Rolling Smoke is a bit of a confusing restaurant but in an excellent way.
On paper, it is a takeaway. You know, the kind of shop where a fiver can get you a decent meal with decent portions.
The shop, on 13 Morledge, Derby, is sandwiched between other takeaways like McTurks and Mama Jane’s. But the similarities end just about there.
Also read: We visited the Derby footbridge with 100s of love locks and were amazed
When you walk past Rolling Smoke, the shop catches your eye. The exterior design is different – it is more than just your usual LED signage – theirs has protruding letters with catchy alternative colours.
The interior is a superb work of art. The sitting areas are sparkling clean and the designs have been hand-carved by the owner – and it shows.
But, people don’t visit takeaways for their signage, do they? They go there for their food.
And this is where Rolling Smoke starts to pull away and fast. Despite carrying the interior of a restaurant, the takeaway has food at decent prices.
How good is Rolling Smoke takeaway food?
For weeks we have complained about being served rubbish food, to the point where some readers even suggested we stick to salad. After trying out chicken from several restaurants, we were ready to give up and go vegan.
But then, there’s Rolling Smoke. The food? Absolutely delicious.
It’s as simple as that.
When we visited, we indulged in a delightful spread that included:
- A half chicken in mango flavour, a mixed grill of sizzling beef and chicken strips with rice,
- Their highly recommended Wild West honey chicken wings,
- Two heavenly desserts: chocolate chip cookie dough and hot brownies with custard.
The best half-chicken mango flavour in Derby
The half chicken was impressive in size—more akin to a small turkey than your average chicken. The portion, advertised as a meal for one, could comfortably feed two.
In Derby, where chicken often suffers from being either overcooked or underdone, Rolling Smoke truly stands out. Their mango-flavoured chicken struck a perfect balance: tender, sweet, and beautifully infused with sauce, seasoning, and natural juices. Every bite allowed the flavours to shine through.
If you think great chicken is commonplace, think again—especially in Derby. Rolling Smoke redefines expectations, easily serving the best half chicken we’ve ever tasted.
The chicken wings that came highly recommended
Meeting the owner of Rolling Smoke is part of the experience. He’s a friendly and passionate man who takes pride in his food. He confidently suggested the Wild West honey wings, though we were initially sceptical.
Then we tried them.
Let us be clear: these wings aren’t just good—they’re world-class. Having sampled chicken wings in culinary capitals such as Hong Kong, Cape Town, and London, we can confidently say these are the best wings we’ve had globally.
Sweet, sticky, and perfectly cooked, they were nothing short of exceptional. And yes, just as promised, we found ourselves licking our lips after every bite.
Sizzling beef and chicken strips with rice
For the mixed grill, we chose the rice option, and it did not disappoint. The portion size was staggering—it could easily satisfy two to three people.
What stood out was the rice itself: aromatic and flavourful, with a texture that elevated the dish. We later learned that Rolling Smoke uses a premium type of exotic rice often served in Michelin-starred restaurants. Paired with the tender sizzling beef and chicken strips, this dish was as satisfying as it was filling.
The portion was so generous that we took the remainder home and savoured it over the next two days. It was just as enjoyable the second and third time around.
Desserts to top it all off
No meal is complete without dessert, and Rolling Smoke delivers in style. We opted for chocolate chip cookie dough and hot brownies with custard.
Both desserts were indulgent, rich, and perfectly executed. The cookie dough was gooey and packed with chocolate chips, while the hot brownies were served warm, their decadent texture beautifully complemented by the creamy custard.
If you’ve been searching for the best desserts in Derby, your quest ends here.
From the succulent chicken to the decadent desserts, Rolling Smoke creates food that doesn’t just satisfy—it leaves a lasting impression.
This is comfort food done right, and it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.
Fresh Ingredients and Handmade Perfection
We had a word with the chef before we left. We had to ask him some questions.
He told us the secret for their great food was using expensive high quality ingredients and making everything fresh.
Nothing frozen-thaw, and everything including sauces hand made. The chef told us that tt Rolling Smoke, every dish reflects a commitment to quality and freshness.
Nav, the chef, takes pride in crafting all sauces by hand daily, ensuring they are rich, flavourful, and made from the finest ingredients.
These homemade sauces complement each dish, elevating the flavours and adding a personal touch that distinguishes Rolling Smoke from other eateries.
Unlike many places that rely on frozen components, Rolling Smoke guarantees that all food is prepared fresh on the day.
This dedication extends to the selection of ingredients—each one is high quality, sourced with care, and often on the expensive side.
While this approach reduces profit margins, it results in genuinely exceptional meals, offering customers unparalleled taste and value.
The chef’s philosophy of putting flavour and freshness above cost ensures every bite reflects their passion and attention to detail.
This relentless pursuit of quality makes Rolling Smoke not just a place to eat, but an unforgettable culinary experience.
What else can I get at the best takeaway in Derby?
Rolling Smoke offers an extensive menu that goes beyond what we sampled during our visit. Alongside the highly recommended half chicken, sizzling platters, and desserts, the menu features options for everyone.
Customers can enjoy other chicken dishes, beef meals, wraps, burgers, and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something for diverse tastes. Sides like mac and cheese, seasoned fries, and slaw complement the meals.
For those seeking a full feast, Rolling Smoke also offers combo deals, including family platters and mixed grills, perfect for sharing. Drinks and dips are available to enhance the dining experience. You can explore their full menu directly on their website here.
Watch videos from incidents on TikTok
