After eating days of crappy park food in Disney World, I said I’d stay away from fried protein when I went to New York City. The only exception that deserved to be an exception was Fuku, a fried chicken shop that is part of the Momofuku chain. (I really wanted to go to Momofuku Ko, but given the price and USD to CAD exchange rate, it just wasn’t worth it. It is on my bucket list though, ever since it was mentioned in one of my favourite books, The Rosie Project.) I went to Momofuku Noodle in Toronto and I think I will continue to try different Momofuku’s in different cities!
There are a few locations, I went to the Fuku in the East Village area of NYC. The inside is very casual; a long wooden table set up like a bar with some high stools. My friend and I were served the Sweet n’ Spicy Chicken Sandwich (not part of the menu!) and the Spicy Chicken Sandwich. I’m no fried chicken expert, but these were SO GOOD. I preferred the Sweet n’ Spicy Chicken Sandwich – who doesn’t love getting their fingers dirty and greasing while eating fried chicken? The glaze added a nice combination of spice, salt, and sugar. The chicken was tender and juicy. The Spicy Chicken Sandwich’s chicken was crispy golden on the outside and each bite was as savoury as the next.
Best part- the chicken is bigger than the bun!
The fries may look plain in photo, but we couldn’t stop eating one fry after another. They weren’t super greasy either. At first I thought it was seaweed seasoning sprinkled over the fries, but it’s actually jalepeno salt!
The so-so part of the meal was the Fuku Salad. There’s a mix of mandarin wedges, farro, sesame seed, cabbage, and kale. On the side we got some orange dressing. I found the farro a bit soggy as the salad was sitting in the fridge. Also, Canadians are probably blessed with really good casual salads, so I wasn’t too wow-ed by this. It’s a good option for vegetarians (but if you were vegetarian you wouldn’t be coming here in the first case.) My motto, if you’re going to eat fried food, go big or go home! I can compensate with a healthy dinner later. 😛
To go along with our chicken sandwiches, we were served a cup of Strawberry Lemonade and Lychee Soju (yes there’s alcohol in this!) Being a lightweight, having Lychee Soju in the afternoon wasn’t ideal but I had one refreshing sip. The Strawberry Lemonade was sour on the first sip, then it becomes sweet. I wish it was a bit warmer in NYC when I had it so I could’ve felt even more relaxed!
From the chicken, fries, and slushies alone – I was full and satisfied for many hours. Thank goodness I had to walk all over New York City to digest the food. My recommendation is definitely the Sweet n Spicy sandwich with fries on the side. Definitely will stop at another Momofuku chain restaurant in the future!
Fuku is located at 163 1st Avenue, New York.
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Disclaimer: I received this complimentary meal in exchange for a review. My review is 100% honest and opinions are my own.
