Marinate the chicken with salt, sugar, MSG, Shaoxing wine, and minced garlic for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.
Coat the marinated chicken in a crispy flour mix (Korean-style works well).
Double fry the chicken: first on medium heat until cooked through, then on high heat until golden and crispy.
Make the fish sauce caramel by simmering sugar, fish sauce, and sliced/smashed garlic clove until it forms a golden caramel. Cool and store in a jar.
Toss the fried chicken in a few spoonfuls of the fish sauce caramel, finely diced chili, finely sliced lemongrass, and finely diced purple onion or shallot until sticky, glossy, and aromatic.
Garnish the chicken with spring onion, fresh coriander, and a lime wedge.
