KuKu Chicken? What a name!
When Singaporeans hear “KuKu Chicken”, it might raise eyebrows or trigger giggles. Some might think it’s an unfortunate naming choice, mixing food with lowbrow humour.
KuKu Chicken is one of those shops that hides in plain sight along Bali Lane, just beside a hair salon.
The first time I visited, its unit number was not indicated on Google yet, and I actually walked past the shop unknowingly twice (it was closed during its stated opening hours).
So blink and you’ll miss it.
The inside is a no-frills chicken eatery.
Tight but functional, with rows of sturdy wooden tables packed close together.
The menu sticks to what it knows. Main items include Full Wings 2pcs ($12.90), Full Wings 3pcs ($18.90), Drumettes 4pcs ($11.90), Drumettes 6pcs ($16.90), Boneless Chicken Thigh 200g ($13.90) and Boneless Chicken Thigh 300g ($19.90).
The Set Meal upgrade ($6) includes a drink, choice of fries, two rice balls, three fried tteokbokki and pickled radish.
Unfortunately, wings and drumettes were sold out (I went just after lunch), and so had to choose Boneless Chicken Thigh. The portion you see is 200 grams.
After some earlier ‘mishaps’, I wasn’t expecting much. Surprisingly, the chicken was not bad, fried to a thick, golden crisp.
It was not too oily, with a crunch that held up even under sauce.
Talking about sauce, flavours offered were Original, Sweet Spicy and Peppercorn, but I realised you could get your own from the dispensers near the counter.
The Sweet Spicy flavour channeled that familiar Yangnyeom profile, sweet with a Gochujang-style kick. The Peppercorn sauce leaned savoury with a sharp finish.
As for the meat, it stayed juicy with proper brining and held its moisture.
I ordered the set with side components.
The Fried Tteokbokki had a good chew with crisp outer layer. However, the rice balls could be more compact (and perhaps more seaweed or sesame oil fragrance?).
The fries came in two types which were shoestring or straight cut.
The cheese powder is the kind you’d find on Korean street snacks — light, a little salty, and can be addictive.
KuKu Chicken offers a convenient spot for fried chicken casual dining in Bugis with a comfortable price point.
However, in a market with numerous Korean Fried Chicken options, it may need to introduce unique elements to stand out further.
KuKu Chicken
17 Bali Lane, Singapore 189853
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Sun – Thurs), 11am – 10:30pm (Fri – Sat)
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