Chick 'n' Sours Haggerston

In a city where you can find a fried chicken shop on every corner – often even more than just one per corner, seemingly in defiance of both common-sense business practices and the time-space continuum – you're going to have to be pretty special to scratch your way to the top of the pile. Chick 'n' Sours have that special ingredient and, surprise surprise, it's chicken.

Not just any chicken, though. Chick 'n' Sours' fried poultry offerings are a far cry from the greasy fare peddled by the above-mentioned corner shops. Apart from a token vegan option and some of the sides, there's fried halal chicken in every dish on the menu, from the sandwiches to the tenders and wings. The crispy outsides and juicy insides of a well-fried thigh are a given, but what really sets Chick 'n' Sours apart are the spices, flavourings and sauces they use. They draw on Asian cuisine, slathering their birds in kewpie and gochujang mayo, kimchi, sriracha sour cream and more. Likewise, the sides aren't just fries, as you can go for ginger and white miso slaw, pickled watermelon salad or spicy cucumbers as well.

Chick 'n' Sours was born out of a desire to bring people together through food, music and art. Their original Kingsland Road location is, therefore, a funky spot with some exposed brick, some tiled floors, some colour and a whole lot of character. The “sours” in the chain's name, meanwhile, refer to the selection of sour cocktails that go well with both the fried fowl and the fun vibes.