Choo Choo Chicken at PV128 Genting Klang, Setapak: Review

Choo Choo Chicken first cracked open in Singapore in early 2014, reputedly hatched by a Korean language teacher; following two outlets in the city-state (on Bali Lane & in Orchard Cineleisure), the brand spread its wings to KL this year with a Malaysian-run branch on Setapak’s Genting Klang Road, serving a wide variety of Korean fried chicken & other warm meals.

Five Flavours of Chicken Wings

No fewer than five flavours of chicken wings are offered – the two that pack the mightiest punch are ‘Garlic’ & ‘Spicy,’ with “Sweet’ & ‘Soy’ coming in hot on their heels. The fifth choice is ‘Crispy,’ with crunchy batter that boasts a sauce-free purity. RM19.90 for eight pieces comprising a single flavour, or RM37.90 for 16 pieces featuring two separate flavours. Juicy on the inside, with much of the flavour coming from heavy coats of reasonably well-tuned sauces. Garlic is aromatic, Spicy is surprisingly fiery, & Sweet is what its name signals (but not cloying); Soy is the least memorable of the sauces, but its relative subtlety might suit some customers. In comparison, Crispy might come across as plain, as a matter of personal preference.

Choo Choo Chicken extends its distinctiveness by also serving whole chickens, which can be ordered in two individual flavours (RM39.90), sufficient for three to four patrons. All in all, freshly & capably prepared, straight from the kitchen to be consumed within minutes, these should prove satisfactory for fans of Korean fried chicken, with the bonus of multiple flavours to sample.

Ramyun

Ramyun’s the most recent addition to Choo Choo’s menu – fulfilling one-plate options of spicy-cooked noodles with sesame-studded boneless chicken tenders made with leg meat (RM13.90) or tangy-savoury ones with toppoki, the street-food combination of sliced rice cakes, fish cakes & a hard-boiled egg in gochujang red chilli sauce (RM9.90), both thick & tasty.

Another favourite here is the Choo Choo Cham Chi, a creamy rice burger layered with tuna & kimchi (RM8.90) – we liked it more than expected, considering we’re not advocates for tuna. Also worth snacking on: Spicy fried rice (RM5.90) & battered oyster mushrooms (RM5.90). Prices are kept affordable, with the surrounding student population firmly in mind.

Beverages

Beverages showcase a Korean bent too, spanning Seoul’s Hite beer & various canned sodas (including Milkis) & juices (with significantly sugary flavours, from crushed pears to grapes). Many thanks to Choo Choo Chicken Malaysia for having us here.