[grover]

Bon Chon Chicken is opened on July 20th in Annandale. I had a hard time to find the location because the google map said it is near Yechon but I wasn't able to see anything like it. Finally I made a phone call yesterday and found out that it is located in the small size mall between Campbell Ferrera Nursery and Sambo restaurant. I imagined it would be like a take-out place but surprisingly it is a restaurant that serves not only fried chicken but also other Korean dishes and beer/soju. According to the brochure, it takes 20 minutes to prepare but actually it took longer than that even though we were the second customers. For Fried chicken, there are wings / legs / special (wing & leg) with soy-garlic or hot sauce but no breasts. Large plate costs $17.95 and medium one is $10.95. We ordered a special with hot sauce (large plate). Somehow, the server got mixed up my order and asked me if I can accept the soy-garlic/hot sauce half and half. Otherwise, she would order a new one but we were too hungry to wait another 20 minutes. The chicken is very crispy, tasty and not too saucy. No flour batter. Small sides (pickled radish and cabbage strips with thousand island dressing) were accompanied as usual. It is not as spicy as Cheogajip chicken. I would say it is a medium or med-high level of spiciness. The soy-garlic sauce is also good but not much garlicky to me. The portion was pretty good size for two persons. I'll definitely go back soon.

[cha_charoni]

grover, on Jul 30 2007, 11:35 AM, said:

Bon Chon Chicken is opened on July 20th in Annandale. I had a hard time to find the location because the google map said it is near Yechon but I wasn't able to see anything like it. Finally I made a phone call yesterday and found out that it is located in the small size mall between Campbell Ferrera Nursery and Sambo restaurant. I imagined it would be like a take-out place but surprisingly it is a restaurant that serves not only fried chicken but also other Korean dishes and beer/soju. According to the brochure, it takes 20 minutes to prepare but actually it took longer than that even though we were the second customers. For Fried chicken, there are wings / legs / special (wing & leg) with soy-garlic or hot sauce but no breasts. Large plate costs $17.95 and medium one is $10.95. We ordered a special with hot sauce (large plate). Somehow, the server got mixed up my order and asked me if I can accept the soy-garlic/hot sauce half and half. Otherwise, she would order a new one but we were too hungry to wait another 20 minutes. The chicken is very crispy, tasty and not too saucy. No flour batter. Small sides (pickled radish and cabbage strips with thousand island dressing) were accompanied as usual. It is not as spicy as Cheogajip chicken. I would say it is a medium or med-high level of spiciness. The soy-garlic sauce is also good but not much garlicky to me. The portion was pretty good size for two persons. I'll definitely go back soon.

Grover, thanks for the information on the Annandale location. I'm sure I'll be checking it out when I'm in Annandale since it seems like it's a restaurant with other items than the chicken. The one in Lotte Plaza in Germantown is just a take-out type place since it's within Lotte Plaza supermarket and not even with the other restaurants that are on the other side of Lotte Plaza with seating.

[bennybig1]

There is also one that just opened in Germantown- HALLELUJAH- something to finally get excited about in Germantown- it's in the LOTTE MARKET on Germantown Road- take I-270 to exit 15B and go about 1 mile down the road- there's a shopping center on your right -Germantown Plaza. it's in there.

[Saycheese]

I tried Bon Chon Chicken last night. I got a medium special (half soy/garlic and half spicy). The chicken is very crispy and not greasy at all, and the sauce does not get all over your hands -- it seems more like a glaze that gets cooked into the crust. The meat was very juicy. The spicy chicken was satisfyingly spicy -- it made my lips tingle, but I was not gasping for water. Although they told me it would take half an hour to prepare my order, it took closer to 45-50 minutes. I was told they had a huge backlog of take out orders. It was early in the evening and only about 4 tables were occupied, so I was surprised that they were having such trouble getting the orders out. The pickles were good, but there was too much thousand island dressing on the salad. However, for only about $11.50, it was a very tasty and inexpensive meal for 2 people.

