Kelly RainierI still remember the night I binge-watched an entire season of a Korean drama and suddenly found myself craving more than just the next episode—I was hooked on Korean fried chicken (KFC).
It started with a casual Google search, but soon, I was scouring Vancouver for the crispiest, most flavorful bites. Now, my friends know me as this city’s go-to guide for all things KFC.
If you’re anything like me, once you taste that perfect blend of sweet and spicy, there’s no turning back. In this article, we’ll dive into my top picks for Korean fried chicken spots in Vancouver, so keep reading to find out which spots will get you hooked!
1. Kosoo Korean Restaurant
Media credit: kosoo_restaurant
Website: http://kosoo.ca/
Address: 1128 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1B2, Canada
Contact details: +16044288414
Operating hours: 11:30 AM–11:30 PM
Pricing: $$
When I enter Kosoo Korean Restaurant, this modern yet casual vibe sets the tone for a quick lunch or a chill dinner with my friends. Of course, we always order their Korean fried chicken, especially their Honey Butter Soy Garlic flavor.
I guess I speak for everyone when I say there’s something about that sweet and savory combo that hits the spot every time. And you should try eating this flavorful chicken with their rice cakes and potatoes. It’s just a killer combo!
But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try their Mayak flavor. I must warn you: This isn’t for the faint of heart. The chicken is dusted with spicy cheese powder, which will most likely leave you sweating a bit, but that’s part of the fun, right?
Pro tip:
When ordering Korean fried chicken here, pair it with their Wild Fries. It might sound unusual, but trust me when I say those crispy fries go amazingly well with any of their signature sauces!
2. Nene Chicken
Media credit: nenechickenca
Website: https://www.nenechicken.ca/
Address: 1070 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5V 1N9, Canada
Contact details: +16048750083
Operating hours: 12–11 PM
Pricing: $
Nene Chicken is one of the OGs for fried chicken, not just in Vancouver but also in South Korea. Since 1999, it has been known for offering classic bone-in and boneless fried chicken.
While you can’t go wrong with their classic original flavor, the show’s star is their Swicy flavor, which stands for sweet and spicy. It’s always like a party for your taste buds and has never failed to make me return for more!
For those who want to embrace their wild side, they also have the Freaking Hot flavor. At first, I thought the spiciness was manageable, but in the end, it left me sweating but still grabbing another piece!
Pro tip:
You can take home your fried chicken using their takeout boxes! I love how they’ve been designed to keep the crunch we all love intact, so you won’t have to worry about taking a soggy piece home.
3. Kyochon Chicken
Media credit: kyochon_ca
Website: https://www.kyochonchicken.ca/
Address: 1471 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C1, Canada
Contact details: +12364553378
Operating hours: 11:30 AM–11 PM
Pricing: $$
Kyochon Chicken is a South Korean fried chicken franchise that’s been a game changer since its debut in Vancouver. It’s not your typical fast food joint. When you enter, it has a casual, modern vibe, perfect for a fun night out or a laid-back meal with friends.
Their menu is packed with boneless chicken, classic drumsticks, and wings. After choosing one of these, dip the chicken in their three-step saucing technique. First, there’s the Honey Series, a perfectly balanced sweet sauce.
Then, you can try the Red Series, their spicy sauce variant. It’s for anyone who appreciates a good kick with their fried chicken. Finally, you have to try their soy garlic chicken, with maybe some potato wedges on the side.
Pro tip:
You can also pair your meal with garlic butter fried rice. It adds an extra layer of richness without overpowering those amazing Korean flavors!
4. bb.q Chicken
Media credit: howoodkuen
Website: https://bbqchickenca.com/british-columbia/vancouver/main-street/
Address: 4470 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3R3, Canada
Contact details: +12365218256
Operating hours: 12 PM–12 AM
Pricing: $$
Another spot in Vancouver that has redefined fried chicken for me is BBQ Chicken. I cannot recommend their Golden Olive Chicken enough. It’s perfect whenever I crave something crispy and flavorful on the inside.
They’re also known for their Gangnam-style chicken, which has a legendary status because of the flavor explosion of sweet and spicy chicken and everything in between. There are more than 10 flavors, so you’ll never run out of choices.
If your friends and family are also fans of KFC, you can even hold your birthday party here. It’s a welcoming space for big or small gatherings. To balance the spiciness of their chicken, they serve many cool and refreshing drinks.
Pro tip:
Try pairing your Korean fried chicken with side dishes like kimchi coleslaw. It adds an amazing crunch and tanginess that perfectly complements the crispy exterior!
5. Le Coq Frit
Media credit: lecoqfrit_vancouver
Website: http://lecoqfrit.ca/
Address: 1888 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6J 1Y9, Canada
Contact details: +16045688776
Operating hours: 11 AM–9 PM
Pricing: $
Le Coq Frit stands out as it channels the Korean chicken vibe with a hint of West Coast flair. For first-timers, you can’t go wrong with their spicy, crispy chicken. It’s crunchy and tangy, but it will make you and your friends finish the whole plate.
