How to Try Korean Fried Chicken at Kim Jong Grillin Portland

Korean fried chicken has surged in popularity across the United States, celebrated for its ultra-crispy exterior, juicy interior, and bold, glossy sauces that set it apart from traditional American fried chicken. In Portland, Oregon, one name stands out in this culinary movement: Kim Jong Grillin’. This vibrant, locally beloved eatery has become a destination for food lovers seeking authentic, high-quality Korean fried chicken with a Pacific Northwest twist. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Korean cuisine or a curious first-timer, knowing how to fully experience Korean fried chicken at Kim Jong Grillin’ is essential to unlocking its true flavor and cultural depth.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you navigate your visit to Kim Jong Grillin’ in Portland—from understanding the menu and ordering strategies to pairing options, timing, and hidden tips that elevate your experience. We’ll explore best practices, recommended tools, real customer examples, and answer frequently asked questions to ensure your visit is seamless, satisfying, and memorable. This isn’t just about eating fried chicken—it’s about engaging with a culinary tradition, supporting a local business, and discovering why Kim Jong Grillin’ has become a cornerstone of Portland’s diverse food scene.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research Kim Jong Grillin’ Before You Go

Before stepping into Kim Jong Grillin’, take five minutes to review their online presence. Visit their official website and social media pages—Instagram and Facebook are particularly useful for seeing daily specials, limited-time sauces, and photos of recent orders. Their menu is dynamic and often rotates based on seasonal ingredients and chef inspiration. You’ll notice they don’t just serve one style of Korean fried chicken; they offer multiple variations, including classic yangnyeom (sweet-spicy), soy garlic, honey butter, and even spicy gochujang-glazed options.

Check their operating hours. Kim Jong Grillin’ typically opens at 11:30 a.m. and closes around 9:30 p.m., but hours may vary on weekends or holidays. Avoid arriving during peak dinner rush (6:30–8:00 p.m.) if you prefer a quieter experience. Lunchtime visits (12:00–2:00 p.m.) often mean shorter wait times and a more relaxed atmosphere.

2. Decide on Your Chicken Style

Korean fried chicken is known for its double-fried technique, which creates a light, shatteringly crisp crust that holds sauce without becoming soggy. At Kim Jong Grillin’, you’ll find several signature styles:

• Yangnyeom (Sweet-Spicy): The most popular choice. A glossy, red-hued glaze made from gochujang (Korean chili paste), sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. It’s bold, slightly sweet, and delivers a slow-building heat.
• Soy Garlic: A savory, umami-rich option with minced garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of honey. Less spicy, ideal for those who prefer depth over heat.
• Honey Butter: A creamy, indulgent blend of butter, honey, and a hint of black pepper. Often described as “comfort food in crispy form.”
• Spicy Gochujang: For heat seekers. This version amplifies the fermented chili flavor, offering a deeper, earthier spice than yangnyeom.
• Original Crispy (Unsauced): Perfect for purists or those who want to dip their own. Served with house-made sauces on the side.

Pro tip: Many regulars order a “half and half” combo—two different sauces on one order. This allows you to compare textures and flavors side by side. It’s also ideal for sharing or if you’re unsure which flavor you’ll prefer.

3. Choose Your Serving Size

Kim Jong Grillin’ offers chicken in three sizes: small (4 pieces), medium (8 pieces), and large (12 pieces). For one person, a medium order is typically sufficient, especially if you plan to add sides. A small order works well as an appetizer or if you’re pairing with other dishes. Large orders are perfect for groups or if you’re planning to take leftovers home.

Keep in mind: Korean fried chicken is best eaten fresh. The crispiness begins to fade after 15–20 minutes, so plan your timing accordingly. If you’re ordering for delivery or pickup, request it “fresh out of the fryer” to ensure maximum crunch.

4. Add Complementary Sides

No Korean fried chicken experience is complete without the right accompaniments. Kim Jong Grillin’ offers several sides designed to balance the richness of the chicken:

• Kimchi Fried Rice: A savory, slightly sour rice dish with fermented napa cabbage, gochujang, and scrambled egg. The acidity cuts through the fat of the chicken beautifully.
• Spicy Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in vinegar, sesame oil, chili flakes, and garlic. Refreshing and palate-cleansing.
• Korean-style Tteokbokki: Chewy rice cakes in a spicy red sauce. A fun textural contrast to the crispy chicken.
• Edamame with Sea Salt: A simple, protein-rich side that’s light and satisfying.

Consider ordering one side to complement your chicken. If you’re going for yangnyeom or spicy gochujang, the cucumber salad is the ideal counterpoint. For soy garlic or honey butter, the kimchi fried rice adds a fermented complexity that elevates the entire meal.

5. Order Smart: Use the Mobile App or Website

Kim Jong Grillin’ offers a streamlined online ordering system through their website and third-party delivery platforms. If you’re ordering for pickup, use their website to pre-order. This saves you time at the counter and ensures your chicken is cooked fresh to order. You can even select your preferred sauce, spice level, and side combinations in advance.

When placing your order, look for the “Special Instructions” field. Here, you can request:

• “Extra crispy” – they’ll fry an additional 30 seconds for maximum crunch.
• “Sauce on the side” – ideal if you’re bringing food home or want to control how much glaze coats each piece.
• “No sesame seeds” – if you have an allergy or preference.

Pro tip: Order at least 15 minutes before your desired pickup time. The kitchen operates on a first-in, first-out basis, and during busy hours, prep time can extend beyond 20 minutes.

