Korean food is something I’m slowly coming to enjoy, primarily through their fried chicken. This time we revisit (though for the first time on this blog) Jean’s Chilli Chicken in Eastwood.
This is the Ginseng Fried Chicken ($32.00). We’re not convinced that a ginseng flavour came through – supposedly a bittersweet flavour like liquorice – but the chicken is audibly crispy while the sauce brought a very healthy spicy kick. The cuts of chicken vary from mid wings to drumettes and just boneless chunks. We’ve had it juicy and just a tad dry.
This is the Chilli Grilled Eel ($35.00). The eel is soft and tender, while the sauce brought just enough heat to be enjoyable and not overwhelm the natural eel flavour. Japanese style grilled eel is our favourite, but this is pretty tasty too. The eel sits on a bed or cabbage and onion.
This is the Pippy Soup ($14.00). I love pipis, and the soup here is both generous in the number of pipis and in the flavour. It’s a light broth with just a hint of heat to be a warming soup and prominent seafood flavour.
It seems to be usually the case that we get complimentary Rice Ball for self-service (usually $7.00, but one complimentary bowl for each dish ordered, so three here).
There’s also a complimentary pasta side dish. There’s a prominent apple flavour to the mayonnaise that brought it enjoyably refreshing. On our previous visit, there were actual apple cubes in the salad, which we miss.
There’s complimentary kim chi. I’m not a fan of kim chi, but T found it to be a decent offering.
And finally, complementary pickled daikon, which pleasantly cuts through the heaviness of a deep-fried food.
While the prices are a little steep and the juiciness of the chicken varies depending on the visit, Jean’s Chilli Chicken is constantly busy with the owner (Jean) providing speedy service with a smile.
Jean’s Chilli Chicken is located at 115 Rowe St, Eastwood NSW 2122.