What's that irresistible scent wafting through the air? It's the savoury, addictive aroma of London's latest obsession: Korean fried chicken. With roots tracing back to the Goryeo Dynasty, KFC has evolved over the centuries to become the perfect companion to pickled radish and cold beer. South Korea even has a name for this iconic pairing — chimaek, AKA chicken and beer. Luckily, you don't need to fly halfway across the world to indulge in this juicy, finger-licking treat. Just head to one of London's top Korean fried chicken spots and experience the crunch for yourself.
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On The Bab
On the hunt for halal Korean fried chicken in London? With branches in Shoreditch and Covent Garden, this popular Korean street food joint is the perfect spot for a quick and tasty bite. On The Bab specialises in plates of Korean fried chicken coated with crispy batter and sprinkled with sesame seeds tossed in flavours like soy ginger, sweet spicy, and garlic mayo. Expect to be served plenty of yangyum chicken in enamel camping-style plates along with a droolworthy selection of steamed, meat-stuffed buns. P.S. It's a no-booking zone, so get there early before the queue gets crazy.
A central London staple, all manner of crispy goodness is whipped up at On The Bab.
Seoul Bird
There's no place like Seoul Bird to satisfy all your Korean fried chicken cravings. Brought to life by Judy Joo and Andrew Hales, this place promises a speedy street food experience bursting with Asian zest. Their chicken is soy-brined for 24 hours and then double-fried to crispy perfection with carefully selected Korean spices packing in tonnes of flavour. Topped with gochujang mayo or citrus soy dressing, the meat is then draped over a crunchy mix of red cabbage, daikon, onion, and carrot. On the side, you've got tater tots, mac' n' cheese, kimchi and milkshakes to sip while you munch.
With a crunch so loud you can hear it from a few towns over, Seoul Bird serves up a finger-licking delight.
Chick And Beers
The crispiest, juiciest, most finger-licking treats you'll find in all of London, Chick And Beers serves fried chicken that is a literal work of art. The chicken features a golden-brown, ultra-crispy exterior with a tender, juicy interior, creating a tasty contrast with every mouthful. On the menu, there are tonnes of tenders and wings, all available in a range of heat levels and generously glazed with sauces like sweet chilli and garlic soy. Pair your feast with fun sides like gooey mozzarella sticks and spicy jalapeño poppers, and wash it all down with a choice of beers or a splash of soju. Their standard spicy offers a sweet-hot kick, but if you're feeling brave, the staff are ready to turn up the heat.
As the name suggests, Chick And Beers is all about a flavour combination that's a match made in crispy heaven.
Olle
Olle is not your run-of-the-mill BBQ joint. This chic, two-story spot, dressed in sleek teal and stone counters, sets the stage for a dining experience that's as stylish as it is tasty. Known for its Korean BBQ, including top-notch wagyu ribeye and pork belly, this hotspot also brings the heat with its Korean fried chicken. Double-fried for extra crunch, each bite is drizzled with a sweet-savoury sauce that's downright addictive. Forget the chopsticks and cutlery; here, you'll want to dive in with your hands and savour every saucy moment. Winner, winner.
We're practically salivating at the thought of Olle's crunchy chicken drenched in fiery sauces.
CheeMC
Few things can warm the heart like a basket of fried chicken, and there's no better place than CheeMc to make that happen. This laid-back Korean spot, with locations in Elephant and Castle and Soho, is famed for its Korean fried chicken, offering seven tantalising flavours. Each piece is twice-fried to achieve extra crispiness and coated in a variety of sauces. Our top pick? The honey chilli, which strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. But if you're up for a challenge, the spicy gochoo will have you reaching for tissues and water as you savour that final, fiery wing.
Indulge in a
mouthwatering assortment of flavours, from the traditional to the
unconventional, at CheeMC.
Wing Wing
Inspired by South Korea's famous chicken and beer combo, Wing Wing in Fitzrovia brings you the ultimate crispy chicken experience paired perfectly with an ice-cold brew. They serve up ultra-crispy wings, drumsticks, and boneless strips that are double-fried to perfection — crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Their motto, 'brushed with glory,' means each piece of crispy goodness is slathered in one of their secret glazes: soy garlic, extra hot, or even sticky liquorice for the adventurous.
Looking for
Korean fried chicken in central London? Wing Wing is your best
bet.
Naru
Searching for Korean fried chicken in London's Chinatown? Naru on Shaftesbury Avenue is the real deal when it comes to Korean cuisine. With its pale wood accents and subtle Eastern designs, this tranquil haunt sets the stage for a delicious journey through authentic Korean flavours. From sizzling bibimbap and Korean BBQ to crispy fried chicken and tangy kimchi, Naru delivers a taste of Seoul that's simply unforgettable. Indulge in plates upon plates of their dak twigim — crispy fried chicken bites smothered in garlic and ginger soy, sweet and sour, or a fiery Korean chilli sauce.
A Korean
cuisine specialist, Naru serves some of the best fried chicken in
the capital.
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