A Korean fried chicken boom is happening in the East Bay. We ranked the best spots

A Korean fried chicken boom is underway in the East Bay, with new restaurants like bb. q Chicken and Chimmelier joining established favorites. An informal survey ranked ten popular spots, assessing their juiciness, crispiness, and overall flavor. Sammy Chang, a manager with Korean heritage, noted that the ideal K-fried chicken features a crispy, light batter, achieved through double-frying and using potato starch. The dish's origins trace back to U.

S. soldiers in South Korea, who introduced frying techniques that evolved into unique Korean flavors. Popular sauces include soy garlic and yangnyeom, which add depth to the chicken's taste. The rankings focus on mild to medium spice levels and acknowledge the subjective nature of culinary preferences. bb.

q Chicken, which gained fame from the K-drama "Crash Landing on You," is particularly noted for its light, crispy batter and flavorful sauces. The growing popularity of K-fried chicken reflects a broader trend in the East Bay's dining scene.