3 Allston's Korean Restaurant

🍗 Allston’s Korean Fried Chicken & More: Bonchon, BBQ Olive Chicken, and Seoul Topokki Allston is a goldmine for Korean comfort food, and these three spots deliver—whether you’re craving crispy fried chicken, a hearty (budae jjigae), or a quick solo meal. Here’s what to order: 🌟 Bonchon: The Classic King 📍 123 Brighton Ave, Boston, MA 02134 If you haven’t tried Bonchon’s fried chicken, drop everything. It’s a crowd-pleaser for a reason: Soy Garlic Chicken: 🍗 The MVP. Sweet-savory sauce clings to ultra-crispy skin—no sogginess here, even when cold. The magic? Their frying technique keeps the crunch intact, whether hot or leftover. Pro tip: Go for chicken wings—juicier than legs, with more sauce-per-bite than boneless. Budae Jjigae (Army Stew): 🥘 A revelation. Rich, thick broth (thanks to a hint of bean paste) loaded with spam, sausage, rice cakes, ramen, and veggies. Ask for reduced spice—even mild, it’s flavorful. Warning: Massive portion—two people can skip appetizers and still leave full. Bonus Finds: Seafood pancake: Packed with shrimp and squid, crispy edges, perfect with the tangy dipping sauce. Fries: $3+ for a huge pile—puffy, crispy, and salty. Pair with for a carb overload. 🧀 BBQ Olive Chicken: Cheesling Chicken Steals the Show 📍 182 Harvard Ave, Boston, MA 02134 Famous for quirky flavors (they even have a Shanghai location now!), this spot redeemed itself after a so-so first visit: Cheesling Chicken: 🧀 Game-changer. Coated in a sweet-salty cheese powder that’s addictive—exactly like the BHC cheese I’ve drooled over in Korean mukbangs. The crunch of the skin + the powdery cheese = perfect balance. Skip the spicy versions (they’re just fiery, no depth) and go straight for this. 🍲 Seoul Topokki: Solo Diners, Rejoice 📍 166 Harvard Ave, Boston, MA 02134 Not the most mind-blowing, but ideal for eating alone or grabbing a quick bite: Single-Serve Budae Jjigae: 🍢 Smaller than Bonchon’s, but still loaded—spam, sausage, pork belly, fish cakes, ramen, and veggies. Served with rice, it’s a satisfying one-person meal. Other Picks: Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kimchi fried rice, and kimbap (seaweed rolls)—all reliable, no-fuss options for a quick lunch or dinner. 📌 Final Verdict For classic excellence: Bonchon’s soy garlic For cheese lovers: BBQ Olive Chicken’s cheesling For solo meals: Seoul Topokki’s compact, flavorful dishes. Allston’s fried chicken scene is fierce, but these spots rise to the top—each with a unique twist to satisfy your cravings. #AllstonChicken #KoreanFriedChicken #BostonFoodGuide