Chicken wings – a culinary marvel that captured hearts and taste buds worldwide. From the fiery flavors of Buffalo to the exotic twists of Southeast Asia, this humble dish evolved into a global phenomenon. So let’s embark upon an utterly flavorful journey while getting familiar with seven of the best places to indulge in chicken wings.
Buffalo, New York, USA—The City Where Chicken Wings Originated
No pilgrimage to chicken wings would be complete without a visit to Buffalo, the city where this iconic dish was born. The Anchor Bar—the legendary birthplace of wings—still serves up classic Buffalo-style wings in rich, tangy hot sauce. And yet, there is more to Buffalo’s wing scene than the Anchor Bar. The wing joints abound, each putting its spin on the classic, from bone-in to boneless and mild to scorching hot.
Must-try: The original Buffalo-style wings, blue cheese dressing, celery sticks.
Seoul, South Korea: A Spicy Korean Twist
The country of South Korea is known to be fiery, and chicken wings certainly fit within that. Wings here are deep-fried until crispy and then smothered in a span of sauces, from sweet and tangy to interestingly super spicy. Yangnyeom chicken is its most popular style, with wings slathered in a sweet, spicy gochujang-based sauce. Be sure to order your wings with soju, the national drink of Korea.
Must-try: Yangnyeom chicken, beer or soju.
Bangkok, Thailand: Exotic Thai Flavors
Thailand has colorful street food with loads of tasty, exciting flavors, and chicken wings are no exception. The place serves wings marinated in a mix of herbs and spices—grilled to perfection—offered along with a dipping sauce. Among the more famous flavors are garlic and pepper, lemon grass, and chili lime.
Must-try: Grilled chicken wings with sweet chili sauce.
Mexico City, Mexico: A Spicy Fiesta
Mexico loves spicy food; chicken wings aren’t an exemption. Here, wings are typically marinated in a mixture of chili peppers, garlic, and lime, then either grilled or fried. The result is flavorful, incendiary. Definitely don’t forget the pairing with a nice cold Mexican beer or refreshing margarita.
Must-try: Grilled chicken wings with guacamole and salsa.
Johannesburg, South Africa: An African Twist to the Classic
Added into these chicken wings throughout the country are specifically South African flavors. Most will have wings with a marinade of peri-peri sauce—a famous African chili sauce that packs that punch. Other restaurants may offer wings drizzled in South African BBQ, suitable for those who like their wings just a little sweeter.
Must-try: Peri-peri chicken wings with pap—a maize meal porridge.
London, England: A Global Melting Pot
London loves diversity, and so you can expect a world of chicken wing experiences within the city. From the traditional Buffalo-style wings to Korean-inspired flavors and Caribbean jerk, you will have something to quench your thirsty taste buds. You will also come across wing combinations and unique sauces in quite a number of pubs and restaurants.
Must-try: Try different flavors with different sauces.
Taipei, Taiwan: Taiwanese Delight
Taiwanese cuisine is known for bold flavors and unique combinations, and that definitely does not exclude chicken wings. The soy sauce mixture—sweet and savory—marinated and then deep-fried to crispy perfection is what you will have here. Other restaurants may give their wings a spicy or garlic flavor.
Must-try: Taiwanese-style soy sauce chicken wings with pickled vegetables
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA: A Cajun Kick
New Orleans means spicy Cajun cuisine, and that applies to chicken wings. Wings are normally deep-fried and then drenched in mild to hot sauces. The most popular style has to be a “Cajun wing,” coated in a spicy, tangy sauce made with cayenne pepper, paprika, and other spices. Pair your wings with a nice cold beer or a refreshing hurricane on the side.
Must-try: Cajun wings and their fries.
Toronto, Canada: A Poutine Twist
Toronto doesn’t miss out on anything when it comes to good poutine, and chicken wings aren’t any different. Wings are fried and then smothered in a variety of sauces, from the mild to the hot, in this city. The most famous, so-called “poutine wing,” usually comes with a side of fries and cheese curds. Be sure not to forget to wash down your wings with a nice, cold beer or refreshing Canadian ale.
Must-try: Poutine wings with a side of fries and cheese curds.
Beyond these destinations, the world is your oyster for chicken wings. From New York’s shouting food trucks to some secret local restaurants deep in European cities, there’s always a new and exciting wing experience that will leave you in awe. Get a buddy, order that bucket of wings, and taste your way around the world.
