Belles Hot Chicken

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Originally a highly anticipated and popular pop-up, Belles Hot Chicken has since then set up a permanent shop in Barangaroo right on the waters. And by permanent shop, I mean outdoors seating and a kiosk - but this in no way takes away the deliciousness of the greasy, satisfying fried chicken served up there. 

The menu is very simple. You get a choice of chicken parts (wings, tenders, drumsticks etc) with a choice of one of five sides. You can choose the level of spice you can handle as well. Then you can add on extras such as pickles and sauces. Apart from the fried chicken, you can also order a choice of two chicken sandwiches, and during weekend lunches Belles serves chicken and waffles. 

Despite the suggested arrangement on the menu, the best thing to do, in my opinion, is to grab a friend or two, each ordering a different part of the chicken with different sides and share. 

Southern Drumsticks with Old Bay Fries ($17) and Belle's Ranch Dressing ($2)
I am a fan of dark chicken meat because it is so juicy and succulent. I also have not yet conditioned my taste buds for heavy spices, so for my choice, I settle for the Southern style chicken - not spicy at all. The fried chicken and the old bay fries are pretty good, but what I really really loved were the pickles (tangy,crunchy and salty-sweet). The ranch sauce was somewhat watery in texture. 

Medium Heat Chicken Wings with Carolina Slaws ($17) and Mississippi Comeback Sauce ($2)
Despite being called medium heat, I think if you were a true lover of spice you would consider this barely spicey at all - there is only a hint of spiciness. Fortunately for the spice-lovers, this is but the second highest degree of spice on a ladder of five choices, ranging from Southern to 'Really F*ing Hot'. The Carolina Slaws were nothing special, I would recommend foregoing it and try something else on the sides menu unless you were truly a fan of coleslaws. Personally, I find the texture wet and weird. The Mississippi Comeback sauce is a tomato-y aioli, rich and dense in flavour, and pairs perfectly with both the chicken and the old bay fries. I highly recommend. 

Score: 3.5 / 5
As far as fried chickens go, Belles is pretty good - but admittedly it would be hard to truly impress and stun with a fried chicken, due to the simplicity of the dish. If you really love fried chicken, however, this is a must-try. 
Cost: around $25pp
Address: Shop 5, 33 Barangaroo Avenue, Wulugul Walk, Barangaroo 
Website: http://belleshotchicken.com/

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