“At Le Poulet, we roast chickens.” So says the glass message board leading into the restaurant’s kitchen. Those are also some of the first words out of the mouth of Le Poulet’s proud owner, Justin Ong, and a double glass rotisserie oven in the center of the venue serves as the ultimate confirmation.
One thing that Le Poulet projects instantly is quiet confidence — and we like it. The fact that it is Shenzhen’s very first rotisserie is exciting, almost as exciting as the sight of browning chickens cooking behind Ong as we learn about the eatery’s background, trying not to drool.
Located just a two-minute walk from Taoyuan station, it has cozily nested amidst milk tea shops and welcomes passers-by with a humble sign and a much more forward aroma of sumptuous, herb-infused birds.
While you may expect a typical rotisserie to be a simple two-chair, two-table joint, Le Poulet is not your typical anything. The restaurant’s interior designer flew all the way from Shanghai to create a space that is hip and modern. A floating table and staircase, a suspended second floor and a wall above the bar made entirely out of green Heineken bottles are just some of its features.
Despite the fancy decor, when it comes to food, the restaurant excels in exquisite simplicity – its name is just French for ‘the chicken.’ An order of a whole roasted fowl (RMB158, includes three sides) is more than filling and definitely meant for sharing – as are quite a few menu items.
Soaked in brine for one day, marinated for 10 hours and then cooked for another five, Le Poulet’s signature fare is no joke. Each perfectly spiced poultry specimen is roasted in a very special oven that took Ong three months to obtain. The result: juicy meat made in the best of rotisserie traditions.
“You won’t get this anywhere else in the city,” says Ong with a confident smile. For the full experience, he encourages diners to order a bottle of wine (RMB387) with their meal. “We want people to stop thinking of wine as something that they can’t afford. There is good wine that you can enjoy with every meal,” says Ong.
While we highly recommend that you don’t leave Le Poulet without trying the big bird experience, there are a lot of other menu items that won us over. The rottisseur (RMB48 for three) is the owner’s favorite, a mini burger made with roasted chicken meat in between two mantou buns. Mango prawn salad (RMB56) is a great starter: a serving of imported shrimp with flavorful chutney.
The chicken wrap (RMB36) is a quick and filling snack —there’s also a vegetarian version, rich in cream cheese, which will make an appearance on the menu soon.
Craving a dessert? Lots of them are displayed at the bar, including a nice variety of the classics like cheesecake.
A cup of freshly ground coffee will set you back RMB26-30, but we suggest you try Jing Tea, one of the world’s finest green tea brands.
While the food at Le Poulet may speak (or rather cluck) for itself, Ong is a man on an educational mission. His goal? Teaching his patrons to appreciate great food and great wine. And he has some top-notch teaching materials.
Price: RMB158 for a whole chicken dinner with three sides
Who’s going: rotisserie appreciators, lovers of tender white breasts and thighs
Good for: wining and dining, chicken (obviously)
See listing for Le Poulet Rotisserie Bar.
[Images via Mike Jordan]
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