Who doesn’t love fried chicken? And who doesn’t love fried chicken in 7 different flavors? The answer should be nobody. Seriously. My obsession for Korean fried chicken is no secret, as is my desire, really, for good food in general, but I want to bring to your attention the edgy new direction that Seoul Fried Chicken (SFC) has taken on. This isn’t your traditional Korean fried chicken shop. Yes, it has delicious crispy battered chicken pieces, with or without sauce, but it also has something else – lots of variety and side dishes aside from kimchi and pickled radishes. Don’t get me wrong, the mainstream stuff is great, but when I want Korean fried chicken twice in one week, this is where my taste buds need to be stimulated.
As some of you may have read my equally enthusiastic part-time blogger bud, Jason Fong’s post on Lee House Restaurant, you may also know that this established little family business has been usurped by a modern, more stylish Korean food joint. Seoul Fried Chicken isn’t the kind of place you want to go for a nice romantic meal, or if you want to dine with 6 of your closest friends. It’s more of a casual eat-wherever-you-can, carry out, kind of place. First off, it’s small, and if you go during peak hours you most likely will not be able to find a seat in the maybe 20 seater restaurant. If you’re ok with taking out, call first or be met with a long line that sometimes goes out the door. Whatever you choose, the chicken is worth the trip.
There are 7 flavors you can sink you mouthwatering jaws into: SFC OG (original), SFC BBQ, Onion Lover, Garlic Soy, Cilantro Lime, G.P. Cheese, and Golden Kari. I am always open to ordering different items on the menu, although I must admit, it’s hard especially when I’m craving a certain something, which happens majority of the time. So far I’ve only tried Onion Lover, Garlic Soy and G.P. Cheese, and already I have my 2 favorites. Garlic Soy and G.P. Cheese are neck-and-neck when it comes to top contenders. Garlic Soy because of its rich, deep, flavorful sauce that coats crispy battered moist chicken and leaves the taste lingering in your mouth several hours later, and G.P. Cheese because of the creamy, finely-grated cheese robe of sauce that smothers slightly lighter fried chicken pieces. Both delicious, and both very different. Almost as different as night and day, which makes the best combination when you order half of each. The common theme that both flavors definitely have is moist chicken and crisp batter. The chicken pieces are a little different from what you would expect from other Korean fried chicken places, and although they are indeed portions of whole chicken, there is difficulty distinguishing between what is thigh and breast, and occasionally pieces may include random bones and other joints that you don’t usually have. Negative or not, this may confuse those used to the typical 8 piece carefully sectioned whole chicken.
Onion Lover on the other hand, was a little disappointing. Plain fried chicken is topped with long curly strings of green onion with a side of sweet mustard dipping sauce. It was good, but nothing too special.
The Sesame Potato Slaw also deserves some special attention. This slaw is one of kind. Shredded yam, cabbage, and bits of green onion make up this delicious salad that is topped with black sesame dressing. I have not confirmed, but I suspect the dressing is yogurt based. It is sweet with a slight bite, and pairs perfectly with the slaw. A must try!
So what’s the conclusion with Seoul Fried Chicken? It’s not your atypical fried chicken shop, and you need to go, now, if possible. Bring your appetite, sense of adventure to try different flavors, and plenty of napkins. I know I will (try) next time.
Seoul Fried Chicken 7904 104 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta 780-761-3616
