Popeyes, the American fried chicken shop, has taken London by storm, becoming a viral sensation with crazy queues when they initially opened their doors. With all their food being halal certified, Popeyes has captured the hearts of fried chicken lovers across the city. In this blog post, we share our firsthand experience at the Romford branch of Popeyes, where we indulged in a variety of their signature dishes. From the deluxe spicy chicken sandwich to their famous wings, let’s dive into the delectable world of Popeyes.
Popeyes: A Fried Chicken Phenomenon
Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes has built a reputation for serving up delicious, crispy fried chicken with a unique Cajun-inspired blend of spices. In recent years, Popeyes has become a social media sensation in London, drawing long queues of eager customers who can’t resist the allure of their mouthwatering offerings.
Our Order and First Impressions
At the Romford branch, we couldn’t wait to sample Popeyes’ offerings. Our order included the Deluxe Spicy Chicken Sandwich meal, 5 wings, 2 chicken pieces, 1 biscuit with honey and gravy.
The Deluxe Spicy Chicken Sandwich – A Delightful Crunch
The Deluxe Spicy Chicken Sandwich truly lived up to its reputation. The fried chicken boasted a delightful crunch, and the combination of spices added a fiery kick that left our taste buds tingling with satisfaction. The tender and juicy chicken sandwiched between soft buns was a perfect blend of flavours and textures.
The Wings – A Slight Concern
While the wings were decently cooked, we couldn’t help but notice that they had a pinkish hue, which was slightly off-putting. After inquiring, we learned that Popeyes uses baby chickens, which naturally have more blood vessels, causing the pink appearance. Despite the explanation, it did make us a little hesitant at first. However, once we got past the initial surprise, the wings were enjoyable, offering a satisfying tangy taste.
The Chicken Pieces – A Good Classic Choice
The chicken pieces were well-seasoned and delivered the classic fried chicken taste we expected. While they were tasty, they didn’t quite reach the level of finger-licking goodness that we associate with KFC or our local bossman’s fried chicken.
The Biscuit – A Unique Twist
Popeyes’ biscuit turned out to be more like a scone, lacking sweetness. While it wasn’t our personal preference with gravy, when paired with honey, it became a delightful treat that complemented the fried chicken dishes perfectly.
Popeyes has undoubtedly made a mark in London’s fried chicken scene, drawing crowds with their crispy offerings and halal certification. While the Deluxe Spicy Chicken Sandwich stole the show with its satisfying crunch and flavourful spices, the wings, chicken pieces, and biscuit offered a mixed bag of experiences. Overall, Popeyes’ unique take on fried chicken is worth a try. While some dishes may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the viral sensation surrounding Popeyes is a testament to their ability to capture the hearts and appetites of fried chicken enthusiasts in London and beyond. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a spicy fried chicken fix, head over to Popeyes and indulge in the finger-licking goodness that has won the hearts of many.
Getting there
Nearest station: Romford
Nearest mosque: Havering Islamic Cultural Centre
Parking: Romford Market Place Car Park (fairly cheap hourly rate)
