likebyregina Have you ever been to the Crystal Mall food court? It is similar to the ones in Aberdeen Centre or Parker Place, except it is in Burnaby, near Metrotown. If not, there is now a reason for you to pay a visit. J & G Fried Chicken originated from Taiwan, opened its first ever location of North American in Vancouver in December 2018. The shop features using fresh and high-quality chicken for all its menu items. A few weeks ago, I was invited to a media event to try their food item, and it then becomes one of my favourite stalls in the food court. Though I found some items are on a saltier side, others are delicious!
I am surprised by the wide selection of deep fried chicken parts, from knee cartilage, thighs, wings, breasts, and even breast cartilage. I tried few items on the menu, such as the signature Crispy Popcorn Chicken, Heart-Shaped Chicken Cutlet, Chicken Wings, Spicy Chicken Bites, and Chicken Knee Cartilage. The stall uses an open-kitchen style, where customers can see the deep-frying process. The chicken is first marinated in over 10 spices, then coated with their secret batter to make it juicy and crispy. The chicken is also made to order, which the customers can taste it fresh without greasiness.
My favourite of all is the deep fried Chicken Wings, because its seasoning is on point. There is a hint of spiciness, but I think it is still acceptable for people who don’t eat spicy. Unlike other places, they sell the whole chicken wing. So I think the price is acceptable, given that the market price of the small chicken wings is already expensive.
For the signature Popcorn Chicken, it uses boneless and skinless chicken breasts, so it is considered healthier than most of the places out there. I like that they have the option of non-spicy and spicy version. However, I hope the spicy seasoning can be sprinkled more evenly on to the chicken pieces.
If you are looking for a cute, romantic, edible gift to your loved one, the Heart-Shaped Chicken Cutlet is your best bet! They purposely cut the whole chicken breast in half to make it shape like a heart. But I still prefer eating bite size, because deep-fried food is always better as a snack.
J & G Fried Chicken also offers some non-meat option, and my favourite is the deep fried King Oyster Mushrooms. It reminds me of the street food in the night markets in Taiwan! I would say this is my must-order item, if I can only pick one on the menu. Yam Fries was not bad, but not too special. Well, I am not a big fan of yam fries, so I am bias on this. My friends all enjoyed it, because it has a subtle sweetness. It is then lightly coated with salt.
Overall Impression
Although J & G Fried Chicken is on a pricier side on certain items, I think it is still worth it because they use fresh and high-quality chicken. The portion is perfect if you are looking for a snack in Crystal Mall. I highly recommend getting the Chicken Wings, Popcorn Chicken, and King Oyster Mushrooms. If I were to change one thing, I hope the chicken to be less salty, and the spicy seasoning is sprinkled more evenly. Overall, I had an excellent experience there.
Taste: 4/5 • Service: N/A • Ambiance: N/A • Quality-Price: N/A
| J & G Fried Chicken | Instagram | Facebook |
| Address: #2121 – 4500 Kingsway (Crystal Mall), Burnaby, BC V5H 2A9 |
| Hours: Mon to Fri: 11:30 am – 7:30 pm Sat to Sun: 11 am – 7 pm |
Disclosure: Media Event
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