find myself going back every few weeks just for that amazing chilli kick.
If you enjoy chicken, then this is lovely madness and a favourite order for hot and delicious food. If you are a visitor, you can order them on +35316779166.
Chimac Aungier St
Some dinners just stick with you, and my most recent visit to Chimac on Aungier Street is definitely one of them. This establishment is on another plane entirely. At a stunning 4.6 on Google and 4.4 on TripAdvisor, it’s where it’s at when it comes to the best Korean fried chicken Dublin can offer. I just can’t help but recall how good it tasted.
The menu is full of wonderful options. We had ordered the Kimcheese and the Good Good burgers, and both were phenomenal. The chicken was pan-fried to a golden brown crispness and just so juicy, but what brought everything together was the mind-blowingly delicious cheese sauce. It was that good that we actually ordered an extra serving on the side just to keep the party going. We also had a side of Korean hot sauce chicken nuggets, and holy cow, they were perfect.
Special mention is needed for our waiter, Juan, who was flying solo and still incredibly polite, professional, and attentive. His easy-going and friendly nature made the whole experience even greater. The place is all about simple, great food, and the staff are absolute geniuses.
If you enjoy Korean fried chicken and are looking for a step-up burger, Chimac is definitely worth a visit. I really cannot find anything to fault this place, and I will go back for sure. You can call them on +35314054960 or book online if you’re planning a visit.
Camden Rotisserie
For years, Camden Rotisserie on Camden Street had been where we’d get our chicken wings. They were delicious and so big you wouldn’t even be able to finish one. But because it was a bit out of the way, we did end up trying others. With a decent 4.3 on TripAdvisor and Google, we figured we’d go back recently when we needed a healthier component to our typical fried chicken Dublin routine.
I’m so glad we did. That rotisserie chicken was so tender, well-cooked, and tasty. The portion was a little smaller than I expected, but on that day, that was a blessing. I got some sweet potato fries, something that I don’t like much, but those were great. The Caesar salad was also wonderful. I also tried the Buffalo Burger, which was a hit for certain; full of flavor and just right in balance. The chicken wings were just as I remembered them: crispy and full of flavor.
Now, a small piece of constructive criticism: the chicken portions were slightly on the small site, but that wasn’t an issue for me being The room itself is very small and slightly scruffy, but the vintage posters add a nice, retro flavor.
Overall, the service was top-notch, and the seating was comfortable. Although some things really took me by surprise, I do feel they can bring it up on the quality of ingredients to be that much greater. However, it is a good restaurant for a pleasant meal. You may phone them at +35315381022 or reserve online.
Hillbilly’s Fairview
If you’re in the area around Fairview and you’re hungry, then there’s only one place to go for a takeaway meal: Hillbilly’s. This one has a solid 4.2 on Google, while its TripAdvisor rating is a little lower at 3.4. I’ve had nothing but good experiences here, however. It’s a no-nonsense, high-quality joint for the fried chicken Dublin has.
The chicken and tenders in this joint are just the best around town. We just received the family meal, and two things really impressed us. Firstly, the packaging was a game-changer; it was all laid out side by side so that nothing was damaged. Secondly, they have changed their chips, and they are now proper chipper chips rather than the frozen ones they previously served. When you pair that with the fresh, well-done chicken and the great gravy, it’s quite simply the best fried chicken I’ve ever tasted.
The facility is always spotless, even with the constant stream of customers, a real testament to how hard the staff works. I have to single out Karen. She is just so incredibly nice and provides excellent service to everyone, speaking to people in English and Spanish. She simply makes the facility feel so warm and inviting, and makes you want to come back.
It’s a great option for a delicious, quick bite, and you can even get a side salad if you’re looking for something slightly healthier. They even have an app that you can pre-order on, so it’s very convenient. My personal favorite is Hillbilly’s, and I would really recommend it. You can reach them at +35318531088 or online.
So The Moral of The Crisp Bite Is
Do not get lost in high fame but low showplaces. If you wanna try the crispy bite with the tastiest spice, follow along with my list, and you’ll be making memories to look back on. Who knows maybe some mid-night craving alerts too! From the spicy, grilled heaven at Nando’s to the classic Korean flavors at Chimac, our Dublin city is packed with incredible places just begging to be experimented with.
Each and every one of these places will offer you a tasty piece of heaven, in its own way, whether you’re craving something innovative in the burger department or a classic takeaway meal. My suggestion? Do not hesitate to try all of them. And don’t forget to share your visit story with me someday, too!