West Des Moines is about to get an international chain that specializes in Korean fried chicken. Bonchon, the internationally acclaimed Korean fried chicken brand, is preparing to open its first Iowa location, bringing its crispy, crave-worthy chicken and Korean comfort food to the metro.
What is Korean fried chicken?
Korean fried chicken is known for its ultra-crispy texture and bold, addictive sauces. Unlike traditional American fried chicken, it’s double-fried for extra crunch and coated in signature glazes like soy garlic, spicy, or Korean barbecue.
In the Des Moines metro, Basic Bird in Beaverdale, DZO Korean BBQ on Ingersoll Avenue, Chikin-Lickin in Waukee, and What Dak Korean Fried Chicken in West Des Moines all offer Korean fried chicken.
What’s on the Bonchon menu?
Bonchon’s menu will feature:
Chicken favorites: Korean fried chicken is served as wings, drumsticks, strips, and a chicken sandwich.
Bibimbap: This “mixed rice” features warm white rice topped with an assortment of seasoned and sautéed vegetables (namul), gochujang (chili pepper paste), a protein, and a fried or raw egg.
Japchae: This dish features stir-fried glass noodles and a mix of vegetables, meat, and mushrooms.
Tteokbokki: These simmered rice cakes are a popular Korean street food made from soft, chewy, cylindrical rice cakes known as garae-tteok. The rice cakes are simmered in a rich, savory, sweet, and spicy sauce, which is most commonly made with gochujang (Korean chili paste).
Bulgogi: This Korean barbecue dish features thinly sliced, marinated meat, most commonly beef, that is grilled or stir-fried. Bulgogi translates to “fire meat,” referring to the method of cooking over an open flame and not the heat of this sweet and savory dish.
Kimchi: This fermented food is usually made with napa cabbage and radishes, seasoned with chili powder, garlic, ginger, and often fish sauce or shrimp paste.
Korean street corn: Grilled corn with Kewpie mayo, mozzarella, garlic, and red chili flakes.
Dessert: Korean doughnuts are coated in cinnamon sugar and served with sweet cream dipping sauce.
Where will Bonchon be located?
The new Bonchon will open at 6880 EP True Parkway, Suite 104, West Des Moines, near Putts & Pins, Three Bears Tea, Tous les Jours, and Vietopia Asian Fusion. The new strip mall is just north of Jordan Creek Town Center.
When will Bonchon open?
The exact opening date is still being finalized, but Bonchon anticipates welcoming guests as early as December 2025.
Who is behind the Iowa expansion?
The franchise partner for Bonchon’s Iowa debut is Min Tun, who plans to open three Bonchon locations across the state in the coming years. This West Des Moines restaurant will be the first.
What is Bonchon?
Bonchon, which means “my hometown” in Korean, was founded in South Korea and made its U.S. debut in 2010. Since then, it has grown to nearly 150 locations in the United States and close to 500 worldwide.
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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: What to expect when Bonchon opens its first Korean fried chicken restaurant in Iowa
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
