Chick-fil-A pop-up in Singapore: Crispy chicken, 4 sauces, takeaways available for the first 200 walk-ins

Hot, crispy chicken between buttery buns by a brand that has a history of nearly 80 years is sure to draw a crowd.  

Popular American fast food chain Chick-fil-A’s first ever pop-up in Asia is happening from Jun 26 to 28 at the Esplanade Mall.

While dine-in reservations via online registration are full, 200 walk-in guests a day will be able to get a takeaway meal each on a first-come, first-served basis from 11am.

The pop-up takes place at what is usually the cafe Aniplus, accessible via the Esplanade Mall’s outdoor F&B area. Opening hours are 11am to 2pm and 3pm to 7pm.

There is only one menu item, the Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, which comes with waffle-cut fries and a drink.

The sandwich itself – fried, boneless chicken breast and pickle slices between two buns – is served in an envelope, undressed.

The fun is in experimenting with the selection of four of Chick-fil-A’s famous sauces: The classic Chick-fil-A Sauce, which tastes like a smoky cross between honey mustard and barbecue sauce; Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Sauce; Garden Herb Ranch Sauce; and Honey Mustard Sauce.  

The recipe for the Original chicken sandwich, which has remained unchanged since the 1960s, is “literally locked in a safe”, a Chick-fil-A spokesperson told us. But, “I think a big part of what makes it so unique is that it’s pressure-cooked, so it stays moist and cooks faster.”

All the food ingredients are from the USA. The well-marinated and tender chicken breast, fried in peanut oil, is served hot and crunchy, so don’t spend too much time taking pictures before chowing down.

The pop-up event is a “market test” to “find out about consumer preferences in Asia”, Chick-fil-A spokespeople said.

Chick-fil-A’s pop-up is at 8 Raffles Avenue #01-13C, The Esplanade Mall.