When people talk about UK staples a few dishes spring to mind. There’s roast beef, fish & chips, and tikka masala for starters. But we also believe fried chicken should be added to the list. A fast food joy we now eat so much they made a whole TV show about high street wing and thigh joints, Kong’s NQ looks to build on that storied legacy by offering some of the finest chicken available in any city, anywhere on the planet. Which is certainly saying something.
The concept began when we were still dealing with things like pandemic lockdowns. Originally a pop-up operation serving fried chicken sandwiches the way they should be, by that Kong’s NQ means succulent, with kick and plenty of depth. Their goal being to take something beloved and elevate it to a whole new level, by all accounts within weeks of opening the team had achieved exactly that, with chicken prepared using homemade brine and a special flour mix for a unique depth of flavour. Now they’re on to the next phase, with premises in the heart of Manchester’s ever-thirsty, and always-hungry, Northern Quarter.
“With our own site, we really wanted to branch out and showcase all the things we’ve done and some things that we wouldn’t have been able to do in the pop ups. Adding small plates, tacos and brunch to the menu has made it so we really have something for everyone,” director Tom Potts explained to Finest, giving some idea as to what this establishment now offers customers. Think Fried Chicken French Toast for breakfast, dripping with maple syrup, streaky bacon, and vanilla ice cream, Buffalo Wings, topped with in-house buffalo sauce, blue cheese sauce and crumbled blue cheese, and, of course, the Kong’s Signature Chicken Sandwich, served on a potato brioche bun, and topped with pickles, in-house burger sauce, sriracha slaw, lettuce, and chicken skin crackling. Kong’s NQ is also equipped with a full bar, offering a rotation of natural wines and local beers on tap. It’s definitely worth making note of their Taco Tuesday and Wings Wednesday deals, where bottomless eats are on the menu for really empty stomachs.
