Ayam goreng tops the charts as #1, with Chicken 65 at #10 on TasteAtlas's renowned list of the world's best fried chicken dishes.

This ranking comes from TasteAtlas, a leading global food guide that crowdsources ratings from users and experts to spotlight authentic cuisines. The list celebrates crispy, flavorful fried chicken variations from around the world, highlighting how these dishes blend local spices, marinades, and frying techniques for maximum appeal.

The Original Top 10 List (2023 Edition)

TasteAtlas first dropped this bombshell ranking in 2023, putting Indonesian cuisine front and center. Ayam goreng—a golden, spice-marinated fried chicken—nabbed the top spot with a stellar 4.6/5 rating, thanks to its braised-then-fried perfection using bone-in pieces like thighs and drumsticks.

Here's the full breakdown from that viral list:

  • 1. Ayam goreng (Indonesia) – Spice-marinated, braised, and fried to crispy bliss.
  • 2. Taiwanese popcorn chicken (Taiwan) – Bite-sized, garlicky poppers at 4.5 stars.
  • 3. Southern fried chicken (Southern USA) – Classic buttermilk-soaked crunch.
  • 4. Crispy fried chicken (Guangdong, China) – Double-fried for extra shatter.
  • 5. Chicken Kyiv (Ukraine) – Butter-filled surprise in every bite.
  • 6. Ayam penyet (East Java, Indonesia) – "Smashed" fried chicken with sambal heat.
  • 7. Pozharskaya kotleta (Russia) – Minced chicken cutlets, fried light.
  • 8. Backhendl (Vienna, Austria) – Breaded and fried with Viennese finesse.
  • 9-10 spots filled by others, with Chicken 65 at #10 – India's spicy, curry-leaf studded starter scored 4.3 stars, born in Chennai for fiery appetites.

This lineup sparked massive buzz, with Indian foodies cheering Chicken 65's global nod—a dish whose "65" origin remains a mystery (theories range from 65 herbs to a 1965 creation).

Updates and Shifts in Later Rankings

Fast-forward to late 2024, and TasteAtlas refreshed the list, shaking things up with Asian dominance. Korean Fried Chicken (Chikin) surged to #1, Japan's Karaage hit #2, and Chicken 65 climbed impressively to #3—proof of its rising star power amid global spice cravings.

  • Ayam goreng slipped to around #5 but stayed elite.
  • Other climbers: Chinese Zhaziji, Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, and more Indonesian hits.
  • Why the hype? Social media amplified it—NDTV, Hindustan Times, and Times of India ran stories, fueling recipe shares and "must-try" lists into 2025.

As of early 2026, these rankings still trend in food forums, with Reddit threads debating origins and home cooks tweaking recipes for that perfect crunch.

Why These Dishes Rule Fried Chicken

Fried chicken's universal love story? It's all about contrast: juicy insides, shatter-crisp outsides, and punches of local flavor. Ayam goreng wows with turmeric-kemiri spice braises; Chicken 65 brings Tamil Nadu fire via yogurt- chili marinades, curry leaves, and fried garlic.

  • Cultural tales : Chicken 65 started as a Buhari Hotel special in 1965 Chennai, possibly for drunk soldiers craving quick bites (65-minute prep?).
  • Global appeal : Both dishes prove spice-forward frying transcends borders, outranking KFC-style staples in user votes.
  • Home hacks : Marinate overnight, double-fry for crunch, toss in aromatics—easy wins for your kitchen showdown.

TL;DR at bottom: It's TasteAtlas's "Best Fried Chicken Dishes in the World," where Ayam goreng reigns supreme and Chicken 65 reps India proudly—sparking recipe frenzies ever since.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.