Update: This business has ceased its operations.
BBQ Chicken used to have an outlet at New World Park. But due to lack of publicity (I think), the store quietly slipped into obscurity then closure. Although I am still visiting the Klang Valley outlets ever since, it is a pleasant surprise to see BBQ Chicken back in the Pearl of the Orient.
This new outlet is located at Elit Avenue, one of the upcoming commercial areas in Bayan Baru. Today is its third opening day. As expected, the place is packed with customers by noon. Penang folks are really a curious bunch of people.
This Korean franchise restaurant specializes in different kinds of chicken recipes, such as grilled, fried and sous-vide cooking. Although there are 11 types in total, only 3 types are available today. One notable aspect of BBQ Chicken is the use of olive oil in its kitchen. To retain freshness, chicken is only chilled, never frozen.
If my memory serves me well, the Korean Charbroiled (순살양념갈비, RM17.90) is among the better ones at BBQ Chicken. This dish consists of a piece of grilled chicken thigh with rice and salad as side dishes.
The boneless chicken thigh is marinated for 24 hours beforehand, using a special blend of soy sauce and spices. As a result, the chicken is bursting with sweet-savory juiciness, succulent and appetizing throughout. My main concern with the chicken is the presence of cartilage, which manifests itself as a nasty surprise when biting the cutlet.
To be honest, the heap of rice on the side is very bland. If I were to call the shots, I would have used butter and garlic to improve its gastronomical appeal. But given the fact that the franchisee is bound to stringent cooking procedures, I doubt there is room to make such changes.
Finally, the vegetable salad is dressed with mustard. No complains here, but nothing really to shout about either. I think Nando’s gives significantly better variety of side dishes.
According to the menu, other recommended dishes at BBQ Chicken are Jerk BBQ (통다리바베큐치킨), Golden Chicken (황금치킨), Gangjeong Chicken (강정치킨) and Hot Hot Drums (매운닭다리치킨). I will defer these dishes to my next visit.
Address: 1-1-22, Elit Avenue, Jalan Mayang Pasir 3, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-611-6312
Business hours: 10:00am-10:00pm
