Saagor Indian takeaway closed its doors, making way for Crispy Bird. This brand-new chicken shop has already caught the attention of many residents in Penarth, so it felt right to go and see what all the fuss was about.
I called in at around 6pm on a Monday evening and it was relatively busy.
It’s in prime position for a lot of locals, being close enough to residential areas that it doesn’t feel like a chore to go out and visit.
When I walked in, I was pleasantly surprised by how light and fresh the space felt. There is a limited seating area to one side for those who simply can’t wait until they get home to eat their menu choices and a large window that helps the shop feel welcoming.
I stood and gawped at the menu for longer than I would care to admit, torn between the choice of crispy fried chicken and juicy rotisserie chicken.
After a long deliberation, I went for the rotisserie rice box. It was essentially a meal that consisted of shredded seasoned chicken that was cooked on the rotisserie spit directly behind the counter, seasoned rice, their house gravy, and a pot of coleslaw.
It may sound basic to some but, what can I say? I’m a simple woman who likes simple things.
There are plenty of other options on their menu, with everything from burgers to fried chicken, to whole rotisserie chickens on offer. They even offer desserts in the form of waffle bowls for those who might not fancy something savoury.
I paid £9.70 which, admittedly, is a little pricey but the portion size more than makes up for that.
I was genuinely shocked at the weight of the bag that contained my meal when it was handed over the counter a short 10 minutes after I had ordered.
The meal itself was piping hot and full of flavour – they really know how to make the basic things great here.
The sheer size of the portion was a breath of fresh air in a climate where we seem to pay more money for less food – so much so that I had to leave it and finish it for my lunch the next day.
For some, the premise of a chicken shop might seem a bit basic, but they have focused on one thing and do it well.
If it isn’t broken, then don’t fix it.
