TLDR
Sichuan-spiced fried chicken w/ amazing chili sandwiches [1]. Juicy, crispy, numbing, and generously doused in chili oil. Limited seating, takeout recommended [2].
Instagram Posts References
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.
Peking House is lauded for having 'the best fried chicken.' It was part of a collaboration dinner with the Michelin-starred Ying Tao, offering a unique fusion experience.
Pecking House Eric Huang is highlighted for its 'Sichuan chili fried chicken!', singling out a specific, highly-flavored dish as a main attraction.
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
Pecking House in Chinatown is a small, lively spot renowned for its Chinese-inflected fried chicken, offering a unique fusion of American and Sichuan flavors. The menu features standout chicken sandwiches, particularly the chili sandwich known for its crispy, juicy, and numbing quality, generously doused in chili oil [1]. While the fried chicken itself is a highlight, the sides like potato salad and butter beans with black vinegar vinaigrette are also praised for their interesting profiles and Chinese influence [2]. The restaurant's intimate atmosphere and serious takeout operation make it a versatile choice for a casual meal [2].
Food Overview
Pecking House is celebrated for its Chinese-inflected fried chicken, particularly its 'Sichuan chili fried chicken' and 'Chili sandwich' which is noted for being crispy, juicy, spicy, and slightly numbing with generous chili oil [1], [2]. While the chicken is a primary draw, the sides are also highlighted as interesting, with recommendations for potato salad and butter beans with black vinegar vinaigrette [2]. There are mixed reviews for other items; salted egg wings were considered good but not remarkable [2], while the 'spice bag' received negative feedback for lacking seasoning and spice [4]. Fried cauliflower was also reported as being undercooked on two occasions [3].
Highlights / Recommended
"The chili chicken sandwich is a highly recommended dish, praised for its crispy, juicy, spicy, and numbing qualities, generously coated in chili oil. Other recommended items include the potato salad and butter beans with black vinegar vinaigrette, showcasing the restaurant's unique flavor profiles."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •spice bag(6)
Caveats
The Chinatown location is noted for its extremely small size and limited seating, making it more suitable for takeout or a casual dine-in experience. One reviewer found the fried cauliflower to be undercooked on multiple occasions, and the 'spice bag' was described as disappointing due to a lack of seasoning and spice.
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