Popeyes
Terminal 2 & 3 – Singapore International Airports
& Also at the Singapore Flyer 

I was told I had to try Popeyes. “They only have stores at the airport terminals, but it’s better than KFC”, they told me. Well it might be since Singapore’s KFC serves thin fries, instead of the thick Australian KFC chips with that addictive seasoning we all know by taste and smell and love. They don’t even advertise, but I was also told that they don’t need to. So I wondered if my love of KFC hot and spicy would falter after seeking out this Popeyes.. there was only one way to find out.

First the fries test. No, they are not like our Aussie KFC chips. But did I ever tell you how much I love curly fries? I really LOVE curly fries (requires capital letters). Years ago they had them at Hungry Jacks (if memory serves me) and in Singapore they appear to be a seasonal thing at McDonalds (refer to Singapore McDonalds post). Alternatively a trip down to Hogs Breath will get you some. I love the crispiness, the flavour… mmm. The curliness is a novelty, and in the end it doesn’t really matter since most of the time you get only parts of curls. Its all about the flavour. Why have I just bothered to tell you this? Because it will explain to you why I LOVE the fries at Popeyes. WARNING: More caps lock coming up. Popeye’s Cajun Fries… TASTE LIKE CURLY FRIES, they’re just not curly. These are some of the best fries I have ever eaten. I think they’re in my top 5, possibly my top 3. (Yes such a list exists).

But it doesn’t stop there. Can they beat the allure of KFC potato and gravy? KFC Potato and Gravy, the staple food for when you’re feeling sick and you want something warm and comforting, the perfect thing to dip your KFC nuggets into and the most awesome way to eat potato (KFC chips) coated in more potato (and gravy). Yes, I’m sorry but they can beat our KFC potato and gravy. Popeye’s gravy has cajun spices and they will create a party of flavour on your tongue. Oh yes, and don’t hold back on dipping the Popeye’s cajun fries (that taste like curly fries) into your cajun spiced potato and gravy. *dreamy flashback*

Now enough about the sides (for now), let’s talk about the chicken. Their chicken tastes like KFC hot and spicy but its actually a bit spicy. I can’t remember if this was real or imagined but I think you can also opt for extra spiciness (its the Asian way). Need a fact checker here or maybe I’ll just have to plan my next trip so it by-passes the Singapore airport to make absolutely certain.

They also had chicken strips (not called chicken strips I think, but I wasn’t really paying attention the name, just the flavour) but their strips are crispier and tastier.

Now back to the sides. They are well known for their “biscuits” which my short-sightedness and I mistook for nuggets (this was while i was standing way back in the horde of people waiting to order). But as I was sticky-beaking around and looking at what other people around me were eating, I realised that their biscuits were actually some kind of small bread roll. Once I finally had my food I discovered that they are a bit like damper and look like scones. The bread melts in your mouth and is really nice dipped in the potato and gravy (although they do provide you with jam). You could even say the bread melts in your hands as well by the way pieces break away, no, “fall” away so easily.

Popeyes also sells “popcorn shrimp” and fish, which I didn’t get to try. I suspect that the menu in Singapore is a greatly condensed version of that in the American counter-part. But the chicken, chips and gravy are enough for me to enjoy. It’s just such a shame I have to wait until I’m travelling again before I can get more.