PETALING JAYA, Oct 13 — There’s no escape from Hallyu, known as the Korean Wave.
From the Korean drama Winter Sonata that started it all to brightly-dressed K-pop stars with fancy dance moves, Korean culture is taking the world by storm.
But if you think it is only limited to pop culture, you are wrong. Korean cuisine is also becoming very popular internationally, including Malaysia, and I’m not just talking about kimchior BBQ.
Dak-galbi, ja jjang myeon, sam gae tang are just a handful of Korean dishes that have been introduced to the Malaysian palate.
And if there is one thing that can give KFC and McDonald’s a run for their money, it has to be Korean fried chicken.
Also known aschi-maek, it is also gaining popularity thanks to its publicity in Korean dramas and movies.
The recent hit Korean drama You Who Come From The Stars portrays the main star as a big fan of chicken and beer.
In South Korea, chicken and beer are as ubiquitous as pizzas or burgers. Like pizza, it has its own delivery service so you can order it any time you want.
Recently, one of the largest Korean fried chicken chains opened its first store in 1 Utama, Bandar Utama.
The award-winning Kyochon became an instant hit with Malaysians, especially those who have tried it overseas.
Established in 1991, Kyochon has opened more than a thousand outlets across the globe and it is set to open more outlets with a target of 10,000 in 35 countries. It also helps that the ambassador of the brand is Korean heartthrob Lee Min Ho who acted in the Korean drama Boys Over Flowers.
So, how does Kyochon, or Korean fried chicken, differ from other fried chicken?
Firstly, it is cut into smaller portions so that the flavours really get into the chicken. Also, the skin is paper thin and crisp, which is unlike the crunchy thick skin of other fried chicken.
Korean fried chicken is already marinated with various types of sauces so you don’t really require dipping sauces to enhance the taste.
Kyochon offers a number of flavours and types of chicken to munch on.
There is the Original Soy Series which is coated in soy garlic glaze. Simple and yummy, it is a fuss-free choice for first-timers.
The Red Series is extremely spicy, coated in hot sauce made from the spiciest Korean peppers. Definitely not for the faint-hearted!
If you prefer something sweet, you can try the Honey Series which is also sticky. I reckon this is what kids would like because of the sweetness.
The only series that requires dipping sauce is the Sal Sal series. The Sal Sal chicken strips are coated in a special rice batter and you can choose Honey Mustard, Jambalaya or Red sauce for dipping into.
The Original Soy Series, Red Series and Honey Series come in two types: the chicken wing or the drumstick.
Compared to other fried chicken chains, Kyochon is not the cheapest. Kyochon will be opening their next two outlets in Pavilion and Sunway Pyramid.
For now, you can check out their debut outlet at: Lot 311, Lower Ground, 1 Utama, Bandar Utama, PJ.
Website: www.kyochon.com.my
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KyoChonMalaysia
