If you have seen Bonchon on a food delivery app or heard people talking about it, you might be wondering what exactly Bonchon is. This guide covers everything from what kind of food they serve to how many locations they have in the USA.
What is Bonchon Restaurant?
Bonchon is a Korean fried chicken restaurant chain. It started in South Korea in 2002 and came to the United States in 2006. Today it is one of the largest Asian restaurant chains in the USA by sales.
The word Bonchon (본촌) means ‘my hometown’ in Korean. The name reflects the brand’s roots in Korean cooking and its goal of sharing authentic flavors with people around the world.
Bonchon is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It operates as a franchise, which means most of its locations are owned by individual business owners, not by the company directly.
Sources: Bonchon Official Website | Bonchon on Wikipedia
What Kind of Food Does Bonchon Serve?
Bonchon is best known for its Korean fried chicken. Every piece of chicken is fried twice this is called double-frying. The first fry cooks the chicken all the way through. The second fry makes the skin extra crispy.
After frying, each piece is hand-brushed with one of Bonchon’s signature sauces. The restaurant does not dip or toss the chicken in sauce they brush it by hand so every part gets covered evenly.
Beyond chicken, Bonchon also serves Korean comfort food including:
- Bibimbap — a Korean rice bowl with vegetables and your choice of protein
- Bulgogi — thinly sliced seasoned beef
- Japchae — Korean glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables
- Tteokbokki — chewy rice cakes in a spicy sauce
- Potstickers, bao buns, and Korean tacos as starters
- Seasoned fries, kimchi, and steamed rice as sides
What are Bonchon’s Signature Flavors?
Bonchon offers five main flavors for their chicken. You can pick one flavor for your order, or ask for half and half to try two at once.
| Flavor | Taste Profile |
| Soy Garlic | Salty, slightly sweet, strong garlic flavor — the most popular choice |
| Spicy | Slow, building heat with a savory base — not instantly hot but gets warm |
| Korean BBQ | Smoky and sweet with a hint of tang — milder than spicy |
| Yangnyeom | Sweet and spicy together — similar to a glazed sticky sauce |
| Classic Crunch | No sauce — just pure crispy chicken with light seasoning |
Is Bonchon Fast Food or a Sit-Down Restaurant?
Bonchon is a casual sit-down restaurant, not fast food. When you order, the chicken is made fresh for you. Because of the double-frying process, it takes 15 to 20 minutes to prepare your order. This is normal at Bonchon the wait is part of the experience.
Most locations have dine-in seating, and you can also order takeout. Delivery is available through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub at most locations.
How Many Bonchon Locations Are There in the USA?
As of 2026, there are 150+ Bonchon locations in the United States. California has the most locations with 27, making up about 19% of all US restaurants.
Other states with Bonchon locations include New York, Virginia, Maryland, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Washington, Minnesota, Connecticut, and Delaware.
Worldwide, Bonchon operates in more than 340 locations across nine countries.
Who Owns Bonchon?
Bonchon is a privately held company. It was founded by Jinduk Seh in South Korea in 2002. The US operations are managed from the company’s Dallas, Texas headquarters.
Since Bonchon operates as a franchise, individual restaurant owners run day-to-day operations at each location. The company provides the recipes, training, and brand standards.
Is Bonchon a Good Restaurant?
Bonchon has built a strong following in the USA because of its unique double-fried chicken. Business Insider named it the gold standard for fried chicken in 2019, and it has consistently ranked among the top Asian restaurant chains in America.
Most customers say the soy garlic wings are the best item to try on your first visit. The crispy texture holds up well even after the food sits for a bit, which is unusual for fried chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bonchon chicken?
Bonchon chicken is Korean-style fried chicken that is double-fried for extra crispiness and then hand-brushed with signature sauces like soy garlic or spicy. It is the main item on Bonchon’s menu.
Is Bonchon a fast food restaurant?
No. Bonchon is a casual sit-down restaurant. The chicken is made fresh to order and takes 15 to 20 minutes to prepare. It is more expensive than fast food because of the quality and cooking process.
How many Bonchon locations are there in the US?
There are 150+ Bonchon locations in the United States as of 2026. California has the most with 27 locations.
Is Bonchon a franchise?
Yes. Bonchon operates as a franchise. Individual owners run each location under the Bonchon brand, recipes, and standards.
Is there Bonchon in Canada?
As of 2026, Bonchon does not have established locations in Canada. The chain is primarily in the USA and select Asian countries.
What is Bonchon famous for?
Bonchon is famous for its double-fried Korean chicken with hand-brushed sauces, especially soy garlic flavor. It is known for its extra-crispy texture that stays crunchy longer than regular fried chicken.