April 30, 2016

Kko Kko Nara Opens New Outlet, Kko Kko Chicken Bar @ Kandahar Street ~ Go Go Go For Korean Fried Chicken & Budae Jjigae Goodness!



Kko Kko Nara at Tanjong Pagar just got a new franchise outlet! It's called Kko Kko Chicken Bar!

Recently opened in March at Kandahar Street, the Korean chicken specialty shop seemed oddly out of place in the cultural enclave of Kampong Glam which is known more for local delicacies and Middle-Eastern cuisine, but I guess it offers an alternate choice especially when craving for Korean Fried Chicken strikes.

Pleased to say we were struck with satisfaction by the yummy fried chicken and delicious budae jjigae (army stew) during our visit.


As the name implies, Kko Kko Chicken Bar is geared towards a bar concept, which is notably apparent the moment we stepped into the 3-storey unit.

Neon lights and chandeliers? What a different feel from the usual Korean fried chicken joints.

Level 2 offers dining in a more cozy setting inspired by the changes of seasons, while the top floor features inviting couches for private group to slouch in and drink the night away.


Food-wise, expect a menu of Korean Fried Chicken ($18 to $30), soups & stews like Marinated Beef BBQ Soup ($30) and Budae Jjigae - Army Stew ($25), a host of side dishes including Spicy Rice Cakes ($15/$25) and Kimchi Pancake ($20), as well as Bo SSam - Steamed Pork Belly with Vegetable Wrap ($20).

There are also special lunch offerings such as Bi Bim Bap - Mixed Rice ($12) and Ramyun - Spicy Korean Noodles ($10).

Typical yes, but therein lies the draw. There is just something so comforting and alluring in these typical dishes. Agree?


For the ultimate comfort food, probably no dish screams it better than a plate of Korean Fried Chicken despite the plunge into calories hell.

We went all out to indulge in almost all the flavors available: Original (8pcs-$18/16pcs-$30), Special Garlic Soy (8pcs-$20/16pcs-$35), Sweet & Spicy (8pcs-$20/16pcs-$35), and Hot & Spicy (8pcs-$20/16pcs-$35).


While the Original allowed us to savor the chicken in its classic crunchy and succulent splendor, and the Sweet & Spicy added a dimension of mild hotness to it, it was the Special Garlic Soy with its coat of addictive sauce that had us hooked on every bite.

Both the Kimchi Pancake ($20) and Seafood Pancake ($20) were nicely executed.


Being in a soupy mood, we ordered not one but two pots of slurpilicious goodness.

Though the Sam Gye Tang - Ginseng Chicken Soup ($25) was decent, it was not memorably fantastic.

What's unforgettable till this day was the Budae JjiGae - Army Stew ($25). The stew has since evolved from its post-war origins as a humble dish of leftovers-get-together to a hearty perennial favorite on many dining tables.

Repleting with a medley of ingredients including mushrooms, vegetables, spam, kimchi, ramyun, and completed with broth that was complex yet well-balanced with a spicy kick, it was superbly lip-smacking delicious! We will surely return for this budae Jjigae again!


The pairing of Korean fried chicken and beer is so popular that it has its own term, Chimaek, which is a combination of the words 'chi' (chicken) and 'maekju' (beer) in Korean language.

We did not have beer that evening, but instead went for the Cocktail Specials with names like Spring In Jeju (kiwi, passionfruit, soju), Summer In Busan (green apple, cucumber, soju), Autumn In Seoul (lychee, soju) and Winter In Korea (yuzu, soju).

The soju-based drinks did not bring us anywhere in Korea or near Song Joong-ki (*swoon*), but its utterly refreshingly taste sufficed as we stayed hot in Singapore.


Service was friendly, efficient and accommodating, rounding our meal on a perfect note.

It was indeed a happy evening of feasting late into the night in celebration of the hatch day of our dear friend, makan kaki, WhereWhatWow comrade, [NEW] places informant, photography advisor, hand model, TCM consultant.

Blessed Birthday to Nicholas @Stormscape!


Kko Kko Chicken Bar
Address: 48 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198899 (Next to Arab Street)
Contact: +65 6391 9717
Website: http://www.kkokkonara.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kkokkobar/
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-11pm / Closed on Sun

Prices stated are in Singapore dollars and subject to 10% service charge & 7% GST.


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