Hot Bird: Nashville-style hot chicken with 6 spice levels but average buffalo wings
Mention fried chicken and you’ve got my full attention. There’s nothing quite like sinking into the warmth of a hot, tender, and irresistibly crunchy fried chicken, especially when rain is tapping on the windows. The comfort it brings rivals that of my bed. Upon learning that Hot Bird in Damansara Uptown offers superior fried chicken compared to Fowl Boys, I found myself compelled to experience it.
Navigating Damansara Uptown feels like navigating a maze, with numerous eateries and cars lining the roadside, making it challenging to locate the small restaurant. But driven by an unwavering craving for fried chicken, I finally discovered Hot Bird nestled in a secluded corner lot.
Upon my first glance, the eatery appeared relatively compact, likely prompting their decision to open another outlet in SS15. Despite its size, my attention was swiftly captured by the enticing scent of freshly-fried chicken permeating the air. The diligent staff worked tirelessly to fulfil orders, and my stomach couldn’t stop grumbling in anticipation.
What I tried at Hot Bird
Honestly, the temptation to order the entire menu was strong. But considering my limited appetite, I had to restrain myself. I ultimately opted for a set meal and a side dish, thinking that would suffice, don’t you agree?
I started off with the 2-piece Fried Chicken Meal (RM24.90) which included coleslaw, cajun fries, and a beverage of my choice. Given the 6 available spiciness levels, I settled for mild — I had no intention of spending the rest of my day in the restroom.
The long-awaited moment was met with immense satisfaction and fulfilment. My chicken emerged freshly fried, emitting steam due to its piping-hot nature. Without hesitation, I delved into the feast. If I had the chance, I would have personally thanked the genius behind the invention of fried chicken.
The chicken skin proved to be a crunchy delight, bursting with indescribable flavours in the batter — an absolutely heavenly combination. Though there was a hint of spiciness, it maintained a delightful balance without being overpowering.
Remarkably, the chicken meat itself was a testament to perfection — tender and juicy. In contrast to some places that serve chicken with skin that is flawlessly fried but the meat tends to be dry and bland, Hot Bird defied that norm.
The crispy exterior flawlessly complemented the succulent interior of the chicken. To enhance the experience, I discovered a delightful surprise — the complimentary Comeback sauce, unbeknownst to me as I had ordered an extra portion for RM3.
The Comeback sauce contributed an additional layer to the overall flavour profile. While the exact ingredients eluded my knowledge, it delivered a spicy-sweet essence with a subtle sour undertone. I might guess that Hot Bird possibly included sriracha sauce, yet the exact details remain a mystery.
As for the cajun fries, they held their own. The potatoes were impeccably seasoned, offering a hint of spice that complemented the fried chicken and Comeback sauce. I also noticed a piece of bread beneath the chicken. One could perhaps fashion a mini chicken sandwich or tear the bread into bite-sized pieces to savour with the sauces.
My attention then shifted to the Buffalo Wings (RM19.90 for 6 pieces). The vibrant red hue of the chicken pieces was enticing, raising my expectations after the delightful experience with the fried chicken. Unfortunately, my optimism was met with disappointment. Perhaps it was just an off day, but the buffalo wings tasted excessively sour.
Despite the setback, I must admit that it wasn’t a complete letdown. The wings remained edible, featuring tender and well-marinated meat. The only drawback was the excessive sourness and oiliness. I made an effort to consume as much of the buffalo wings as I could before throwing in the towel.
Final thoughts
Hot Bird has definitely earned the title of the best fried chicken in town. The well-balanced crispy skin paired with the tender meat of the chicken is unmatched. I see myself returning in the future to try the Hot Bird Burger and see if it truly rivals Fowl Boys’.
Expected damage: RM7 – RM35 per pax
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