Kyochon, One of Korea’s Top Fried Chicken Chains, Is Open on Ke‘eaumoku

Photo: Gregg Hoshida

It started out as a simple photo taken on an early April day. On a dusty, sun-bleached window, my wife pointed out a coming soon sign next to Banchan House on Ke‘eaumoku Street. I forwarded a copy to fellow Frolicker Thomas Obungen, and what followed was a deluge of likes and comments that is still reaching followers’ feeds. Nearly six months later, Kyochon 1991 Hawai‘i—the first local franchise of one of South Korea’s biggest and most popular fried chicken chains—opened on Sept. 29.

I started craving Korean fried chicken or KFC since working my way through the menu at BB.Q Chicken in Kāhala. After that, on a trip to South Korea, I sought out KFC whenever I could. Since Kyochon opened at Like Like Plaza, I have made two pilgrimages. The menu is divided into three fried chicken “series”: honey, soy garlic and red (spicy). Each series is segmented into whole chicken, wings or boneless, with prices ranging from $17.99 for 10 wings to $32.99 for 25 wings. The simplicity of the menu is helpful when ordering—do I want something sweet, savory or spicy?

SEE ALSO: My 6 Favorite Korean Fried Chicken Flavors at Kāhala’s BB.Q Chicken

What is notable about Kyochon are the levels of crunch and glaze. As with all KFC, the chicken is double-fried, but then it’s tossed in a very generous glaze. When I open my box of honey whole chicken ($30.99), the crags and crevices of the chopped pieces catch the sunlight, sending out shimmering, golden, honey-infused beams. After the first very loud and crunchy bite, I know I am in for a delightful chicken-fueled ride.

Photo: Gregg Hoshida

The savory soy garlic and spicy red series deliver the same experience, each style focused in flavor and texture. Pair these with the not-to-be-missed chewy and slightly sweet cheese balls ($7.99), which come in mozzarella and fondue varieties. Items that I have yet to try are the kim chee fried rice ($13.99), tteokbokki ($8.99) and sweet potato fries ($5.99).

Photo: Gregg Hoshida

Not in any flavor series is the Sal Sal, which are pieces of marinated, boneless and skinless chicken breasts rolled in broken rice ($16.99 to $24.99). One of my dining partners describes it as “arare on chicken.” Sal Sal is lighter in texture and flavor and comes with your choice of aioli or a fiery gochujang dipping sauce.

Now I see why Kyochon has such a loyal following. As with other chains, the chicken is fried to order, which means every piece is crispy, sticky and hot. Pro tip: Pick up banchan from Banchan House to go with your chicken, even if you’re eating at one of Kyochon’s six dine-in tables—a manager confirmed that this is OK. It was a delight to see diners grinding on kim chee and seaweed salad while waiting for their order. That was some level-9000 eating.

SEE ALSO: My 7 Favorite Fried Chicken Wings on O‘ahu That Aren’t KFC

Local fans have kept Kyochon very busy. The shop sells out well before closing most days, so try going for lunch rather than dinner. Good luck and good eating.

Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 745 Ke‘eaumoku St. Suite C110, @kyochon_hawaii_official