There are many reasons to admire Northern Chicken. Maybe it’s the restaurant’s stance on inclusivity and being a safe space for the LGBTQ2+ community. Maybe it’s the fact that the restaurant puts safety of staff and customers first and foremost, from not forcing people into a hot kitchen during the height of a heat wave, to being steadfast in observing COVID protocols. But, what makes the Northern Chicken story all that much better is, well, how good the food is. The breading, whether you like it Nashville hot or not, is crisp, the meat inside is juicy, and we can’t get enough of the side dishes. Dorito Mac and Cheese or Apple Coleslaw, anyone? – Steven Sandor
10704 124 ST. NW, 780-756-2239, NorthernChickenYEG.com
There are two food items I love so much that I have to consciously restrain myself from eating literally every time I have the urge, so I don’t lessen the experience or ruin my health. One is mom’s Christmas baking, which, due to its seasonality, prevents my overindulging. But Seoul Fried Chicken’s year-round availability poses a problem.
My doctor said that no matter how good it tastes, she just couldn’t responsibly recommend fried chicken be my main source of protein, and politely asked that I don’t bring food into the office anymore. But all I took from that is she hasn’t tried Seoul Fried yet.
But you should. This whole review could be about the garlic soy flavour alone, but did you know SFC melts parmesan cheese on its chicken too? How is that even legal? – Cory Schachtel
7904B 104 ST. NW, 780-761-3616, SeoulFried.com
Bandits has made its mark on the map of Edmonton’s fried chicken scene in just one year of opening. The restaurant, owned and operated by the proprietors of Smokey Bear, is located in Old Strathcona underneath its parent restaurant, and specializes in chicken tenders. These aren’t anything like the tenders you’d eat as a child from the frozen section at the grocery store. The tenders are fried just metres away from your table when you dine in and the chicken comes with your choice of five dipping sauces. Bandits is a step up from your favourite comfort meal. – Katrina Turchin
UNDERGROUND 8223 104 ST. NW, 587-759-0209, SmokeyBearYEG.com/Bandits
This article appears in the March 2022 issue of Edify
