Original version

BBC World Service East Asia

The Food Chain

Factual: Food & Drink

Examining what it takes to put food on your plate

The Food Chain examines the business, science and cultural significance of food, and what it takes to put food on your plate.

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service News Internet

The Food Chain: Fried chicken: Fast food champion

Magazines & Reviews

Fried chicken: Fast food champion

BBC World Service - The Food Chain, Fried chicken: Fast food champion

The power of battered poultry and how it has come to achieve global domination

Fried chicken is loved the world over - it’s the most popular dish in global fast food, according to industry analysts, eclipsing even the burger. From Senegal to Singapore many countries have their own native twist on it, whether it’s covered in sesame seeds, battered in tempura or finished with a dunk in aioli. But what is it that makes fried chicken so appealing to so many different cultures?

Graihagh Jackson speaks to three fried chicken shop owners from South Korea, the UK and South Africa to find out how battered poultry has come to achieve such global dominance. They explain how different cultures like their birds fried, how competitive the industry can be, and go deep into the science behind the perfect bite.

We also learn how hard it can be to convince customers that fried chicken should be viewed as a gourmet meal, and priced accordingly, rather than a cheap, unhealthy snack. And how important is it to source the best possible meat, without going bust?

Plus, is the smell of a deep fat fryer any good for your love life?

(Picture: A hand holding a piece of fried chicken. Credit: Getty Images/BBC)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Food Chain

Fried chicken: Fast food champion

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service East Asia

About BBC World Service