Korean Fried Chicken: Why Kkanbu and BBQ Are Literally Everything
Okay, real talk you guys—
I've eaten fried chicken in Nashville, New Orleans, and even that viral spot in East LA, but nothing, and I mean NOTHING, prepared me for Korean fried chicken.
It's a whole different religion here. After two weeks of "research" (aka eating my weight in crispy bird), I'm breaking down the two chains that are absolutely dominating Seoul right now: Kkanbu Chicken and BBQ Chicken.
KKANBU CHICKEN: The Underground Legend
First thing's first—KKANBU CHICKEN (깐부치킨) is the real spelling.
The company is officially "주식회사 깐부" with English name "KKANBU INC." The word "kkanbu" means "close friend," which is why it became famous after Squid Game, even though the brand started in 2006 and has no official tie to the show.
The Vibe
Kkanbu isn't your polished chain restaurant. It feels like that secret spot your Korean friend's mom told you about. The interiors are basic—plastic stools, bright lights, zero Instagram aesthetics—but the chicken? Criminal levels of good.
Signature Menu Items (What to Order)
1. Crispy Six-Pack (₩20,000–22,000 / ~$15–16)
This is their OG. Six massive pieces of double-fried chicken that crackle like an ASMR video. The batter is so thin and crispy it shatters when you bite it, but the meat inside stays stupid juicy. It's seasoned with just salt and pepper, letting the chicken speak for itself.
2. Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken (₩21,000–23,000 / ~$16–17)
Their garlic soy is what dreams are made of. It's not that sticky-sweet Americanized stuff—this is savory, garlicky, with a hint of sesame. They toss the crispy chicken in it so every piece is coated but not soggy. Pro tip: Get the boneless version if you’re sharing (or greedy).
3. Curry Chicken (₩22,000–24,000 / ~$16–18)
This is where Kkanbu gets weird (in the best way). They coat crispy chicken in Japanese-style curry powder and coconut flakes, then serve it with yogurt sauce. Sounds bizarre, tastes like a vacation. My Korean friend said it’s their "drunk food" but honestly, it’s my sober food now.
4. Hot Snow Chicken (₩21,000–23,000 / ~$16–17)
Spicy but not kill-you spicy. They use gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) in the batter, so the heat is baked into every crispy crevice. Comes with pickled radish that cuts through the grease perfectly.
How to Order (The Real Talk Version)
In-Store:
Walk in (most locations are in basements or second floors—look for the orange KKANBU sign)
Point at the menu pictures or say "Crispy Six-Pack" (they’ll understand)
They’ll ask "How many?" (even for one person, get the 6-piece. Trust.)
Pay at the counter, grab a beer from the fridge, sit down
Chicken comes out in 15-20 minutes, piping hot
Delivery (The Foreigner Hack):
Download Shuttle Delivery app—it’s literally made for foreigners. English interface, accepts foreign cards, no Korean phone number needed.
Search "Kkanbu Chicken"
"Crispy Wings & Drumettes" is the delivery version of Six-Pack
Add "Cheese Balls" (₩4,000) because they’re crack
BBQ Chicken: The Polished Giant
BBQ Chicken is the opposite of Kkanbu—it’s sleek, everywhere (600+ locations in Korea), and feels like the Korean answer to Chick-fil-A but way better.
The Vibe
Clean, modern, actual seating that isn’t plastic stools. They have English menus and staff usually speak enough English to help you. This is your safe bet if you’re chicken-shy (pun intended).
Signature Menu Items (What to Order)
1. Golden Olive Fried Chicken (₩23,000–25,500 / ~$17–19)
This is their claim to fame. They fry it in olive oil, which sounds gimmicky but creates this insanely light, non-greasy crisp that you can eat a whole box of without feeling disgusting. It’s their "original" and it’s flawless.
2. Half & Half (₩24,000–26,500 / ~$18–20)
Can’t decide? Get half Golden Olive, half Yangnyeom (sweet & spicy sauce). The Yangnyeom is that classic sticky-sweet glaze that Korean chicken is famous for—think gochujang meets honey meets crack.
3. Basak Garlic Chicken (₩24,000–26,500 / ~$18–20)
"Basak" means "crispy" and they’re not kidding. This is double-fried with garlic butter powder. It’s like the love child of garlic bread and fried chicken. Get extra napkins.
4. Cheesling Chicken (₩25,000–27,000 / ~$19–20)
For the basic bitches (no shame, I’m one of them). It’s covered in cheese powder. Tastes like a Cheeto and a chicken had a baby. Not traditional, but dangerously addictive.
How to Order (The Easy Way)
In-Store:
Walk in, grab a table
They give you an English menu with pictures
Say "Golden Olive Half & Half" or point
They’ll ask "Drink?"—get a Cass beer or Coke
Pay at the table, food comes in 15 minutes
Delivery:
Use Yogiyo or Baemin apps. BBQ is on both.
Search "BBQ Chicken"
"Golden Olive Fried Chicken" is the move
Pay Driver option lets you pay cash if your foreign card fails
The Delivery App Survival Guide (For Foreigners)
Here’s the real tea: Shuttle Delivery is your best friend as a tourist. It’s literally designed for foreigners—English interface, accepts foreign cards, no Korean phone number needed.
Step-by-step:
Download Shuttle Delivery (App Store/Google Play)
Set your address to your hotel/hostel
Browse Kkanbu or BBQ menus
Pay with Visa/Master
Food arrives in 30-40 minutes
If you’re feeling brave: Yogiyo and Baemin have more options but are Korean-language only. Use Google Translate camera feature or cry.
Kkanbu vs. BBQ: Which One Wins?
Kkanbu if you want:
That gritty, local vibe
Unique flavors (curry, hot snow)
Boneless options that are actually good
The "I discovered a secret" feeling
BBQ if you want:
Consistent, reliable quality
English menus and staff
Classic Korean fried chicken taste
To play it safe
My take: Do both. Kkanbu for the experience, BBQ for the comfort food.
Pro Tips from Someone Who Ate Too Much Chicken
Always get the pickled radish (치킨무). It’s free and cuts the grease.
Order beer (맥주). It’s not chimaek (chicken + beer) without it.
Half & Half is your friend if you can’t decide.
Delivery is cheaper than in-store (no service charge).
Leftovers are rare but if you have them, they reheat perfectly in an air fryer.
The Bottom Line
Korean fried chicken isn’t just food—it’s a cultural experience. Kkanbu feels like you’re in on a secret. BBQ feels like you’re part of the mainstream. Both will ruin all other chicken for you forever.
My LA food blogger rating:
Kkanbu: 9.5/10 (that curry chicken is insane)
BBQ: 8.5/10 (reliable, delicious, but less adventurous)
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go find a gym in Seoul. Or maybe just another Kkanbu.