Japanese, Hong Kong, and Korean tourists all love Taiwan’s top five chain chicken cutlet brands

By MOOK Scenic Spots Chen Wenlin, compiled and reported

Taiwanese street food is a must-try for many overseas visitors to Taiwan, and among the most iconic dishes is the chicken cutlet, which is always on the must-eat list. Taiwan is home to many different chain chicken cutlet shops. Here are five must-try chicken cutlet brands that are not only popular with travelers but also loved by celebrities.

1. Angel Chicken Cutlet

Angel Chicken Cutlet gained fame after its Xinjuejiang branch became popular and has since opened many branches across northern Taiwan. The shop insists on using fresh ingredients and avoids frozen chicken to maintain the quality and tender, thick-cut texture of the cutlets. What’s most special is its thin, crispy crust that bursts with juices when you take a bite, giving a full, satisfying feel.

2. Monga Chicken Cutlet

The chicken cutlet shop “Monga Chicken Cutlet,” opened by celebrity NONO, attracted many customers right from the start thanks to the celebrity’s influence. But today, the reason Monga Chicken Cutlet can establish branches all over Taiwan boils down to the deliciousness of the food itself.

Monga Chicken Cutlet was the first chicken cutlet shop to enter a department store. Its cutlets are not only thick-cut and crispy but also juicy and tender. In addition to the signature Heavenly King Chicken Cutlet, the shop also offers unique flavors like Seaweed Chicken Cutlet and Spicy Girl Chicken Cutlet, made with seaweed from Taiwan’s own Okinawa.

3. Taiwan’s First Salt and Pepper Chicken

Taiwan’s First Salt and Pepper Chicken has a long history. It originally started as a street vendor cart run by the owner’s mother, gradually gaining popularity before opening a physical store. In addition to chicken cutlets, the shop also sells salt and pepper chicken and other common fried items such as sweet and sour pork, sweet potatoes, chicken wings, and fried squid. The store is often packed with long lines, sometimes even requiring a number system for ordering.