If you’ve been paying attention to the London pop-up scene you probably noticed some Americans causing a stir last month. The legendary Dave’s Hot Chicken popped up in East London to hand out some of their iconic fried chicken sandwiches for free. But that was just to give Londoners a taste of what was to come. They’ve now opened their very first UK site here in London, and the chicken is dangerously good.
Dave’s Hot Chicken is the stuff of legend in America. They’ve grown tremendously from their humble roots in an East Hollywood parking lot with “portable fryers and folding tables in tow, in 2017.” Now they count a legion of celebrities among their fans, such as Drake, Usher, and Samuel L. Jackson. These celebs love the hot chicken so much that they’ve even invested in the company!
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s specialises in scorchingly delicious Nashville-style hot chicken. But fret not if you can’t handle the spice. Thanks to the restaurant’s seven spice levels there’s a way for everyone to enjoy the flavour – even if you can’t take the heat. The spice levels start at Plain, before running up the scale through Lite Mild, Mild, Medium, Hot, and Extra Hot.
And for the spice-lords out there, Dave’s has The Reaper spice level. This ultra-spicy concoction combines the flavour of Dave’s chicken with “the heat of the world’s hottest chilli pepper, which has an average Scoville Heat Unit of over 2.2 million”.
But be warned – this spice level is no joke. In fact, before being able to order the Reaper, guests must sign a waiver acknowledging the risks that come with consuming the dangerously delicious chicken creation. Now that’s hot!
Diners can enjoy the hot chicken in slider or tender form, with plenty of sides to calm the heat. The menu features cheese fries, mac n cheese, pickles, and more. Oh, and don’t miss their cooling shakes, which can come topped with crunchy cereal or Oreos for an extra sweet treat.
Said Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken:
“From frying hot chicken in an LA parking lot with nothing but $900 and a dream to set up shop in one of the most iconic cities in the world, we’ve come a long way – and we’re only getting started.
“We’ve worked tirelessly with our UK team to deliver the bold flavours and tongue-tingling spice that have made us a cult sensation here in the USA. And we’re not just bringing the heat – we’re bringing the full Dave’s experience over for Brits. This opening marks the first in our plan to open up to 60 restaurants across both the UK & Ireland in the coming years.”
So, what do you reckon? Can you handle the heat? And are you brave enough to try the Reaper?