Nugget chaos at the US Open

The 2025 US Open wasn’t just about tennis, it was also about one of the most talked-about food items of the year: $100 chicken nuggets topped with caviar.

David Corredor

The 2025 US Open wasn’t just about tennis, it was also about one of the most talked-about food items of the year: $100 chicken nuggets topped with caviar. Sold by Manhattan-based Korean fried chicken restaurant Coqodaq, these luxury nuggets created a stir both on-site and across social media.

• Each box contained six nuggets, elegantly paired with Petrossian caviar, crème fraîche, and chives.
• For those seeking an alternative twist, a truffle version was also available, featuring black truffle and truffle mayo.
• While the restaurant offered a plain six-pack for a more modest \$26, it was the extravagant caviar-topped version that stole the spotlight.

The unusual pairing of comfort food with a luxury delicacy sparked curiosity and controversy. Caviar, known for its buttery, nutty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, is rarely seen alongside fried chicken. Yet, the novelty of the dish proved irresistible to many fans and celebrities. Actress Katie Holmes was spotted enjoying the nuggets, and Instagram influencer @newyorknibbles dubbed them “the best bite at the Open this year.”

However, not everyone was impressed. One attendee bluntly told The New York Post, “It’s bad. It’s chewy. You’d be better getting McDonald’s.” This sentiment echoed among several others who felt the dish didn’t live up to its price tag.

• Despite mixed reviews, the nuggets succeeded in one key area: going viral.
• The dish became a social media sensation, with photos and reactions flooding platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
• The buzz highlighted a growing trend in food marketing—leveraging bold, unexpected flavor combinations to spark conversation and drive sales.

For chicken marketers, the lesson is clear: novelty sells. The success of Coqodaq’s $100 nuggets mirrors the dynamics of the chicken sandwich wars, where strong reactions and viral moments fueled consumer interest. As global flavors continue to influence food trends, we can expect more daring combinations in the future.