TLDR
Extremely crispy, Sichuan-spiced fried chicken featuring standout chili-oil sandwiches on milk bread. A must-visit for bold, fusion comfort food in an intimate setting.
Instagram Posts References
This post highlights Pecking House for its highly recommended Sichuan chicken sandwiches, described as underrated. The sandwiches are presented as a must-try item, with the image showcasing the appetizing interior of the sandwich.
Pecking House in Chinatown is known for its Sichuan chili fried chicken, with a particular highlight being their chili sandwich. The chicken in the sandwich is described as crispy, juicy, spicy, and slightly numbing, generously doused in chili oil, with two slices of white bread on the bottom to soak it up. They also offer salted egg chicken wings, which were considered good but not exceptionally memorable. A 'spice bag' containing fried chicken and fries was tried for the first time but was disappointing due to a lack of seasoning and spice. The accompanying curry sauce was also not well-received, described as tasting like pre-made blocks. Due to limited seating, takeout is recommended.
Will Hartman reviews Pecking House, a small Chinatown spot famous for its Chinese-inflected fried chicken. Discover their standout chicken sandwiches, unique sides, and lively atmosphere.
Details
Renowned for its Chinese-inflected fried chicken, this spot has gained a reputation for its incredibly crunchy, juicy chicken served with bold spices [1]. The menu features standout items like chili-spiced sandwiches on sweet milk bread [1], [2] and creative sides like butter beans and potato salad [1]. While its Chinatown home is compact and lively, it remains a destination for both dine-in and takeout [1].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on fried chicken elevated by Sichuan spices, including cumin, anise, and chili oil [1], [4]. Highly recommended dishes include the OG chicken sandwich [2] and the spice bag [7], while the fried cauliflower has received mixed feedback due to reports of undercooked batter [5].
Highlights / Recommended
"The OG chili chicken sandwich is the most highly recommended item [2], alongside the Szechuan-style spice bag [7]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •spice bag(8)
- •fried chicken(3)
- •cellos x pecking house collab pizza(3)
- •chicken sandwich(2)
- •chicken (cellos x pecking house collab pizza)(2)
- •green sauce (cellos x pecking house collab pizza)(2)
Caveats
The location is primarily a takeout-focused operation with limited seating [8], and some diners have reported inconsistency in cooking, such as undercooked batter on fried cauliflower [5].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About PECKING HOUSE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: What Are Some Of The Best Irish Type Spice Bags
"The user had the spice bag at Pecking House on a Saturday and found it to be incredible."
PositiveFrom post: What Are Some Of The Best Irish Type Spice Bags
"Pecking House is mentioned as a non-typical Irish option for a spice bag."
NeutralFrom post: What Are Some Of The Best Irish Type Spice Bags
"The user had the spice bag at Pecking House a couple of weeks prior and found it to be 'cheeks' (poor quality)."
NegativeFrom post: What Are Some Of The Best Irish Type Spice Bags
"Pecking House is given an honorable mention for its spice bag, which the author finds very good, although they personally prefer eating it at a bar."
PositiveFrom post: What Are Some Of The Best Irish Type Spice Bags
"The spice bag at Pecking House is considered the favorite among several tried, being the most Szechuan-like and less of a generic fry and chicken nugget dish."
PositiveFrom post: What Are Some Of The Best Irish Type Spice Bags
"The user states that Pecking House is doing a spice bag and it looks amazing."
PositiveFrom post: Rowdy Rooster In The East Village Has Closed For
"In response to a request for spicy fried chicken sandwich recommendations, the commenter mentions Pecking House as a fine option, although not as unique as Rowdy Rooster was."
NeutralFrom post: Rowdy Rooster In The East Village Has Closed For
"The commenter believes the quality of Pecking House, specifically the Chinatown location, has declined."
NegativeFrom post: 5 Days Of Eating My Way Through The City
"The author found the OG chicken sandwich from Pecking House to be incredibly crispy and chili-spiced, with a great crunch in every bite."
PositiveFrom post: Little Kirin Fried Chicken Sandwich
"Confirms Pecking House as a favorite and outstanding option for fried chicken sandwiches."
PositiveFrom post: Little Kirin Fried Chicken Sandwich
"This user lists Pecking House as one of their favorite fried chicken sandwich spots."
PositiveFrom post: Little Kirin Fried Chicken Sandwich
"This user found the chicken at Pecking House to be bitter and preferred the chicken sandwich from Burger Day."
NegativeFrom post: Little Kirin Fried Chicken Sandwich
"Recommends the chile oil sandwich from Pecking House."
PositiveFrom post: Which Nonfast Food Chicken Sandwiches And Tender
"This user recommended Pecking House, noting its Sichuan spice flavor."
PositiveFrom post: Which Nonfast Food Chicken Sandwiches And Tender
"In response to a query about Bobwhite, this user stated that while Bobwhite was good, Pecking House was still superior."
PositiveFrom post: Which Nonfast Food Chicken Sandwiches And Tender
"This user seconded the recommendation for Pecking House, ranking it above Rowdy Rooster, Bobwhite, and Fuku."
PositiveFrom post: Which Nonfast Food Chicken Sandwiches And Tender
"This user recommended Pecking House for chicken sandwiches."
PositiveFrom post: Which Nonfast Food Chicken Sandwiches And Tender
"This user strongly agreed with the recommendation for Pecking House, stating it is "ridiculously good" and better than several other establishments."
PositiveFrom post: Which Nonfast Food Chicken Sandwiches And Tender
"This user listed Pecking House as a recommendation for non-fast food chicken sandwiches."
PositiveFrom post: Which Nonfast Food Chicken Sandwiches And Tender
"This user recommended Pecking House for non-fast food fried chicken sandwiches and tenders."
Positive