Bold Indian-spiced chicken sandwiches with legendary heat levels, plus a must-try Vada Pav.
This establishment offers a distinctive take on the popular chicken sandwich, infusing it with bold Indian flavors and a satisfying level of spice. Praised for its crispy yet tender chicken, the restaurant provides a range of spice levels, though recent feedback suggests the highest levels may have been toned down or are inconsistently available. Beyond the standout chicken sandwiches, customers also rave about their Vada Pav and other unique Indian street food-inspired items, making it a must-try for adventurous palates.
Rowdy Rooster is celebrated for its Indian-inspired fried chicken, particularly its chicken sandwiches, which are frequently described as crispy, tender, and flavorful. While the restaurant is known for its customizable spice levels, there's a recurring theme in customer feedback about the perceived reduction in heat for its spiciest options (Levels 4 and 5). Despite this, many still find the available spice levels enjoyable and the overall taste profile to be excellent, with the Vada Pav also being a noted favorite.
"The chicken sandwiches are highly recommended, particularly for their crispiness and Indian-inspired flavors. The Vada Pav is also frequently mentioned as a favorite street food item."
Customers generally have a positive sentiment towards Rowdy Rooster, often praising its unique Indian-inspired flavors and the quality of its chicken sandwiches. However, there are discussions about the fluctuating spice levels, with some users noting a decrease in heat over time or difficulty accessing the spiciest options.
Important Note
Some customers report that the spiciest heat levels (Levels 4 and 5) may have been reduced or are not always available. One location reportedly had a 'C' health rating, though another location has an 'A' rating.
"This user warned that the Rowdy Rooster location near Madison Square Garden has a 'C' health food rating, which influenced their decision to stop frequenting it."
Negative"This user shared that while the LIC location of a chain (likely Popeyes) can be dry, the Rowdy Rooster in Herald Square offers a fantastic, super crispy, and flavorful chicken sandwich, available in white or dark meat."
Positive"The user confirms that Rowdy Rooster is now serving "vada pao" on weekends, though it might be a limited-time offering."
Neutral"This user clarifies that Rowdy Rooster does offer Vada Pav on weekends."
Positive"This user commented that while the newer Popeyes chicken sandwich isn't as good as its initial launch, it's still solid. They also mentioned enjoying Peking House's fried chicken and are looking forward to trying Rowdy Rooster due to positive reviews."
Positive"This user recommended Rowdy Rooster, noting their chicken sandwich is magical. They later added a disclaimer that the magic might be due to unhealthy ingredients. They also mentioned that their suggested Popeyes sandwich is surprisingly great and was part of a viral trend."
Positive"The user states that Rowdy Rooster used to serve a good Vada Pav but has since replaced it with a paneer sandwich."
Negative"This user enjoys Rowdy Rooster but humorously noted that it negatively affects their toilet."
Positive"The user heard that the original spice levels at Rowdy Rooster might still be available upon request, even if off-menu."
Neutral"This user mentioned that Level 4 spice is still available, possibly off-menu or with an extra charge. They previously experienced vomiting twice from Level 5 due to excessive rub."
Positive"The original poster recalls getting level 4 and 5 bone-in chicken from Rowdy Rooster as the spiciest food they'd found in NYC, but a recent attempt at level 4 was not as intense."
Neutral"The commenter notes that Rowdy Rooster now offers a 'secret level' of their bone-in chicken, but it's not as spicy as it used to be. They also mention that the restaurant seems to have changed its spice blends."
Negative"This commenter provided details about the fries, describing them as having 'scoliosis bumps' and recommending the whipped garlic dipping sauce."
Positive"This user inquired about the new fries offered at Rowdy Rooster."
Neutral"This user compared Rowdy Rooster favorably to Double Chicken Please and Coqodaq, citing better taste and quicker service at Rowdy Rooster, though acknowledging the latter has a better ambiance for dates."
Positive"This user humorously responded to a semantic discussion about 'obfuscated' by suggesting to just enjoy the chicken picture."
Neutral"This commenter explained that 'obfuscate' implies intentional deception, differentiating it from simply being hidden."
Neutral"The commenter stated that Level 5 heat at Rowdy Rooster was excessively painful and understood its removal, but suggested keeping Level 4 for those who enjoy extreme spice."
Positive"This user found the chicken sandwich at Double Chicken Please to be just 'fine', calling the rest of their menu 'nonsense'."
Negative"This commenter agreed that Rowdy Rooster is tasty but has become less spicy."
Positive
