A global fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in crispy, Korean fried chicken has opened its first Delaware location in Newark’s College Square shopping center.
Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken at 250 Grove Lane began serving customers on July 5. It is owned and operated by franchise owner Wei Jiang.
The chain was born in Busan, South Korea, in 2002, and has grown to more than 385 international locations including sites in Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar, Australia and Vietnam. There are more than 115 Bonchon restaurants in the United States.
The name Bonchon is a Korean word meaning “my hometown.”
Korean fried chicken first began picking up steam in New York City after it was introduced in 2006. The skin has a shattering light, almost eggshell-like texture which is much crispier than American-style fried chicken. The batter tends to be thinner to get the proper amount of crispiness, and the chicken often is fried at a lower temperature so it stays juicy.
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The Bonchon chain hand-batters its wings, drumsticks and strips, and then double-fries the chicken for more crispiness. The chicken is hand-brushed with a choice of either soy garlic or spicy sauce or a combination of the two. The chicken comes with a complimentary side of pickled radish or coleslaw.
The restaurant also offers bulgogi sliders, Korean tacos and potstickers, pork buns, popcorn shrimp, chicken katsu and udon noodle soup.
Another restaurant honing in the Korean fried chicken craze, bb.q Chicken is expected to open on South Main Street in Newark. The opening date is not known.
Contact Patricia Talorico at ptalorico@delawareonline.com and on Twitter @pattytalorico
