India's Chicken 65 Climbs to #3 on the Global 'Best Fried Chicken Dishes' List

Fried chicken is a universal favorite, with every region putting its unique spin on this beloved dish. From hidden culinary gems to iconic street food, the variety of fried chicken around the world is as diverse as it is delicious. Taste Atlas, the renowned food and travel guide, has once again highlighted this diversity by updating its list of the World's Best Fried Chicken Dishes. And in fantastic news for Indian food lovers, Chicken 65 from South India has climbed to the third spot in the latest rankings for December 2024.

What Makes Chicken 65 So Special?

Chicken 65 is no ordinary fried chicken. According to Taste Atlas, it is deep-fried chicken marinated with ginger, lemon, red chiles, and a blend of flavorful spices. This dish carries a rich legacy, with its origins believed to date back to Tamil Nadu in the 1960s. While there are multiple theories surrounding its invention, the most widely accepted one points to its creation in the kitchen of the famous Buhari Hotel in Chennai.

This isn’t the first time Chicken 65 has earned global acclaim. In August 2023, it secured the 10th spot on the same list, showcasing its growing popularity beyond India.

The Best Fried Chicken: Dominated by Asian Flavors

Asian countries have a stronghold on this year’s top 10 rankings, offering an exciting mix of crispy and flavorful dishes. Korean Fried Chicken, or Chikin, leads the pack, followed closely by Japan's Karaage in second place. The rest of the list features mouthwatering specialties like Indonesian Ayam Goreng (ranked 5th), Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, and Chinese Crispy Fried Chicken (Zhaziji).

Interestingly, Ayam Goreng, which held the top position last year, has now slipped to 5th, making room for other regional favorites.

Indian Food Continues to Shine Globally

This isn’t the first time an Indian dish has made waves internationally. Just last month, Taste Atlas celebrated rajma, which was ranked 14th in their list of the 50 Best Bean Dishes. These accolades reflect the growing appreciation for India’s rich and diverse culinary heritage on the global stage.