Taste test: UK influencers Sidemen open viral brand Sides in Singapore with hot fried chicken & chocolate BBQ sauce

Just last year, when popular streamer IShowSpeed visited Singapore, the public hubbub was intense as fans flocked down to see him in the flesh.

There’s no denying that streamers and influencers like him have an insane global pull, especially amongst the Gen Alpha and Gen Z.

This year, we have yet another popular group of influencers coming to Singapore.

Not physically, though — instead we see popular UK influencer collective, Sidemen, bringing their hot chicken brand Sides to Singapore!

If you’re out of the loop, Sidemen co-founder and popular YouTuber KSI, who has 44 million followers on the video channel, is one of the key faces behind the brand.

The fast-food chain first opened in 2021 and currently has five outlets in the UK, with Sides Singapore as its first overseas outlet.

Sides’ Singapore outlet can be found on level three of Bugis+, and opens today (June 5).

Fried chicken and sauces galore

If you’re one of those who enjoy a saucy fried chicken feast, Sides Singapore offers a huge range of nine sauces.

You can expect timeless favourites such as the piquant buttermilk ranch and fragrant garlic mayo, but you can also put your tastebuds to the test with the eyebrow-raising chocolate BBQ.

The sweet-savoury concoction wasn’t too weird: The chocolate’s sweetness blended decently into the BBQ sauce, while the inclusion of chocolate notes actually slightly reminded us of the glaze on the local coffee pork ribs’ zi char staple.

Still, it’s definitely going to be quite an acquired taste.

Of course, as cool as the sauce selection was, the spotlight should be all on the chicken and Sides Singapore offers both Nashville chicken tenders (S$10.50) and Nashville chicken wings (S$10.50).

You also get to choose your spice level, from level zero (“classic”) all the way to level three (“Nashville hot”). We went for level two (“Nashville medium”).

The clear winner was the tenders, which were pleasantly crunchy on the outside with a good amount of flavour at spice level two, which wasn’t very hot. But those who love heat should probably go for level three.

Both were slightly dry on the inside, though, and we’re not sure if it’s just down to the usual pre-opening inconsistencies — since Sides Singapore wasn’t officially opened yet when we visited.

As for the burgers available at Sides Singapore, we thought the classic burger (S$12.90) was rather run-of-the-mill, but the ultimate Nashville burger (S$12.90) was quite solid.

Compared to the former, the ultimate Nashville burger came with richer flavours from the seasoning, and was crunchier and juicier — the slaw and pickles also introduced a nice bit of contrast.

Those looking for thirst-quenchers can also try the milkshakes on Sides Singapore’s menu, which included flavours such as salted caramel (S$9.90) and chocolate brownie (S$9.90).

These were too sweet for us but — let’s be honest — anyone who would order a milkshake probably wants something decadent and creamy, and these would do the job perfectly.

Would we go back? Maybe for the tenders and to try them with more sauces, but we’re hoping Sides Singapore can find some consistency when they open. 

Otherwise, it’s a pretty decent option if you’re hankering for some fried chicken when you’re in the vicinity.

This was an invited tasting.

For more ideas on what to eat, read our stories on the viral Korean mocha buns that just hit Singapore and what to expect at popular Korean grilled chicken concept Song Gye Ok’s local outlet.

Enjoy up to 50% off when you dine with GrabFood Dine Out.

You can also book a ride to Sides Singapore to try the fried chicken endorsed by KSI and Sidemen.