Fried chicken is about as staple of an American culinary creation as anything else offered in the United States. However, other nationalities and regions around the world have taken notice. During the Korean War, U.S. troops introduced fried chicken to the local population, as military members celebrated Thanksgiving with fried chicken, instead of turkey, which was not easily available to them. While the military eventually left, the idea of fried chicken remained. Since then, South Korea has crafted its own fried chicken recipes and flavors, unique to them with their available spices and flavors. It has grown increasingly popular over the decades, and now a Korean-based fried chicken restaurant is making its way to metro Phoenix.
One of the largest and fastest-growing shopping districts in the region can be found at the Mekong Plaza in Mesa. While the Mekong Supermarket takes up the largest chunk of space, visitors can find an assortment of coffee shops, restaurants, and other Asian businesses. For anyone searching for hard-to-find spices, unique food items, or even import beers from around the world, this is one of the best spots in all of the Valley. And now, the shopping plaza is going to offer BBQ fried chicken directly from Korea.
BB.Q Chicken first started in Seoul, South Korea back in 1995. Since then the restaurant has expanded throughout the country as well as the world. Currently, the nearest U.S. location is found in Las Vegas, although there is also a number to the South and Southwest in Mexico. This will mark the very first location in Arizona.
For fried chicken lovers constantly on the lookout for new, unique flavors, this will be a fantastic opportunity. Currently, the featured fried chicken flavor at BB.Q Chicken is Galbi, which is a classic Korean flavor that is sweet, smoky, and savory, all at the same time. Guests will also find Honey Garlic, Hot Spicy, Soy Garlic, the Golden Original, Gang-Jeong (a soy sauce-based flavor but with extra spices and a hint of cinnamon and chili), Hot Mala (a Chinese mala seasoning), and Maple Crunch (maple syrup mixed with butter and garlic), are just some of the fried chicken flavors available. There are other unique flavors on the menu that guests won’t find anywhere else in metro Phoenix, such as the Kimchi Fried Rice (stir-fried rice with chicken and vegetables taking advantage of classic kimchi spices and seasonings). More traditional sides are also available with french and sweet potato fries, cheese sticks, coleslaw, steamed rice, and others.
The Mekong Plaza is currently in expansion mode and the restaurant will be opening in the coming months.
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