Bukit Timah fried chicken battle nobody asked for but I did anyway
Okay so I did a mini fried chicken “battle” at Beauty World Food Centre:
Xiang Xiang Ji vs Berempah Bros 🔥
And honestly… two VERY different personalities.
First of all — WHY is it so hot in there 😭 I was literally questioning my life choices before the food even arrived. If you go, please sit nearer to the Xiang Xiang Ji side where it feels slightly more open because otherwise… you will suffer.
🍛 Berempah Bros:
The cereal chicken? BUTTERY. CRISPY. Slightly addictive in a dangerous way. The kind where you tell yourself “last bite” and then suddenly it’s gone 💀
Sambal was actually good (not just decoration), and the whole plate felt super well put together. Like everything belongs there — nothing random, nothing sad.
Portion size = VERY solid. You will be full and slightly sleepy after..BUT…. pork was kinda dry 😬
begedil I got was a bit cold + bland (maybe off day)
Still… I would 100% come back. It’s giving “reliable comfort meal”.
🍗 Xiang Xiang Ji:
This one is chaos in a different way
First — I waited like more than 20 MINUTES on a WEEKDAY 😭 I was watching other people eat while I was just… sitting there questioning everything. But okay, it’s fried fresh so I’ll allow it.
BUT WHEN IT CAME OUT it was SO hot I genuinely struggled eating it 💀 like burn-your-entire-mouth kind of hot. Chicken = EXTREMELY juicy. Like dripping, tender, almost rude behaviour.
BUT:
sauces (cheese + spicy mayo) felt kinda meh… a bit cheap tasting ngl 😭
better to just ask for ketchup + chilli instead (trust me)
Service concept is a bit stingy with sauces also so don’t expect generosity here.
Verdict: good fried chicken fix… but I don’t think I need it again anytime soon.
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
Berempah Bros = “I want a full, satisfying, flavourful meal”
Xiang Xiang Ji = “I need juicy fried chicken RIGHT NOW”
Would I go back?
Berempah Bros ✔️ yes
Xiang Xiang Ji ✔️ maybe once in a while when craving hits hard
📍 Beauty World Food Centre, Bukit Timah
If you’re planning to try Bukit Timah’s fried chicken scene, here are some extra tips from my experience that might help make your visit even better. Firstly, the atmosphere can be surprisingly warm and crowded, especially near Berempah Bros. If possible, choose to sit near Xiang Xiang Ji’s side where the space feels more open and less stifling. When it comes to sauces, I recommend skipping Xiang Xiang Ji’s cheese and spicy mayo as they can taste a bit cheap. Instead, go for classic ketchup and chilli to complement the juicy chicken. Remember, the service there tends to be conservative with sauce portions, so consider bringing your own if you're a sauce fan. Berempah Bros offers a very satisfying and filling plate, and their sambal isn't just for show—it adds a great depth of flavor to the buttery cereal chicken. Just be aware that some side dishes, like the pork, might sometimes feel a little dry or off on certain days. Lastly, timing can affect your experience. Xiang Xiang Ji’s freshly fried chicken is worth the wait but brace yourself for a longer wait time, even on weekdays. If you want a quicker, more consistent meal, Berempah Bros might be your safer bet. Overall, both places have distinct personalities and strengths depending on what fried chicken fix you’re after. Exploring Bukit Timah’s food scene with friends or solo, trying both spots, will certainly help you decide your personal favorite.
Do you rmbr your exact order in Xiang Xiang Ji? Think we got a fillet or smth but thought the chicken is a tad dry and not much taste (unless you dip it into the sauce) 🤔