Shin-Okubo Korean Fried Chicken | 5 Major Brands and Flavor Styles

Walk north from Shinjuku Station East Exit for 7 minutes, and the aroma of the entire Okubo-dori street transforms. The scent of Korean fried chicken wafts from the alleyways, mingling with the sweet heat of spicy tteokbokki and the aroma of iced Americano. Evening in Shin-Okubo isn't a tourist street—it's a small corner of Seoul in Tokyo, where shop signs are almost entirely in Korean and most people in line speak Korean. The world of Korean fried chicken is more diverse than you might imagine. The following 5 brands cover most of the fried chicken spectrum in Shin-Okubo: from the most classic soy garlic, to the crispy double-frying technique, to the recently trending spicy and honey combinations.

5 Major Brands and Flavor Styles

Every brand has its signature flavors and signature dishes. Knowing these flavor profiles before ordering can help you avoid unnecessary detours and find exactly what you're looking for.

01｜NeNe Chicken｜One of Korea's Largest Chains

NeNe is one of Korea's largest homegrown fried chicken chains, with a location in Shin-Okubo that attracts a young clientele. Their signature "Snowing Cheese" features powdered cheese generously dusted over crispy plain fried chicken, a visual and textural masterpiece that defines the brand.

Another popular way to enjoy our chicken is the "half and half" style—half original flavor and half soy sauce or spicy, perfect for sharing between two people. Our chicken follows a tender approach with a thinner, less crispy skin rather than an ultra-crunchy style.

02｜Kyochon Chicken｜Soy Sauce Garlic Standard

Kyochon is renowned in Korea for its "Honey Series" and soy garlic flavors, representing the iconic Korean fried chicken soy sauce style. Chicken wings and drumstick small plates are popular choices at the Japanese branches.

The sauce strikes a balance—not overly sweet, not excessively salty—with garlic notes emerging in the finish. Kyochon's distinctive identity lies almost entirely in that signature coating rather than the chicken itself.

03｜BHC Chicken｜Cheese Powder Crispy Pie Representative

BHC's signature offering in Korea is the "Bburinkle" cheese powder series, featuring a savory cream cheese powder coating on the outside. It's the perfect introduction for those who love the savory-sweet flavor profile.

The fried skin is thick and crispy, with generous portions of chicken that satisfy. Perfect for sharing among 3-4 people. For those new to Korean cuisine, BHC is a reliable choice you won't regret when passing through Shin-Okubo.

04｜Bonchon Chicken｜Double-Fried Crispy Pastry

Bonchon specializes in the "double-fry" technique, featuring a thin, crispy exterior with the highest crunchiness among the five locations. Soy Garlic and Spicy are the brand's signature sauce varieties.

The portions are thoughtfully designed and pair perfectly with beer for chimaek (Korean fried chicken and beer). With early international expansion, the brand has built a stable and loyal following in Japan.

05｜KKanbu Chicken｜Emerging Korean Chain

KKanbu has been rapidly expanding across South Korea in recent years, featuring a flexible "half and half" ordering system and a diverse selection of sauces. The original salt-flavored chicken and honey-flavored options are popular choices.

For travelers looking to explore brands favored by Korea's younger generation, KKanbu is a worthwhile stop in the Shin-Okubo area.

3 Things to Check Before Ordering

Korean fried chicken shops in Shin-Okubo typically have lines forming after 6 PM, with even longer waits on weekends. Three things can help make your schedule run more smoothly. First, most restaurants offer takeout options. If your hotel has a kitchen or living area——for example, IGO HOTEL's apt-2ldk room type comes with a small kitchen and living room——bringing takeout back to your room with a beer is far more comfortable than waiting in line on-site. Second, Korean fried chicken portions are larger than expected—one order typically consists of half a chicken or a whole chicken. Two people can comfortably share one order with side dishes, while three or more people should order two different flavors. Third, the sauce spice levels are marked according to Korean standards. What's labeled "Mild" may already be considered medium-spicy for Taiwanese customers. We recommend trying the original flavor or Soy Garlic first on your initial visit, then progressing to spicier options.

The charm of Shin-Okubo isn't about finding the best restaurant—it's about choosing which flavor and atmosphere you're in the mood for that evening. Next time you walk down Okubo-dori, leave your luggage at Shinjuku East Exit and head north for 7 minutes. Start from IGO HOTEL and decide which door to step through.