Craving the viral sensation of Korean fried chicken right in the heart of New York City? Look no further than Bonchon Chicken’s 38th Street location in Midtown Manhattan. Born from the Korean chain that sparked a global fried chicken frenzy, Bonchon offers a uniquely crispy and flavorful experience that stands out from the crowd. While the buzz around Korean fried chicken might seem recent, the secret of its addictive crunch and savory sauces has been delighting food lovers for years.
Bonchon has strategically placed several locations throughout New York City and New Jersey, making it accessible to those seeking this crispy indulgence. Among these, the Bonchon Chicken at 248 West 38th Street holds a prime position for both locals and visitors navigating the bustling streets of Midtown. This location provides a perfect spot to dive into the Korean fried chicken craze without venturing far from the city’s central attractions.
Bonchon Chicken storefront on Lemoine Ave, Fort Lee, NJ. A red and white sign is visible above the entrance.
Image: The exterior of a Bonchon Chicken restaurant, showcasing its branding and storefront appeal.
What sets Bonchon apart is its signature frying method, resulting in chicken that boasts an incredibly thin, almost glass-like crispy skin without being greasy. This contrasts with traditional American fried chicken, offering a lighter yet intensely crunchy texture. The chicken is then hand-brushed with your choice of sauce – the iconic Soy Garlic, a savory and subtly sweet glaze, or the Spicy, which delivers a fiery kick that still allows the chicken’s flavor to shine through.
Similar to other Korean fried chicken hotspots, Bonchon’s menu is focused and streamlined, emphasizing quality over quantity. You can choose from wings, drumsticks, or a combination, and decide between the Soy Garlic and Spicy sauces. For those who want the best of both worlds, Bonchon happily offers the option to go “half and half,” allowing you to savor both distinct flavors in a single order. Sizes range from medium to large, catering to individual cravings and group sharing.
A selection of Bonchon Chicken pieces in a bowl, showcasing the crispy skin and sauce.
Image: Close-up of Bonchon Chicken highlighting its crispy texture and glaze.
While some might compare Bonchon to competitors, particularly in terms of sauce profiles, Bonchon holds its own with its unique crispiness and balanced flavors. While another popular Korean fried chicken joint might offer a spicier kick due to a heavier Gochujang presence in their spicy sauce, Bonchon’s spicy option provides a cleaner heat that complements, rather than overpowers, the chicken itself. Similarly, Bonchon’s Soy Garlic sauce is subtly sweet and deeply savory, allowing the soy and garlic notes to harmonize without becoming overly saccharine.
The Bonchon Chicken location on 38th Street provides a convenient dine-in option with tables available, although many customers opt for takeout to enjoy this crispy chicken at home or in their offices. Given the popularity of Bonchon, especially during peak hours, calling ahead for takeout orders is highly recommended to minimize wait times.
Bonchon Chicken dining area with several tables set for customers.
Image: The interior of a Bonchon Chicken restaurant, showing the dining space.
Whether you are a seasoned Korean fried chicken enthusiast or a newcomer eager to experience the hype, Bonchon Chicken on 38th Street offers a fantastic entry point. Its central location in Midtown Manhattan, combined with its consistently crispy and flavorful chicken, makes it a must-try destination for anyone seeking a satisfying and trendy meal. Skip the usual lunch or dinner options and treat yourself to the Bonchon experience – your taste buds will thank you.
A medium sized order of Bonchon Chicken "Special" with half Spicy and half Soy Garlic flavors.
Image: A serving of Bonchon Chicken combo featuring both Spicy and Soy Garlic flavors, showcasing the variety.
