As a self-proclaimed burger aficionado, I’m always on the lookout for the next best patty to grace my taste buds. Fried chicken usually takes a backseat in my culinary adventures, but when Hot Bird Damansara Uptown in Petaling Jaya started making waves on my Instagram feed, I couldn’t ignore the buzz any longer. What caught my attention was not just their celebrated fried chicken but also their chicken burgers. Given the hype and my curiosity, I decided to give Hot Bird a try.

Hot Bird Damansara Uptown, Petaling Jaya Selangor

Arriving at Hot Bird around 12:40 PM on a Saturday, I was met with a bustling scene. The restaurant was packed, and a queue of diners stretched out the door. I had to wait a solid 40 minutes before I was finally seated. While waiting might sound like a hassle, it was clear that the team at Hot Bird had a system in place to handle the crowd efficiently.

A fun fact for those who prefer a quicker option: If you’re looking to just grab takeout, you can bypass the queue entirely and head straight to the counter to place your order. The line is exclusively for those who wish to dine in and enjoy the restaurant’s ambiance.

Parking in Uptown Damansara, where Hot Bird is located, can be a bit of a challenge, especially during peak hours. There’s often a shortage of available spaces, which might add some extra time to your visit. One alternative is to park at The Starling Mall. It’s just a short walk from the restaurant and can save you from the frustration of circling for a spot.

Despite the initial wait and parking hurdles, I appreciated how organised the process was. Staff members were actively managing the queue, taking down the number of people in each party and providing a card to indicate your place in line. This approach ensured that everyone knew where they stood and that seating was allocated fairly.

Once your turn arrives, you’re ushered inside to your reserved table. You and your guests can then proceed to the counter to place your orders and make payment. There’s no need for anyone to stake out your table while you’re ordering; the table is guaranteed for you as soon as you’re seated. This seamless process helped alleviate any stress and made the experience more enjoyable.

The Food

Hot Bird offers an array of chicken and burger options, each available in six distinct heat levels: No Heat, Mild, Hot, Super Hot, Burn Baby Burn, and Reaper. While the idea of Burn Baby Burn or Reaper might sound intriguing to some, I was more cautious and opted for a more manageable heat level. For an additional RM2, you can challenge your taste buds with the Reaper, but I decided to stick with the safer levels of heat.

Hot Bird Burger Combo – RM23.90

I tried their Hot Bird Burger Combo, which came with the Hot Bird Burger, Signature Coleslaw (S), Cajun Fries (S), and a Coke. I opted for the burger patty to be in Hot flavour.

The Hot Bird Burger itself was a standout. The chicken patty was delightfully crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. The Hot heat level was just right – spicy enough to provide a kick without overwhelming the palate. The burger’s sauce complemented the patty perfectly. It reminded me of a McSpicy Chicken Deluxe, but with a noticeable upgrade in taste and quality.

The Cajun Fries were another highlight. They were well-seasoned, crispy, and came with a dipping sauce reminiscent of MyBurgerLab’s offerings. This sauce added an extra layer of flavour, making the fries a delectable side dish.

As for the Signature Coleslaw, it was pleasant but not particularly memorable. It was well-balanced in sweetness and crunch, but it didn’t offer any standout features that would set it apart from other coleslaws.

One thing for sure, I’d definitely be back for their burger and fries.

Drumstick or Thigh – RM10.00

Given that Hot Bird is famed for its fried chicken, I decided to add an à la carte chicken to my order. Since I was already trying the Hot flavour for my burger patty, I opted for the Super Hot flavour for my fried chicken. You can choose between thigh and drumstick at no extra cost, and I went with the drumstick.

The fried chicken came with a slice of toasted bread beneath it, presumably to absorb any excess chili oil that might seep out. The Super Hot chicken was indeed super hot – not just in terms of spice but also temperature. It was piping hot when I received it, and even after finishing my burger, the chicken remained warm.

The chicken skin was delectably crispy, delivering a satisfying crunch. However, the Super Hot spice level was a bit too intense for my taste. I think I would have preferred the Hot flavour instead. When I peeled the chicken closer to the bone, I found that oil had seeped into the meat, making the inside quite greasy despite the crispy, non-oily skin.

Overall, I understand why Hot Bird’s fried chicken is so popular. It delivers in flavour, crispiness, and spice, making it a standout offering.

Mac & Cheese – RM12.90

I also decided to try Hot Bird’s Mac & Cheese. While it was a decent option to help cool off the heat from the burger or fried chicken, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me in terms of rich creaminess and cheesiness.

The Mac & Cheese lacked the indulgent, gooey texture that typically defines this comfort food classic. It was more on the mild side, which made it a good palate cleanser but not a standout side dish.

Verdict

Overall, despite the initial wait and parking challenges, Hot Bird’s well-organized system and delicious food made the experience worthwhile. The Hot Bird Burger Combo was a flavorful and satisfying choice, with standout elements like the crispy chicken patty and the tasty Cajun fries. The Mac & Cheese, while not exceptional, served its purpose as a cooling side. And the fried chicken—despite its intense heat—proved why it’s so beloved.

Whether you’re a fan of fried chicken, intrigued by their chicken burgers, or simply looking for a new spot to try, Hot Bird Damansara Uptown in Petaling Jaya is a place worth visiting.

Check out other food in Selangor:

• Thyme Out HQ @ Subang, Selangor
• Fowl Chicken Burgers at Fowlboys SS15 @ Subang Jaya, Selangor
• The Best Nasi Lemak in Malaysia? – Village Park Nasi Lemak @ Uptown Damansara, Selangor

My Rating

70%: Ambiance
70%: Price (value for money)
85%: Taste
70%: Location
90%: Service
77%: Overall Rating

Opening Hours

Open daily from 12 PM – 9:30 PM

Address / Contact Information

Hot Bird
83
Jalan SS 21/1A
Damansara Utama
47400 Petaling Jaya
Selangor