Try their boneless thighs and chicken wings, which come in classic flavors like honey, garlic, soy, and sweet and spicy. For risk-takers they also have the Nashville Hot flavor. After trying this, I remember reaching for more napkins and sweating.
What I love most about Le Coq Frit is their commitment to sustainability. They aim to be a zero-waste company, and I can see that with all their eco-friendly packaging made from recycled materials.
Pro tip:
Try pairing your Korean-inspired fried chicken with their Corn Salad. It has a creamy dressing that adds a delightful freshness to balance out all that crispy goodness!
6. Chicko Chicken
Media credit: with.rose.love
Address: 1521 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6J 1W6, Canada
Contact details: +12364763494
Operating hours: 11 AM–9:30 PM
Pricing: $
Chicko Chicken is my go-to for fried chicken when I’m on a budget. My friends and I love ordering their Korean fried chicken boxes. It’s crispy and juicy with different flavors that satisfy our comfort food cravings every time.
Our go-to combo is the Half and Hal because why choose one when you can have both? We usually order the original and Yangneom, which we love for its sweet and tangy sensation.
For those who like a serious punch with their meals, you can try their Buldak flavor. But let me warn you, it’s now for the faint of heart because the heat ramps up your taste buds.
Pro tip:
Try pairing it with kimchi coleslaw. It adds an amazing crunch and tanginess that perfectly complements the chicken’s rich flavors!
7. Pelicana Chicken
Media credit: pelicana_robson
Website: https://www.pelicana.ca/location
Address: 382 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2B2, Canada
Contact details: +16046810420
Operating hours: 11 AM–8:30 PM
Pricing: $
My friends and I love Pelicana Chicken because of its cozy, intimate space. With limited seating, we can easily relax and hang out while we enjoy some good food.
When the place is full, we usually order takeout and enjoy chicken in our dorm rooms on a lazy Friday night. I remember diving into their spicy chicken bowl. It was tangy yet savory, and I had a generous serving to share with my friends.
Their other unique flavors include garlic, creamy onion chicken, authentic Gochujang, and hot devil wings. Add these to your KFC box order, and enjoy a chicken wing competition with your friends!
Pro tip:
Try pairing your spicy fried chicken with Japchae from the Spicy Chicken Bowl. They add a delightful texture contrast that perfectly complements the crispy fried chicken.
8. Damso Modern Korean Cuisine
Media credit: damsocuisine
Website: https://damso-restaurant.ca/denman
Address: 867 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L9, Canada
Contact details: +16046320022
Operating hours: 12–4 PM, 5–9:30 PM
Pricing: $$
Damso Modern Korean Cuisine is known for its twist on Korean dishes we never knew we needed. Their KFC platter features juicy fried chicken with a hint of garlic for a nice little kick.
The restaurant has an Izakaya-style feel. You can grab a seat and enjoy the casual atmosphere. If you’re too lazy to leave your place, they also offer fast takeout and delivery options, so you can still enjoy the crunchy chicken at home.
I love going here after 9 PM because they have an all-you-can-eat Korean fried chicken deal. Choosing from the various chicken flavors makes me feel like a kid in a candy store. Pair them with the spicy aioli dip, which complements the chicken perfectly.
Pro tip:
Order those addictive sweet potato fries alongside your meal! They add just the right amount of sweetness to balance out all that savory goodness from your fried chicken feast!
9. Mogu Fried Chicken
Media credit: mogufriedchicken
Website: https://www.eatmogu.com/
Address: 1012 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3W9, Canada
Contact details: +16042151778
Operating hours: 4–10 PM
Pricing: $$
Mogu Fried Chicken blends crispy fried chicken with Japanese-inspired dishes. When you enter this restaurant, you’ll be greeted by a mural with sandwich lovers in Tokugawa clothing while battling a monster over their meals. Now that’s quite welcome!
They nail their crispy chicken karaage. While it’s delicious, I couldn’t help but pair it with their signature spicy gochujang sesame sauce. I love the heat from the gochujang, the nutty sesame flavor, and the chicken.
While you’re there, you can also try their katsu sandos, spicy tuna, and prawn fritters. These are great snacks that I love taking out and bringing to picnics at the park or the beach.
Pro tip:
Try ordering their Sunday special—a $10 deal for three pieces of chicken with fries and your choice of dipping sauce—and remember to ask for extra sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
10. Zabu Chicken
Media credit: zabuchicken
Website: https://www.zabuchicken.com/
Address: 1635 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C8, Canada
Contact details: +16046020021
Operating hours: 5 PM–1 AM
Pricing: $$
Zabu Chicken has won me for their authentic Korean-style fried chicken and cozy setting. As you enter, there’s dim lighting and corner booths you can cram in with your friends, and some Korean music videos are in the background to set the mood!
I always order their Zabu Hot and Original Soy flavors. At first, I thought the spicy version would be too hot for my liking, but their version had the perfect balance of heat and flavor that grabbed more chicken.
On the other hand, the Original Soy is savory, and you can always make a complete meal from it. Also, don’t miss out on their pickled radish banchan. It’s a great side dish that beautifully complements the fried chicken.
Pro tip:
Pair your spicy fried chicken with a side of rice. It helps cool down your palate between bites!
