The overall texture is somewhat dry, not too moist, but the sinful deliciousness that salty crispy chicken should possess is completely intact. 🤤

Compared to regular salty crispy chicken, there aren't many options, but the portions are generous and not too expensive. They have all the basic tasty items, so you can order according to everyone's personal preferences.

I personally love to eat salty crispy chicken with garlic. 😍 The signature meat has maintained its texture for over twenty years, and it's not just small, crushed garlic that Dad gives; it has both aroma and crunch (but the garlic flavor isn't overpowering). For vegetables, I like small cucumbers and green beans, and the silky texture of the hundred-layer tofu is also great. Other items like fried chicken skin and fried tofu puffs are crispy and delicious! Dad enjoys the rice blood cake, and Mom likes the large and small fried wheel slices, so we often order those too. When we want to change things up, we sometimes order chicken hearts and gizzards, which are quite chewy! So tasty!

Dad's salty crispy chicken has always been my favorite shop. 🥰 From the stall in front of the war hero billiard hall during my childhood to the same dim yellow lights at the current location by Wang Lai Chang, as soon as those lights are on, I know Dad is open for business today! Or when I catch a whiff of the enticing aroma of salty crispy chicken, I can’t help but tell my parents that I want to eat it today. 🤣 (In the past, I usually could only buy salty crispy chicken to celebrate happy occasions or after good exam results, so it has a special status in my heart.)

Since Dad is getting older, his hands have become less comfortable for frying salty crispy chicken, and he plans to stop operating by this May. 🥹 That’s why I’m writing this piece to document my thoughts and feelings about Dad’s salty crispy chicken – it will be filled with subjective opinions and emotions, so I hope you don’t mind.

Although it says he operates from Thursday to Sunday, for the past six months, Dad mostly opens only on Friday and Saturday nights from 6 PM until midnight. (I remember that he used to open occasionally on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and sometimes wouldn’t open on Fridays or Saturdays; the schedule is not fixed and depends on Dad’s condition.)

After ordering, you place items in the basket according to the order, but sometimes you might have to wait over an hour (after all, Dad is working alone 😂). Sometimes Dad playfully suggests coming back tomorrow or later to order, haha. You can ask how long the wait will be, then head home or shop around a bit, as there are some chairs available for waiting. Regular customers are probably used to it.

What’s special about Dad is that he tosses the salty crispy chicken into the pot as if he’s shooting a basketball; everything flows smoothly and naturally. In the cold winter, he still works bare-chested or in a short-sleeved shirt. 🫨 Of course, views on this can differ! Some people cannot accept such sanitary practices in the food industry, while others see it as a special characteristic.

Most of the customers are probably regulars, so you often hear Dad chatting with people. 🤗 Over the years, Dad has frequently asked me if I'm still studying, or if I’ve graduated. I tell him I graduated years ago and have been working! Maybe I just look younger, hahaha. (Thanks, Dad!) Occasionally, Dad also gives me an extra item or two that I didn’t order. 🥺 I’ve had surprises like fries and small cucumbers. 🥳 It seems he randomly gives extras. It’s completely a surprise package concept.

Thank you very much, Dad, for the delicious food and the memories!