Harlem's King of Fried Chicken Takes on London's Southbank

NYC's best fried chicken arrives in London this week, courtesy of Harlem soul food icon, Mr. Charles Gabriel.

The perfect fried chicken isn't just about slinging some meat into bubbling oil. No. It's about the seasoning, timing, texture, crunch, but most of all, it's about the story behind it all. And few fried chicken connoisseurs have lived a life as fascinating—and dedicated—as that of Mr. Charles Gabriel.

A South Carolina native, Charles moved to New York in the 1960s when he was only 17 to work as a chef. His life has always been closely tied to the kitchen—one of 12 brothers and 8 sisters, Charles was born to a family who picked cotton for 12 hours a day on a nearby plantation. His mother had plenty of mouths to feed at the end of the exhaustive work day, and Charles soon learnt his way around her kitchen as he helped out.

They reared chickens and grew their own vegetables, a land-to-dish approach that has guided Charles' wholesome cooking style. He credits his mother for everything he knows about food, including a vital piece of advice: never deep fry chicken—always pan fry it.

"This is food that comes from the heart, recipes passed down, pan fried with love, and served up with that signature Harlem hospitality,” said Charles.

Charles spent decades cheffing in NYC's restaurants, before getting his own food truck, and growing into his own chain of restaurants: there's currently three Charles Pan Fried Chicken across NYC. Now, Charles' famed fried chicken, and iconic banana pudding, is coming to London's Southbank Centre, as part of foodie pop-up series; Truffle Burger & Friends. Make sure you head down quickly—he's only here until May 18.

Curated by London burger joint Truffle Burger, Charles' pop up is the first of a season that brings global culinary greats to the city until 21st September.

Find Charles at The Queens Walk, Under the Hungerford Bridge, SE1 8XX 
Click here to find more info.