Chi-maek (Korean Fried Chicken)

Possibly every town or country has its own version of fried chicken, and one of the most-loved across the globe is chi-maek or Korean fried chicken – yes, aka “the other KFC”.

What sets the Korean fried chicken apart from all other fried chicken in the world is the crispy paper-thin skin that shatters at every bite. You can expect chi-maek to be spicy – as is the case of plenty of food in Korea.

The ones sold on the streets of Seoul, however, come with a drizzle of honey-mustard sauce, which brings the spice level down a notch while embracing it in a beautiful cacophony of flavors.

Chi-maek is served in a paper cup along with fried potatoes and rice cake. Make sure to get the bigger cup because it is so addicting, you’ll surely want more.

Here are the best places to have chi-maek in Seoul.

• HONG CUP | Hongdae
  For chi-maek that comes with a variety of sauces
  What to order: Chi-maek, Local Beer
  Price range: 2,500 to 10,000 Won ($2.16 to $8.64)
  When: 12:00 – 02:00 Weekdays; 12:00 – 03:00 Fridays and Saturdays; Closed on Tuesdays
  Where: 365-16 Seogyodong, Mapogu, Seoul
• MYEONGDONG | Jung-gu
  For a seemingly limitless array of street food
  What to order: Chi-maek, Stuffed Squid, Grilled Cuttlefish
  Price range: 500 to 5,000 Won ($0.43 to $4.32)
  When: 17:00 – 23:00 Daily
  Where: MRT Exit 5/6/7/8, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
• HAN CHU KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN | Gangnam-gu
  For fried chicken that has the locals’ stamp of approval
  What to order: Chi-maek, Stuffed Peppers, Beer
  Price range: 13,000 to 18,000 Won ($11.24 to $15.56)
  When: 17:00 – 03:00 Daily
  Where: 68 Nonhyeon-ro 175-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea