New Downtown Taiwanese Resto Serves Fried Chicken Cutlets the Size of Your Face

A Taiwanese chain boasting fried chicken cutlets the size of a human face has opened its doors in Montreal.

Hot Star Large Fried Chicken claims that every cutlet it serves is more than 30 centimetres — and it’s serving those foot-long chicken pieces on Sainte-Catherine in Shaughnessy Village.

The cutlets, fittingly named “large fried chicken”, go for around $10 before tax, and come with a choice of seasonings: salt and pepper, spicy, seaweed, or plum. Those really looking to up the grease factor can throw in a few extra dollars for a cheese version; an extra-crispy option is also available.

While the chicken hunks are obviously the main draw, Hot Star is also serving popcorn chicken, and a few sides — fried mushrooms or sweet potatoes, and regular french fries, and specialties like a green apple yogurt drink, or strawberry soda to wash it all down.

Hot Star began in the early ‘90s at Taipei’s Shilin Night Market, and grew into a major success, often drawing long lines for its chicken. It started an expansion binge at the start of this decade — first in Southeast Asia, then Canada and the U.S. in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

In Canada, it’s a franchise operation, apparently headed out of Toronto, although following the same formula as in Taiwan. It counts locations in Toronto, Kitchener, and Windsor, and is also preparing to open in Vancouver.

STATUS — Hot Star Large Fried Chicken is open at 1953 Sainte-Catherine West.

• Hot Star Large Fried Chicken [Official]