The Remorseless and Evil Food No. 1 Fried Chicken Fillet

Taiwanese fried chicken fillets have maintained steady rule, sitting atop the greasy street food hierarchy since first appearing four years ago, and in doing so broke the norm of school kids getting sick of hip street food trends within six months of their introduction. First originating in Taiwan, these slices of deep-fried goodness can now be found everywhere.

The chain that dominates is aptly called The Top Best (第1佳, Diyijia), one of which can be found in the lane behind the Sanlitun Apple Store. This specific branch claims to have been open since 2009, and is owned by the Shanghai-based Shine Good China, which has offices in five Chinese cities, and more than 200 outlets under the Diyijia brand in Beijing alone.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Exploding Chicken

Upon our visit, we ordered the basic Big Chicken (RMB 15), which can be upgraded to the Exploding Chicken (RMB 20) if you like your grease with a big ol' dollop of sloppy melted cheese. They also provide an assortment of tempura: fried sweet potatoes (RMB 9), fried squid (RMB 10), and fried mushrooms (RMB 10). If you're lucky enough to have to wait in line you'll more than likely see the sign that deems what you're about to shove into your face “Evil Food No. 1,” just to remind you what the devil's chicken is about to do to your insides. How considerate!

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