[grover]

After 2 trips to Bonchon, I sent an email to Bonchon customer service about a timing problem and some other things a couple of days ago. I suggested that they should notify the customers the prep time if it is longer than what they committed and wet napkins are necessary because the fingers are still sticky a bit. I also mentioned the smoking issue. I've got a phone call from a lady at Bonchon VA location yesterday. She said that they are running 6 friers and the temperature is slightly lower than other places such as KFC or Popeyes so it takes 30 mintues for frying chickens twice. The reason for the low temperature is that it cooks the chicken completely inside out. They start preparing when the order is made. The process from brushing the bbq sauce by hand to frying them twice takes time. I was glad that I heard the explanation.

[cheezepowder]

grover, on Aug 9 2007, 10:22 AM, said:

I've got a phone call from a lady at Bonchon VA location yesterday. She said that they are running 6 friers and the temperature is slightly lower than other places such as KFC or Popeyes so it takes 30 mintues for frying chickens twice. The reason for the low temperature is that it cooks the chicken completely inside out. They start preparing when the order is made. The process from brushing the bbq sauce by hand to frying them twice takes time. I was glad that I heard the explanation.

I wonder why Annandale takes 30 minutes to fry the chickens because I ordered the small chicken drumstick/wing combo from the BonChon in the Lotte at Germantown yesterday, and maybe I got lucky, but it only took 15 to 20 minutes for my chicken to be ready. This is the first time I was there so I don't know if that's normal. (BonChon's corporate website is here.)

[Beto]

How is chicken cooked from the inside out?

That website is a riot. Lots of Engrish spoken there. My wife, who happens to be Korean, got a laugh out of it too.

[DanielK]

cheezepowder, on Sep 21 2007, 08:22 PM, said:

I wonder why Annandale takes 30 minutes to fry the chickens because I ordered the small chicken drumstick/wing combo from the BonChon in the Lotte at Germantown yesterday, and maybe I got lucky, but it only took 15 to 20 minutes for my chicken to be ready.

Bon Chon has been quoting me 20-25 minutes (it says 20 on their takeout menu). On Sunday afternoon, they quoted 25, I showed at 25, and waited 5 more. I think it really is a 20 minute process, so perhaps your order was fired the moment you ordered it.

[JimRice]

I've been twice now. Holy crap, this is good chicken. I don't know if I buy the "low calorie healthy" stuff, but the skin does seem to be completely rendered out in whatever cooking process they use. It's really amazing how they get the skin so crispy-brittle-hard, and the sauce doesn't soften it at all. The spicy sauce has been very hot the two times we've been, enough so that Barbara is sticking to the soy-garlic sauce.

We tried the fries and onion rings tonight; they're cooked well but are probably from a frozen bag. I'd get them again if I wanted fries or onion rings, but otherwise save your calories for the chicken. I'll probably try some of their other Korean dishes in time, probably starting with the tonkatsu. Fried pork cutlet should be right up their alley.

[jaimetown]

We had this recently and enjoyed it a lot - the drumsticks were fantastic (both mild and spicy).

[sphere777]

Could someone give me some tips on locating the Germantown branch? I know where Germantown Plaza is and I walked up and down the whole strip mall but no luck. Is it in the supermarket?

rob t.

[DanielK]

sphere777, on Aug 18 2008, 04:46 PM, said:

Could someone give me some tips on locating the Germantown branch? I know where Germantown Plaza is and I walked up and down the whole strip mall but no luck. Is it in the supermarket?

rob t.

Yes, it's in the supermarket, in the back RIGHT corner. NOT where the food court is, which is in the back LEFT corner.

Though I did hear a rumor that the KFC in Germantown was closed, so you might want to try to call or get intel before heading out.

[alan7147]

DanielK, on Aug 18 2008, 05:22 PM, said:

Yes, it's in the supermarket, in the back RIGHT corner. NOT where the food court is, which is in the back LEFT corner.

Though I did hear a rumor that the KFC in Germantown was closed, so you might want to try to call or get intel before heading out.

It is closed. I went about four months ago and it was shut down due to lack of traffic.

[sphere777]

Oh well. I work nearby so I didn't spend too much effort on the endeavor. It would have been nice to find some relief from all the chains in the area though.

[DonRocks]

Q: What do you call a moose on Mount Olympus?
A: A moussaka.

There's something surreal about sitting in an empty Bon Chon Chicken, whilttling away the 35-minute wait furtively (*) sipping soju, and helping your young dining companion with his word study.

Observations:

1) Large order of chicken served with maraschino cherry
2) There is a bottle of Louis XIII Cognac sitting on top of the bar
3) Kindly server concocted a "chicken-soju" combo tab ($30.95)
4) Gratis soup (with both sausage- and pita-looking gluten) and nasty Russian-dressing salad shred
5) Open until 2 AM Tuesday-Saturday
6) I've eaten more MSG in the past three days than I have in the past three months
7) The take-out menu has the chutzpah to tout that the hot sauce contains vitamins A and C

Cheers,
Rocks

(*) "What is that?" "Oh, it's sort of like sake." "Why do they serve it in those little glasses?" "Korean custom."

[csirwillis]

DonRocks, on Feb 25 2009, 07:16 PM, said:

Q: What do you call a moose on Mount Olympus?
A: A moussaka.

There's something surreal about sitting in an empty Bon Chon Chicken, whilttling away the 35-minute wait furtively (*) sipping soju, and helping your young dining companion with his word study.

Observations:

1) Large order of chicken served with maraschino cherry
2) There is a bottle of Louis XIII Cognac sitting on top of the bar
3) Kindly server concocted a "chicken-soju" combo tab ($30.95)
4) Gratis soup (with both sausage- and pita-looking gluten) and nasty Russian-dressing salad shred
5) Open until 2 AM Tuesday-Saturday
6) I've eaten more MSG in the past three days than I have in the past three months
7) The take-out menu has the chutzpah to tout that the hot sauce contains vitamins A and C

Cheers,
Rocks

(*) "What is that?" "Oh, it's sort of like sake." "Why do they serve it in those little glasses?" "Korean custom."

Its even better the next day, the crispy skin keeps the chicken moist and its still crunchy.. those wings are the best I have ever had..

[mdt]

"Chicken that is tasteful & nutritionally enriched." I wonder what they mean by nutritionally enriched.

Click

All that said, I do want to check this place out. Does chicken really take 30-40 minutes to cook in a fryer as was mentioned in another thread?

[DonRocks]

mdt, on Apr 6 2009, 03:09 PM, said:

"Chicken that is tasteful & nutritionally enriched." I wonder what they mean by nutritionally enriched.

Click

All that said, I do want to check this place out. Does chicken really take 30-40 minutes to cook in a fryer as was mentioned in another thread?

Yes, it takes 35 minutes to cook - I assume they use a giant wok. The drumsticks are better than the wings (you'll have your choice of one, the other, or both), and the garlic sauce is better than the hot sauce (you'll also have your choice of one, the other, or both). But for your first visit, you might want to mix and match - a large order is plenty for two. Don't forget the soju while you wait!

[goldenticket]

DonRocks, on Apr 6 2009, 03:20 PM, said:

Yes, it takes 35 minutes to cook - I assume they use a giant wok. The drumsticks are better than the wings (you'll have your choice of one, the other, or both), and the garlic sauce is better than the hot sauce (you'll also have your choice of one, the other, or both). But for your first visit, you might want to mix and match - a large order is plenty for two. Don't forget the soju while you wait!

And does that 'specially engineered' sauce really stay 'free from your hand' as promised on the website?

[DonRocks]

goldenticket, on Apr 6 2009, 04:20 PM, said:

And does that 'specially engineered' sauce really stay 'free from your hand' as promised on the website?

It does! Possible theory: Rice flour leaches the sauce into the batter.

[ema]

Quote

"Chicken that is tasteful & nutritionally enriched." I wonder what they mean by nutritionally enriched.

I don't believe for a second how fried chicken can be healthy. The chicken on the other hand does taste good and has that crispy coating that you can't duplicate at home.

