Slim Chickens makes Asia debut in Malaysia, targets 9 to 12 new outlets

    Slim Chickens has made its Asia debut in Malaysia, positioning the country as its first entry point into the region’s growing fast-casual dining segment.

    The launch coincides with the opening of the brand’s second Malaysian outlet at NU Sentral. Its first outlet began operations in SS15, Subang Jaya, in 2025.

    The Malaysia rollout forms part of the company’s longer-term ambitions in Asia, although immediate expansion plans remain focused on the domestic market.

    Slim Chickens opens second outlet in Malaysia in NU Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 8 April 2026. From left: Alice You (游诗薇), Head of Retail, NU Sentral; Sanggari Athimulam, Operation Manager, Slim Chickens Malaysia; Shuen Chiu (周嫙), Marketing Director, Slim Chickens Malaysia; and Amirul Ashraf Ravi, Halal, Supply Chain and Quality Assurance Manager, Slim Chickens Malaysia | Photo by Slim Chickens Malaysia / NHA File Photo
    Slim Chickens opens second outlet in Malaysia in NU Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 8 April 2026. From left: Alice You (游诗薇), Head of Retail, NU Sentral; Sanggari Athimulam, Operation Manager, Slim Chickens Malaysia; Shuen Chiu (周嫙), Marketing Director, Slim Chickens Malaysia; and Amirul Ashraf Ravi, Halal, Supply Chain and Quality Assurance Manager, Slim Chickens Malaysia | Photo by Slim Chickens Malaysia / NHA File Photo

    “We are excited to announce the official launch of Slim Chickens Malaysia and the opening of our second outlet at NU Sentral. Today’s launch marks the debut of Slim Chickens in Asia, kicking off the brand’s sustainable long-term expansion plan across the region. In Malaysia, we aim to open at least another nine to 12 outlets over the next two to three years,” said Shuen Chiu, marketing director of Slim Chickens Malaysia.

    Operating within the fast-casual segment, Slim Chickens is positioning itself between traditional quick-service chains and full-service restaurants, with an emphasis on cooked-to-order items and a dine-in experience geared towards social dining.

    “Slim Chickens stands in a category of its own – the fast-casual chicken tenders category: we are not a fast food, k-fry or grilled chicken restaurant. Instead, our focus is on creating light, crisp, flavourful, juicy tenders from authentic fresh chicken tenders, paired with a variety of 12 different house-made sauces for different tastes, in an environment that’s fun to hang out with friends and family alike,” Chiu said.

    The company said its first outlet in Subang Jaya has seen strong repeat patronage, reflecting demand among consumers seeking quality-focused offerings.

    Shuen Chiu (周嫙), Marketing Director, Slim Chickens Malaysia; and Amirul Ashraf Ravi, Halal, Supply Chain and Quality Assurance Manager, Slim Chickens Malaysia at the opening of their second outlet in Malaysia. NU Sentral, Kuala Lumpur. 8 April 2026 | Photo by Slim Chickens Malaysia / NHA File Photo
    Shuen Chiu (周嫙), Marketing Director, Slim Chickens Malaysia; and Amirul Ashraf Ravi, Halal, Supply Chain and Quality Assurance Manager, Slim Chickens Malaysia at the opening of their second outlet in Malaysia. NU Sentral, Kuala Lumpur. 8 April 2026 | Photo by Slim Chickens Malaysia / NHA File Photo

    “Malaysians have very discerning food tastes, and this is what we consistently see with our first outlet – our returning customer rate is high, and our biggest fans are those who understand and care about quality and flavour. We have been motivated by this and will continue to deliver premium craveable food with the best quality, clean flavours and consistency, at an affordable price,” she said.

    Malaysia’s foodservice sector is projected to see continued growth in the coming years, supported by rising consumer purchasing power and increasing adoption of digital ordering platforms, providing a favourable backdrop for international entrants.

    Beyond its menu, the brand is also placing emphasis on its service culture as part of its local positioning.

    “A huge part of Slim Chickens is also about Southern hospitality – kindness, warmth, building and welcoming communities into our ‘home’, and that’s what we are excited to build on top of our product focus. We believe that food brings people together, and that’s part of our focus for our growth,” Chiu added.

    Slim Chickens Malaysia has also obtained halal certification for its operations, which is a key consideration in the local market.

    “We are also proud to announce that Slim Chickens Malaysia has obtained halal certification for our operational premises, and we maintain stringent internal controls across our entire supply chain, from sourcing halal-certified ingredients to food preparation and kitchen operations, to ensure that every meal we serve meets the highest halal standards,” she said.

    Globally, Slim Chickens operates more than 300 outlets and continues to expand into new markets, including parts of Europe and the Middle East. Its entry into Malaysia reflects broader interest among international food and beverage brands in Southeast Asia’s evolving dining landscape. News Hub Asia's new seal logo is a black spot with the letters 'NHA' inscribed in the centre with three diagonal dots in white.