Cardiff has a new go-to for Hot fried chicken, but this one is doing things a little differently.
Doolally, a new independent restaurant, has opened on High Street just a couple of minutes from Cardiff Castle, taking over the former Chai Street site and they are the same team. While hot chicken is at the heart of the menu, this is not your typical Nashville Hot-chicken style setup.
Instead, Doolally is built around the idea of global hot chicken, with five distinct sauce “lanes” inspired by flavours from around the world. There is Seoul for something milder, Hanoi for a bit more heat, Kingston bringing smoky Jamaican spice, Bombay for a deeper, fiery kick, and finally Nashville, sitting at the extreme end with its classic inferno-style heat.
The key difference is that each option is not just about spice level, but flavour. Nashville is just one part of the menu, not the whole identity.
The chicken itself is also done differently. It is marinated overnight rather than simply dipped, then coated in a special batter for an extra crispy finish, giving it a deeper flavour and a proper crunch.
Alongside the chicken, the menu includes mac and cheese, rice boxes and sides like crispy chicken skin, keeping things simple but well thought through.
The concept behind Doolally is all about cutting down the endless menu scrolling. Instead of a long list of options, it works on a simple system. Pick your chicken, choose your heat, and pair it with a drink.
And the drinks matter here. Doolally is also set up as a proper bar, with curated taps, cold cans, their own beer, and a short cocktail menu, including a 2 for £12 offer. The idea is that hot chicken and cold beer go hand in hand, with certain drinks designed to pair with specific flavours, like the smoky Kingston sauce.
There is seating inside for those who want to stay, but it works just as well as a quick grab-and-go spot on one of Cardiff’s busiest streets.
Doolally officially opened on 19th March 2026, keeping much of the original team from the previous site but completely reworking the food and concept.
For anyone who thought Cardiff had seen every version of fried chicken already, this might be something a bit different.
You can find Doolally – 15 High Street, Cardiff or you can follow them on the socials – @doolallyhotchicken
