It’s 2023 and I’m about to do it. God help me. I’m about to feature an NYC food shop that got famous because of Tik Tok.
I’ve yet to jump on the Tik Tok bandwagon (although I get closer every day) and had no idea Chick of Us was buzzing all throughout young people’s smartphones. I first noticed it as I walked by and saw the hilariously aggressive blow up chicken outside demanding people come in.
My instinct was to not go in.
Yet here I was, months later, ordering myself a cup of chicken. After reading about how this place had become a sensation and walking by it once again at the right moment of hunger, I reluctantly listened to the chicken and went inside.
Amazingly, the Tik Tok’ers must have moved on to a different spot, because there was nobody waiting for any of their fried stuff on a stick.
The Korean-inspired menu is on the expensive side for fast food and runs the gamut of fried mozzarella balls, skewers of rice cakes and sausages, and an unfortunately named pornado (a long stick of fried potatoes shaped into a fan).
I kept it rather simple by trying a cup of their fried chicken thighs. You can choose from a few sauces but I went with the Garlic Holic (since I was not seeing anybody immediately).
I must admit the Tik Tok’ers seem to know yummy food when it makes its way onto their feed. The nuggets were terribly tender and crisp without being too greasy. Scattered amongst the chicken were little balls of chewy rice that played a bit with the texture. And the garlic sauce was savory, a touch sweet, and featured a hint of spice thanks to some crunchy chiles.
Look at me. After all these years, I’m hip and can roll with the cool kids. Now I just need to figure out how to operate my phone camera. Price: $12.99-$14.99
| CHICK OF US |
| 205 Allen Street (between East Houston and Stanton Street), Lower East Side |
| https://restaurant.business.site |
