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New Kingsland eatery Chicka is a fried chicken lover's dream

A new Korean-influenced eatery in Kingsland serves fried chicken all types of delicious ways.

New Kingsland eatery Chicka is a fried chicken lover's dream

Nov 15, 2017 Restaurants

New Kingsland eatery Chicka is a fried chicken lover's dream

First look: Chicka

Chicka is now Arcade: read about it here.

Chimaek (chicken and beer) shops became mainstream in South Korea after a small stall selling original and spicy fried chicken was established in a mall basement in Seoul in 1977. Shops like this gained popularity with the working class throughout the 1980s for their ability to provide a cheap post-work meal for people to enjoy while drinking. Paul Anakakul has been busy renovating both of his existing restaurants – @Bangkok and Po’ Brothers – while also opening his version of a classic fried chicken shop, Chicka, in Kingsland this month.

The fit-out is 80s-poppy, with a shiny disco ball hanging by the door, pop-arty paintings on the walls, and pink light bulbs providing party ambience. Currently being held at New Zealand Customs is an LED shaped like a giant cassette tape; it will take pride of place at the restaurant’s entrance. Anakakul spins 80s vinyl on loud so you can bop while you eat.

New Kingsland eatery Chicka is a fried chicken lover's dream

The menu reads like the best kind of eat-alone-in-the-dark bachelor food you could imagine, so fried chicken sits alongside melted cheese for dipping, saucy ribs (which also arrive cheese-coated), and $8 pints of Orion beer. Anakakul, being of Thai-Chinese descent, borrows influence from Thailand too, with the addition of spicy-sour som tum salads, and his riff on classic fried chicken – covered in green curry sauce. Should the mood strike, there is a Caesar salad available.

It’s messy business dining at Chicka and dinner could require many napkins. Perhaps they should offer gloves? You might not want to take a first date here, but a group of old friends would make the perfect dinner companions.

Chicka
509 New North Road
Kingsland
@chickakingsland

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