Comfort food with a spicy twist, chicken buffalo wings are a trend that stayed. Wings are perfect for snacking on at lunchtime, enjoying on a picnic or tucking into at a match or game. In fact, in the USA, they’re required eating at Super Bowl games!
Do buffalo wings come from Buffalo?
While buffalo wings are definitely of American origin, there’s no conclusive proof they were invented in Buffalo, New York. However, the city’s Anchor Bar claims Teressa Bellissimo created the dish there in 1964.
There’s been some name swapping along the way. While ‘wings’ often means traditional buffalo wings, ‘buffalo’ can refer to any finger-eating sized cuts of meat finished in a spicy coating and served with dips. There’s also buffalo pizza, which has the same spicy-sweet topping used to coat classic wings.
How are buffalo wings made?
A traditional buffalo wing requires a certain cut of chicken where the wing is separated into ‘drumettes’ and ‘flats’. These cuts are deep-fried without any breading until crispy. They’re then coated in a hot and spicy sauce and usually served at this point, although they can be quickly fried again for a more golden colour. It’s also possible to make a less messy home version that’s oven-baked rather than fried. The ingredients of the coating sauce vary. Different chefs and restaurant chains have their own ‘secret’ versions, but the main base ingredients are usually a vinegar-based cayenne pepper sauce and melted butter.
Buffalo wings are usually eaten using your fingers, so put out plenty of paper serviettes when serving them! Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping, and celery and carrot sticks as some healthy accompaniments. Although best eaten hot, they can be chilled and make good additions to a picnic basket.
Dining American in Singapore
Buffalo wings feature on the menu of many American-style diners around the globe, including in Singapore. Some restaurants even feature buffalo wings as their main dish, served with a wide variety of side dishes and dips.
If you’re tempted by the taste of these spicy wings, then foodpanda can bring you American-style food from its partnered restaurants in Singapore. Favourites include Wing Zone, Popeyes and Wingstop.