AsiaOne reviews IKEA's new chicken wings: Yay or nay?

As most people are probably aware, IKEA Singapore halted the sale of its famous chicken wings in May due to the wings not meeting the standards of its customers.

However, the popular snack has made its return to the furniture stores some three days ago with the promise that the wings have been prepared using a different recipe and will be both more tender and juicy. The AsiaOne team decided to hop onto the bandwagon and try it out for ourselves.

Here are what the friendly folks at AsiaOne have to say about the wings:

If you told me you bought it from the coffee shop across the street, I would believe you.

Joey Lee

I haven't eaten them for a while, so I do not taste any difference, but it's still good nonetheless! 

Alvin Kosasi

Crispy on the outside, yet so juicy and tender inside.

Lee WeiXin

I agree that that it tastes better than before. It's more savoury and more well-marinated, although it was a bit soggy because I had mine cold. But I taste the potential. 

Candice Cai

It's more shiok than it already was.

Tay Hui Zhen

It tastes as bland as before - they need to spice it up with more seasonings to give it a strong local character. 

Chen Jingwen

Nothing to scream and shout about.

Simi the Party Girl

The life of this chicken wing is gone, just like its taste.

May Ong

Its pretty shiok in itself, but if you added chilli it would probably be more shiok. 

Nicholas Chew

Seasoning is so-so. I probably won't remember I had them when I wake up tomorrow.

Karen Lim 

It was a little dry and I couldn't tell the difference in taste. 

Mary-Ann Soh

And there you have it. The reviews are pretty mixed, so if you are looking for a truly reliable account of how good the wings are, you would be better off making a trip down to IKEA to try them for yourself.

The wings come pretty cheap at $1 per piece during the current promotion (only till July 7) so all you really have to worry about is the queue. Just take it from us; don't try to get them during lunchtime.

AsiaOne recommends other places to get your fried chicken fix

1. Chir Chir Fusion Chicken Factory

Korea fried chicken are in a totally different league altogether, especially the ones you find at Chir Chir Korean Fried Chicken. The portions here are huge and they come in the usual Korean way of making them (spicy, garlic or original) or a Western fusion of cheese, cream or tomato based sauce.

#02-05/06, Bedok Point, tel: 6481-2098;

#B3-04/05/06, 313@Somerset, tel: 6509-8364;

#01-43, Chinatown Point, tel: 6702-0114;

#04-13/14, Jem, tel: 6262-6171

2. Ah Hwee BBQ Chicken Wings & Spring Chicken

Very few Singaporeans can resist good old hawker centre grilled chicken wings with a dash of lime and chilli. And this is why Ah Hwee BBQ Chicken Wings & Spring Chicken was selected as a winner of the Best Hawker Stall category at the AsiaOne People's Choice Awards in 2015.

According to The Straits Times Life editor Tan Hsueh Yun, the wings here are evenly browned and the meat is juicy too. Each wing, according to her, is perfect.

Block 2, Changi Village Road, 01-52, Changi Village food centre

3. Chom Pang Nasi Lemak Chicken Wings

While there may be some debate over the quality of Nasi Lemak from this stall, there is one thing that all reviewers have agreed on: the (high) quality of this outlet's fried chicken wings.

The wings are constantly fresh out of the wok, which means that they are always crispy and hot, provided you eat them right after they have been served. The wings are also generously large in size, which means that every bite is accompanied with overflowing juices and flavour.

Be sure to try the wings out with chilli for the full experience!

447 Sembawang Rd, tel: 6756-0048

4. The Beast Fried Chicken and Waffles

You have probably heard or seen the chicken and waffle combo either over the internet or on television but did you know that we have our very own chicken and waffles outlet here in Singapore?

The southern style chicken is battered and fried to alarming levels of unhealthiness and it is totally worth it.

When paired with the crispy waffles, the unlikely combo starts off mini explosions of sensations in your mouth. Complete the experience by drizzling some maple syrup over the dish to experience how it feels like to completely give oneself over to the pleasures of gluttony.

17 Jln Klapa, tel: 6295-0017

5. Lola's Cafe Honey Paprika Crispy Wings

Despite being located in the relatively isolated heartlands that is Kovan, Lola's Cafe is constantly overcrowded with customers, so much such that they had to open up another stall next to the original to create more space for customers.

While the cafe serves a variety of excellent dishes, their Honey Paprika Crispy Wings ranks among the firm favourites of many customers.

The paprika mixed with the honey creates a well blended flavour that does not overpower the senses, but instead creates a balanced combination of sweet, spicy, and savouriness that will definitely leave one coming back for more. Just remember to make reservations, or be prepared to queue.

5 and 7 Simon Road, tel: 6284-0349​

nicchew@sph.com.sg