Written by Philip Etemesi
I usually pop in to Chicken Inn, at Union Towers on Moi Avenue at least twice every week. I mostly do so on Tuesday and Friday evenings. Dear Paparazzi, since the Sheriff is hard to find, you can plant yourselves close by on these specific days and take a picture of me for the front pages. Okay, let me wake up from my slumber now. Anyway, I might be a Luhya guy who is wired to love poultry by default but that’s not the sole reason why I frequent the establishment.
Of course I am not going to sit here and deny that I am not a chicken aficionado. I am, but I wouldn’t just get my wings or thighs anywhere. I go to Chicken Inn because their offerings are very tasty, authentic and satisfying. Their coleslaw is just as sweet, with a slight tang to it.
Given that most Nairobi restaurants insult your intestines by serving you chicken that has been fraudulently prepared by dipping in cooking oil for a while or boiled for several minutes, it’s great to have a place where quality is key. The quantity served is also very pleasing to the tummy considering the little amount you have to pay for it. A golden and crispy piece of chicken costs a mere 100 bob. You can choose between the spicy one and the normal one. Not only do you get a satisfying crunch in every bite but you also get to have your fill too.
However, I prefer getting take-out meals as opposed to eating at the establishment. There are two reasons for this. The first reason is overcrowding. It’s obvious that the sitting space isn’t enough. You might be forced to wait for close to three minutes with a food tray in your hand for someone to finish so that you can sit down. Now imagine if you are with a date. It can be a quite frustrating experience, even though it can be avoided by visiting the place during non-peak hours. Still, great establishments must ensure that there’s comfort for customers at all time.
Which brings me to the second point that due to the ‘dining hall’ kind of sitting arrangement, the place is great for a family treat but not someone looking to have a peaceful meal or someone seeking to engage in a deep conversation with their date or business partner. If you have kids, take them there. For all intents and purposes, they’ll love it. If you don’t, it’s better to say the latter when they ask you “Unakula hapa ama take away?”
Even though I am a big fan of Chicken Inn, another thing that frustrates me the most is their waiting time. Once you pay up, you get to stand for at least two to three minutes waiting for your meal to be packed and handed love to you. This is a problem that can be quickly solved by adding more manpower. Hey management, how are you doing? Please see to that.
The good thing is that if you are based in the CBD, and you happen to be in the company of your colleagues or friends, you don’t have to drag yourselves to the ground floor of Union Towers to get your chicken. You can try their fast and free delivery service. The meal will be brought to you in less than an hour. You also get to give orders and feel like a king. You can blurt out something like, “I am in a hurry, I have a business meeting to attend, so bring my chicken quickly or you won’t find me here. Okay? The engine of my BMW is rumbling and my driver is waiting.” Just say this for the fun of it, even if you board a Jogoo Road train or Citi Hoppa bus to town daily.
There’s no doubt that Chicken in is currently at the top of their fried kuku sector, The brand can get even better if only they eliminate the disadvantages I have pointed out. Either way, If you value the quality of your chicken within the CBD, this is the place you need to be
