That’s right, folks, we’ve caught wind of yet another new restaurant opening set to hit the streets of London. And in what is becoming a tradition of sorts, they’re giving away free food to celebrate. Fortune Fried Chicken will open up shop in Spitalfields Market this May, and they’re giving us a taste of their food with a pre-opening giveaway of free Thai fried chicken burgers.
Fortune Fried Chicken will open on May 2, 2025, as restaurateur Harneet Baweja brings Thai fried chicken to the capital with the help of Executive Chef Jane Alty – the former founder of Peckham’s acclaimed Thai restaurant, The Begging Bowl. The restaurant joins Harneet’s HB Company group of restaurants, which includes Gunpowder, Empire Empire, and Moi et Toi.
Thai fried chicken originated in Bangkok, and differs from the classic American example. The Thai version is marinated overnight before being lightly coated in rice flour and slowly deep-fried. The resulting chicken boasts “thin, crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy.”
The dish comes topped with ‘golden garlic’ at Fortune Fried Chicken, with sticky rice and som tam papaya salad on the side. Or you can get it in burger form “with tamarind sesame glaze, spicy green papaya salad and mayo”.
Said Harneet Baweja:
“Every time I visit Bangkok, my first stop is always for Thai fried chicken. Each vendor has their own take on it and I’ve spent years searching for the perfect version. After months in the test kitchen, we’ve perfected our recipe and Spitalfields Market feels like the perfect location to bring it to life.”
Free fried chicken burgers
On April 30, 2025, Fortune Fried Chicken will celebrate the upcoming opening of their restaurant with a fried chicken giveaway. They’ll be handing out 500 Thai fried chicken burgers absolutely free – and all you need to do is turn up!
The free chicken burgers will be available on a first-come, first-served basis from 1pm onwards. The only catch? You’ll have to follow them on Instagram before you can grab your free burger.
So, give them a follow, turn up from 1pm (or maybe a bit beforehand to beat the queues!) and you’ll nab yourself a free Thai fried chicken burger. The giveaway is restricted to one per person.
Following the giveaway, the restaurant will slash prices for one night only. Head down on May 1, the day before they officially open, and you’ll net a 50% discount across the menu.
Fortune Fried Chicken will open on May 2, 2025 and will be walk-in only.
📍 Find it at Old Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square, E1 6EW. The nearest station is Liverpool Street.