Okay, Seoul Bird isn’t exactly a restaurant you’d take a date to, but this is the kind of place you want to come with mates and try one of everything. You see, Seoul Bird is a specialist Korean fried chicken joint, and you don’t need us to tell you that’s a good thing.
Dreamt up by restaurateurs Judy Joo and Andrew Hales, Seoul Bird is a dining concept that has done away with the usual trappings of restaurants to instead present a delicious way to enjoy Asian flavours in a speedy takeaway format. Joo’s joint Korean American heritage has helped to inform the menu, while the co-owners have travelled extensively to try and distil down what makes this Korean speciality so special, bringing their findings back to London.
Positioned in the heart of Canary Wharf, Seoul Bird makes a great pitstop after work or before a shopping trip, and the casual fuss-free surrounds ensure everyone feels welcome.
While it may have chicken shop vibes, this is a step up from your typical takeaway. The meat is soy brined for 24 hours to create a wonderful depth of flavour, while carefully selected Korean spices bring bucketloads of flavour. Choose between burgers, birds and bowls to satiate your hunger, with each option having tailoring possibilities. There’s a choice of fried or grilled chicken in the straight up section, and each comes with a choice of sauces. Burgers are squashed inside a homemade potato bun and range from a signature serve through to a wrap style. Lastly, Seoul Bowls – as they’re known here – allow you to choose your type of chicken, sauce and base to create either a salad or a rice dish.
Sides include tater tots, mac ‘n’ cheese and, of course, kimchi, while there are milkshakes and more to wash everything all down with.