[lackadaisi]

We were the first ones there today, waiting at the door when they opened at noon. We were told that it would take an hour, but to come back at 12:50 to be seated (we had requested to leave as a toddler will not sit still for an hour). We then went to the garden center next door where there is a playground, fish, and tons of plants on display. A wonderful way to kill a beautiful afternoon. At 12:50, as we were walking back, they called to say that it would be ready shortly. Upon our return, we were seated immediately, our server was wonderful, and the chicken was heavenly!

I had been reluctant to bring the girl here because of the wait and service complaints, but - unfortunately for my weight - this is likely to be a somewhat regular stop for us.

[DaRiv18]

Tonight we called in our carryout: two large (one garlic, one spicy, both drumsticks). We were told to arrive in an hour. For background, we had tried Mad for Chicken last week and wanted to compare.

After a 20 minute travel home, I opened the goodies and was pleasantly surprised we had indeed received "fried chicken" and not "wings". 10 regular drumsticks, a whisper of a cole slaw, and a nice diced radish side for $20-ish, per order. This was definitely a meal and not an appetizer.

I grabbed a stick and drummed into it. Crispy skin, juicy chicken, a fine offering indeed. The garlic was very mild, the spicy a bit more interesting.

Then my wife piped in. She was happy with our meal as well, but preferred Mad for Chicken. There, the chicken is much crispier, and more flavorful, IHO.

So: I like Korean fried chicken but probably won't ever jones for it. I will say that the style makes for an ideal picnic outing, even with leftovers.

[Heather]

We stopped by for carryout after Honey Pig (oink) and got a drink while waiting for our orders. I got a large special, half & half. I like the wing drummettes better than the drumsticks, and the soy-garlic over the spicy, but really, it's all good. My car upholstery is never going to recover.

[Heather]

How does it stay crisp when refrigerated overnight?

It's a little too sweet for me when stone cold. I'm going to let it warm to room temperature and have some more, just for the sake of research. Mmhmm.

[Halloween]

I've got a hangover. A Bon Chon Chicken hangover. Oh. My. Gosh. I had the spicy and soy yesterday (I prefer the spicy) courtesy of two members of this board, and now I want to drive to Annandale to buy some, maybe enough to last me the week, except my stomach surely will explode before then based on the amount of chicken I ate yesterday. Yes, I know that is a long sentence, but you can't blame me. I'm not in my right mind. The Bon Chon has taken over.

[lackadaisi]

Halloween, on 28 March 2010 - 02:32 PM, said:

I've got a hangover. A Bon Chon Chicken hangover. Oh. My. Gosh. I had the spicy and soy yesterday (I prefer the spicy) courtesy of two members of this board, and now I want to drive to Annandale to buy some, maybe enough to last me the week, except my stomach surely will explode before then based on the amount of chicken I ate yesterday. Yes, I know that is a long sentence, but you can't blame me. I'm not in my right mind. The Bon Chon has taken over.

I would not recommend attempting to buy enough to last the week. We tried that once, and ended up eating it all in a 12 hour period. Talk about a BCC hangover!

[Halloween]

lackadaisi, on 28 March 2010 - 03:03 PM, said:

I would not recommend attempting to buy enough to last the week. We tried that once, and ended up eating it all in a 12 hour period. Talk about a BCC hangover!

I blame you, Lackadaisi. I can barely move!

[JimRice]

I'm guessing that Bon Chon only does call-ahead orders now on the weekend. Barbara called Bon Chon at 6 PM tonight to order ahead, hoping that we could get there at 6:30 and have the chicken ready then. But no, the earliest it would be ready would be 7:30. We got there about 7:10 to have some beer and fries, and right about 7:30 our chicken came out. Most of the tables I saw being seated had chicken brought out as soon as they were seated. I saw one couple come in and chat with one of the servers, then leave. Best to call ahead I guess.

On the other hand, large pitchers of beer and spicy chicken legs make me very happy, and it's worth planning ahead for.