Ohio’s Serbian-Style Fried Chicken Is A Real Hidden Treasure
Deep in Ohio, fried chicken gets a Balkan remix that’ll make your taste buds do the kolo dance. Meet Barberton chicken, a Serbian-American masterpiece with a crust so crunchy it practically shouts when you bite it and meat so juicy it drips down your wrist if you’re not careful.
Born from the kitchens of Serbian immigrants, this Midwestern marvel proves comfort food doesn’t just travel, it thrives, creating a hometown tradition that locals guard like family treasure.
5. Belgrade Gardens: The Original Chicken Hotspot
Founded in 1933 by Serbian immigrants Mike and Smilka Topalsky, Belgrade Gardens stands as the birthplace of Ohio’s legendary Barberton chicken. Their recipe hasn’t changed in nearly 90 years!
What makes their chicken extraordinary? The secret lies in lard-frying, creating that signature copper-gold crust that shatters with each bite. Locals swear nothing compares to this crispy-outside, juicy-inside perfection.
When you visit, don’t skip their famous “hot sauce” – not spicy at all, but a Serbian-inspired tomato-rice side dish that completes the authentic experience.
4. Lard Is The Secret Weapon
Where most modern fried chicken relies on vegetable oils, Serbian-style chicken takes a deliciously old-school approach by using lard as its frying medium. This traditional animal fat creates magic in the fryer!
The lard imparts a distinctive richness and depth that vegetable oils simply cannot match. Your taste buds will immediately notice the difference in that first satisfying crunch.
Though health-conscious diners might raise an eyebrow, this cooking method is part of what makes Barberton chicken a true cultural experience rather than just another meal.
3. The Hot Sauce Isn’t What You Think
First-time visitors often get confused when ordering the signature “hot sauce” alongside their Serbian chicken. Surprise! This isn’t a spicy condiment at all – it’s actually a tomato-rice side dish with Serbian roots.
Served warm in generous portions, this slightly sweet, tangy concoction provides the perfect counterbalance to the rich fried chicken. The locals dip everything in it!
How did this name mixup happen? When Serbian immigrants opened these restaurants, American customers misunderstood the name of the traditional dish, and the quirky moniker stuck for generations.
2. The Barberton Chicken Trail
Beyond Belgrade Gardens, a handful of other Serbian-owned establishments form what locals call the “Barberton Chicken Trail.” Each spot maintains fierce loyalty from chicken aficionados who debate which reigns supreme.
White House Chicken, Hopocan Gardens, and DeVore’s add their own subtle twists while honoring the traditional preparation. Some use slightly different breading, others vary the sides.
Fun fact: Barberton, with just 26,000 residents, serves approximately 30,000 chicken dinners weekly across these establishments! The small Ohio town has proudly embraced its title as the “Fried Chicken Capital of America.”
1. Chicken Parts You Didn’t Know You’d Love
Serbian-style establishments serve chicken parts most modern restaurants wouldn’t dare offer! “Chicken ribs” (actually the back portion) remain a cult favorite among in-the-know diners.
These overlooked cuts deliver incredible flavor and a uniquely satisfying eating experience. Though they require a bit more work, devoted fans insist the extra effort unlocks hidden treasures of taste and texture.
Why bother with these unusual parts? Serbian culinary tradition honors the whole animal, minimizing waste while maximizing flavor. This old-world approach creates sustainability before it was trendy and delivers authentic taste you simply can’t find elsewhere.
