Korean fried chicken, affectionately known as KFC, has taken the world by storm with its crispy exterior, juicy meat, and irresistible flavors. Whether it’s double-fried for extra crunch or coated in a spicy, tangy sauce, Korean fried chicken offers a unique twist on a beloved classic. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top Korean fried chicken restaurants around the world where you can indulge in some of the best crispy, flavorful chicken.
1. Bonchon (Global)
Bonchon is arguably one of the most well-known Korean fried chicken chains worldwide. Originally from South Korea, Bonchon has expanded across the U.S., Asia, and beyond. Their fried chicken is famous for being double-fried, giving it an extra-crispy texture while remaining tender and juicy inside. Bonchon offers two signature flavors: soy garlic and spicy. Both are equally delicious, with the soy garlic offering a savory, sweet taste and the spicy packing a punch of heat.
What Makes It Special: Bonchon’s double-fried chicken ensures that every bite is super crispy. Their consistency across locations makes it a reliable go-to for authentic Korean fried chicken.
Locations: Multiple locations in the U.S., Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
2. Kyochon (South Korea, Global)
Kyochon is a well-loved chain in South Korea, and its popularity has spread internationally. Known for its emphasis on using fresh, high-quality chicken, Kyochon’s fried chicken is light, crispy, and packed with flavor. Their signature honey glaze chicken is a must-try for those who enjoy a sweeter, sticky sauce. They also offer a variety of other sauces, including soy garlic and spicy.
What Makes It Special: Kyochon’s commitment to using fresh ingredients sets it apart, and their honey glaze flavor is a standout for its perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
Locations: South Korea, the U.S., China, Thailand, Malaysia, and more.
3. Pelicana (South Korea, U.S.)
Pelicana is one of South Korea’s original fried chicken chains, founded in 1982. Their fried chicken is famous for its thick, crunchy coating and bold, flavorful sauces. The classic Pelicana sauce is a sweet and spicy mix, but they also offer a variety of flavors like garlic, soy, and honey. Pelicana has expanded to several locations in the U.S., bringing its signature fried chicken to international audiences.
What Makes It Special: Pelicana’s chicken has a thicker, crunchier coating than some other chains, making it ideal for those who love an extra crispy bite. Their sauces are bold and flavorful, adding a punch to each bite.
Locations: South Korea, the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
4. bb.q Chicken (South Korea, Global)
bb.q Chicken, also known as “Best of the Best Quality Chicken,” is another major player in the Korean fried chicken scene. They pride themselves on offering a wide variety of fried chicken flavors, from classic soy garlic to more adventurous options like Gangnam-style, Golden Olive, and Cheese Sprinkle. Their chicken is known for its golden, crunchy exterior and tender meat inside. bb.q Chicken also has a strong presence in popular Korean dramas, adding to its cultural appeal.
What Makes It Special: With a diverse menu of flavors and consistently high-quality chicken, bb.q Chicken is great for those who like to try different styles of fried chicken.
Locations: South Korea, the U.S., Canada, Australia, and more.
5. The Frying Pan (South Korea)
The Frying Pan is a popular chain in South Korea, known for its unique presentation and delicious fried chicken. Their chicken is typically served in a pan with various sides, such as fries, garlic chips, or even melted cheese. The Frying Pan offers a variety of sauces and flavors, from classic fried chicken to their spicy yangnyeom sauce.
What Makes It Special: The Frying Pan’s creative presentation and the option to customize your chicken with different toppings and sides make it a unique and fun dining experience.
Locations: South Korea.
6. Two Two Chicken (South Korea, Global)
Two Two Chicken is a long-standing Korean fried chicken chain that has been serving up crispy, flavorful chicken since 1978. They offer a variety of fried chicken options, including their popular sweet and spicy yangnyeom sauce, as well as plain fried chicken for those who prefer a simpler flavor. Two Two Chicken’s crispy coating and juicy chicken have made it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
What Makes It Special: Two Two Chicken’s simple yet perfectly fried chicken and signature yangnyeom sauce make it a reliable choice for authentic Korean fried chicken.
Locations: South Korea, the U.S., and Asia.
7. Mad for Chicken (U.S.)
Mad for Chicken is a Korean fried chicken chain based in the U.S., particularly popular in New York City. Known for its signature soy garlic and spicy fried chicken, Mad for Chicken focuses on using natural ingredients and hormone-free chicken. Their chicken is double-fried, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior that holds up well to their flavorful sauces. In addition to fried chicken, Mad for Chicken also offers a variety of Korean-inspired appetizers and sides.
What Makes It Special: Mad for Chicken is known for its high-quality, hormone-free chicken and its commitment to sustainability. Their soy garlic sauce is a fan favorite.
Locations: New York City and other parts of the U.S.
8. Chir Chir (South Korea, Global)
Chir Chir is a unique Korean fried chicken restaurant known for its larger portions and creative takes on fried chicken dishes. One of their signature items is the Crispy Fried Chicken with Garlic and Rosemary, but they also offer more adventurous dishes like cheese fondue fried chicken and spicy chili chicken. Chir Chir is a fun place to dine with friends, thanks to its shareable portions and inventive menu.
What Makes It Special: Chir Chir’s inventive menu and large, shareable portions make it a great spot for group dining. Their creative fried chicken dishes offer a twist on the traditional.
Locations: South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
9. Dak & Bop (Houston, U.S.)
Dak & Bop is a trendy Korean fried chicken spot located in Houston, Texas. Known for its crispy double-fried chicken and unique sauces, Dak & Bop serves Korean fried chicken with an American twist. Their menu includes a variety of flavors, including soy garlic, spicy, and tangy yangnyeom, as well as creative sides like kimchi fries and pickled radish. Dak & Bop has quickly gained a loyal following for its flavorful chicken and vibrant atmosphere.
What Makes It Special: Dak & Bop’s combination of authentic Korean flavors and American fusion dishes make it a standout spot in Houston’s diverse food scene.
Location: Houston, Texas.
10. Chimaek (Global Trend)
While not a specific restaurant, "Chimaek" is the term for pairing Korean fried chicken with beer (maekju). This iconic combination has become a cultural phenomenon in South Korea and has spread worldwide, with many Korean fried chicken restaurants offering chimaek deals. Whether you’re at a local pub in Seoul or a Korean restaurant abroad, indulging in fried chicken with a cold beer is a must-try experience.
What Makes It Special: Chimaek represents the perfect blend of crispy fried chicken and refreshing beer, making it the ultimate way to enjoy Korean fried chicken.
Korean fried chicken is beloved for its crispy texture, bold flavors, and versatility, with each restaurant offering its own unique take on this popular dish. Whether you’re enjoying a plate of soy garlic chicken at Bonchon or digging into a cheesy fried chicken dish at Chir Chir, you can’t go wrong with the deliciously addictive flavors of Korean fried chicken.
If you’re craving some of the best KFC, be sure to visit one of these top Korean fried chicken restaurants, or explore the growing trend of chimaek by pairing your favorite fried chicken with an ice-cold beer!
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