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｜Hoshigi 2-Bird Chicken｜Mixed Flavor Half-Half Fried Chicken

Popular Korean fried chicken in Shin-Okubo with 7 flavor options and half-and-half platters. Signature dish: sweet and spicy sauce (Yangnyeom) fried chicken.

Also available is spicy chicken offal hot pot (Koprotitan), with a lively atmosphere.

03｜Kang Ho Dong 678｜Light and Crispy Fried Chicken

Korean fried chicken chain founded by celebrity Kang Ho-dong. Made with domestic chicken fried in canola oil for a crispy texture, with a variety of sauce options.

About 3 minutes walk from JR Shin-Okubo Station.

04｜CHiMCKiNG｜Fried Chicken & Beer Pairing

Creative Korean cuisine featuring fried chicken and beer. Signature dish: soy-marinated fried chicken (간장치킨) made with 100% domestic chicken.

About 7 minutes walk from JR Shin-Okubo Station.

05｜Shin-chan Shin-Okubo Main Store｜Korean Charcoal Grilled Chicken

Strictly speaking, this is Korean charcoal-grilled chicken rather than fried chicken. The sauce is applied before charcoal grilling, offering a different flavor that's definitely worth trying.

Open until late night, so you can grab a meal anytime.

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.

※ Business hours, prices, addresses, and menus of the shops mentioned in this article are subject to change without notice. Some items are reference examples and not specific shop recommendations. Please check the official website or on-site announcements of each shop before your visit.