Try the chicken on its own first.
GUIDE 07
How to Eat Korean Fried Chicken
Chicken, sauce, beer—and don’t forget the radish.
WHAT IS IT?
Korean fried chicken often comes with pickled radish, different sauces, and plenty for the table to share.
HOW TO EAT IT
Take a bite of pickled radish between pieces.
Compare any sauces or flavors the restaurant offers.
Share the table and order another flavor only if everyone still wants more.
Take it one relaxed bite at a time.
LOCAL TIP
The sweet-and-sour radish is there to refresh your palate between crispy bites.
TABLE TIP
Refill Your Side DishesNeed more banchan? Just ask the staff. Most Korean restaurants are happy to refill common side dishes at no extra charge, and some have a self-service banchan bar. A few dishes made with more expensive ingredients may be limited or not refillable. Don’t be shy—asking for more banchan is completely normal in Korea.
Don’t worry if…
You do not need a perfect method—just try a piece, a sauce, and some radish.