What is the Taiwanese street-food snack of bite-sized fried chicken pieces seasoned with basil called?

The Taiwanese street-food snack of bite-sized fried chicken pieces seasoned with basil is called Taiwanese popcorn chicken.

Taiwanese popcorn chicken is made from small pieces of chicken, often thigh meat, marinated with soy sauce, rice wine, garlic, ginger, and five-spice seasoning. The pieces are coated in sweet-potato starch and deep-fried until the coating becomes rough and crisp.

Fresh Thai basil leaves are commonly fried briefly and mixed with the chicken before serving. Vendors may add white pepper, chili, or a custom seasoning powder. The snack is especially associated with Taiwan’s night markets, where it is served in paper bags or cups.

The word “popcorn” refers to the bite-sized shape rather than the presence of corn. Taiwanese popcorn chicken should also be distinguished from American popcorn chicken, which usually has a different marinade, coating, and seasoning profile.