Popeyes (Louisiana Kitchen) at Taman Tun Dr Ismail

Popeyes opens its doors to Malaysia!

Contrary to what its name means to most children, Popeyes is not named after the Spinach Chugging cartoon character Popeye (and Brutus and Olive oil), but rather Popeye Doyle in the Movie, the French Connection. Read more about how this franchise has its roots in Baton Rouge Louisiana HERE

Apparently the taste of the Chicken is fashioned spicier and more strong tasting to suit the New Orleanian taste-buds (That's why at the counter they ask you if you want your chicken mild, or spicy). Anyway, it is written that Popeyes managed to even beat KFC in a nationwide taste test... (doesn't really tell you much, because to me, almost any half decent fried chicken beats the KFC chicken in Malaysia..)

So much hype. We decided to go give Popeyes a try.

Look familiar? That's because its first and newest branch is located in TTDI.

Haven't had any chicken yet but the staff sure LOVE their job, I'll give them that... Look at how happy they look ;D

Chicken Ala-carte 2 piece at approx RM6 and sets at just under RM10, you can tell the prices are set to rival McDonalds. One thing though about this place - you cannot change your mash potato for french fries (in the set) which is a bit of a bummer if you like fries more than mash.

The Popeye girls all decked out in bright orange. Clean, crisp and professional looking, they aim to serve and please.. you can tell the owners are watching (and they are, rather closely). This place must have just had their opening because congratulatory flowers line the entrance.

At first glance there's no difference between the left and right photo.
Actually on the left is the famous Popeyes Chicken and on the right, the Fish Tenders.

First, the chicken & biscuit. Taking a bite, we were surprised. Let me just say that the chicken was very uninspiring. If you blindfolded me, it could have been fried chicken from any fast-food joint. How boring. (My grandma in Ipoh fries better chicken.. so there:P)

Another thing to note is the boring, unimaginative use of ordinary bottled ketchup and chilli sauce. What? We expected at least some Original Louisiana Hot Sauce for the chicken or Tartar sauce for the fish. How disappointing.

PHOTO OF THE INSIDE OF THE FISH TENDER (NOT THE CHICKEN)

Anyway, whilst the chicken was not great, the fish on the other hand ... was GOOD! They definitely use fresh water fish. The first bite goes something like this .. Crunchy flaky outer, then soft, succulent and slightly fatty insides. Oooooooo... yum!

I particularly liked the fatty bits in the fish. Too bad no special sauce for the fish though.

Another photo of the fish because that was the only thing that deserved a second shot.
Next time, we try the burger and the shrimp ! (If there is a next time.. oo-er..)

Add:
Popeyes,
Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 1,
Taman Tun Dr. Ismail,
(Where Shakey's use to be)
Tel: 03-77101198


Overall impression:5/10 (low rating due to lack of special sauce & fresh farm chicken!)
Fried Chicken:4/10
Fish Tenders:6/10
Service:7/10
Ambiance:5/10