Bizarre Paper Bag Fried Chicken From Malaysia Divides Internet

Among the many things that the internet surprises us with, the most common are food experiments. Often while scrolling on our mobile phones we come across videos that show food vendors embarking on culinary adventures. They mix various ingredients to prepare questionable items like Oreo pakoras, chocolate paranthas, and Idli ice cream. While many of us are simply deterred by the idea of trying these out, there is no denying that these viral clips make up for an interesting watch. A video of a street food vendor in Malaysia selling a snack called “paper bag fried chicken” has once again raised the eyebrows of the masses.

In the now-viral video dropped by an Instagram user, the cook can be seen making a unique fried chicken preparation by placing the meat pieces into paper bags before frying them in hot oil. The clip begins with the cook pouring marinated chicken pieces into a large bowl. After spreading them out, he takes one piece each and puts them inside a paper bag. They are stapled close and lined up one after the other. In the next step, the vendor drops the chicken-infused paper bags into boiling oil. With a spatula, they are stir-fried for some time before being served hot. Once on the plate, the customer tears open the paper bag to enjoy the golden-brown fried chicken pieces.

A post shared by Trevor James (@thefoodranger)

Soon after the video surfaced on the internet, social media users were quick to react to the odd fried chicken preparation. “I don’t understand the concept of needing to fry it in any paper. Why?? SMH,” commented an individual. Another seemed convinced that, “Chemicals used in the paper will certainly give cancer.” “That oil should have been changed months ago. All kinds of chemicals are in the paper bag,” wrote a user.

A person tried to reason, “The colour of the oil is due to the spices which include sugar on the chicken. Not that it’s old or motor oil. It’s caramelised seasoning. As well parchment paper is fine to fry in. No different than lining your food in the oven with it.”

So far, the video has garnered over 2.9 million views on Instagram. Would you give this paper bag fried chicken a try?