6. Eat It Right: The Proper Way to Enjoy Korean Fried Chicken

There’s an art to eating Korean fried chicken. Unlike American fried chicken, which is often eaten with your hands and drenched in sauce, Korean fried chicken is meant to be savored slowly, allowing the sauce to cling to the crust while the meat stays moist.

Here’s how to maximize your experience:

1. Let it rest for 2 minutes. Even if it’s tempting to dig in immediately, giving the chicken a brief rest allows the sauce to settle and the steam to redistribute, enhancing flavor.
2. Use your fingers. Forks and knives aren’t necessary. The skin is designed to be peeled off cleanly with your hands. The crispy crust should crack audibly when bitten.
3. Pair each bite with a side. Take a bite of chicken, then a bite of cucumber salad or kimchi rice. The contrast in temperature, texture, and acidity will transform your palate.
4. Sip something cool. A cold barley tea (boricha), iced green tea, or even a crisp lager helps cleanse the palate between bites. Avoid sugary sodas—they can overpower the nuanced flavors.

7. Ask for the Secret Sauce

Many regulars know that Kim Jong Grillin’ offers a “secret” house-made dipping sauce not listed on the menu. It’s a blend of mayonnaise, gochujang, garlic, lime, and a touch of honey. Ask your server: “Do you have a secret sauce I can try?” They’ll often bring it out as a complimentary addition, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. This sauce is perfect for drizzling lightly over the chicken or using as a dip for the sides.

8. Take Notes and Share Your Experience

After your meal, jot down your favorite combination. Did you love the soy garlic with kimchi rice? Was the honey butter too sweet? Did the spicy gochujang leave your mouth tingling in the best way? Writing this down helps you refine your preferences for next time.

Share your experience on social media or review platforms like Google Maps or Yelp. Tag @kimjonggrillin and use

KimJongGrillinPortland. Many local food bloggers and even the restaurant itself follow these tags. Your feedback can influence future menu items, and you might even be featured on their page!

Best Practices

1. Visit During Off-Peak Hours for the Best Experience

Kim Jong Grillin’ is popular—and for good reason. But popularity means crowds. To avoid long waits and ensure your chicken is served at peak crispiness, aim for mid-afternoon (3:00–5:00 p.m.) or early dinner (5:00–6:00 p.m.). These windows offer a balance between availability and energy. The kitchen is less overwhelmed, staff can give you more attention, and your order will move through faster.

2. Don’t Skip the Sauce Pairing

One of the most common mistakes first-timers make is ordering one sauce and assuming it’s “the” Korean fried chicken experience. In reality, the magic lies in contrast. Try a spicy and a savory sauce on the same visit. The interplay between heat and umami, sweetness and salt, is what makes Korean fried chicken unique. Don’t settle for one flavor—explore the spectrum.

3. Bring a Friend—or Two

Korean fried chicken is inherently social. Sharing multiple flavors, sides, and sauces turns a meal into an experience. Bring one or two friends and order two different sauces, two sides, and a large chicken. It’s more fun, more economical, and more authentic. You’ll also get to taste more variety without over-ordering.

4. Avoid Overloading on Sauce

It’s tempting to douse every piece in sauce, but Korean fried chicken is engineered to hold just the right amount. Too much sauce can make the crust soggy and mute the flavor of the chicken itself. Use sauce as an accent, not a blanket. If you want more, ask for it on the side and dip sparingly.

5. Know How to Reheat Leftovers (If You Have Any)

While Korean fried chicken is best eaten fresh, leftovers do happen. If you have extra, reheat it in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes on a wire rack. This restores the crispiness better than a microwave, which turns the crust rubbery. Do not reheat in a microwave—it ruins the texture. You can also re-crisp it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.

6. Respect the Culture Behind the Food

Korean fried chicken isn’t just a snack—it’s a cultural staple. In Korea, it’s often enjoyed with beer (chimaek) during social gatherings, late-night hangs, or after a long day. At Kim Jong Grillin’, you’re participating in a tradition. Be mindful of that. Don’t rush your meal. Savor it. Ask questions. Appreciate the care that goes into each batch.

7. Be Open to Seasonal Specials

Kim Jong Grillin’ frequently introduces limited-time offerings based on seasonal ingredients or Korean holidays. In spring, you might find a cherry blossom-infused honey butter. In fall, a pumpkin-spiced gochujang glaze could appear. Keep an eye on their Instagram stories and sign up for their email newsletter. These specials are often the most memorable and rarely repeated.

8. Tip the Staff

While not required, tipping is appreciated in the service industry. Kim Jong Grillin’ staff work long hours in a fast-paced kitchen. A 15–20% tip shows appreciation for their skill and hospitality. Even a small gesture makes a difference.

Tools and Resources

1. Kim Jong Grillin’ Official Website

https://www.kimjonggrillin.com

The official site is your primary source for accurate menu items, hours, location details, and online ordering. It also features photos of every dish, ingredient sourcing notes, and chef bios. Bookmark it for future visits.

2. Google Maps and Reviews

Search “Kim Jong Grillin’ Portland” on Google Maps. Read recent reviews (last 3–6 months) to get a sense of current service speed, portion sizes, and sauce quality. Look for reviews that mention “crispiness,” “sauce balance,” or “wait time”—these are key indicators of quality.

3. Instagram: @kimjonggrillin

Follow their Instagram for daily updates, behind-the-scenes kitchen clips, and new menu reveals. Their stories often feature live polls (“Which sauce should we bring back?”) and customer shoutouts. Engaging with their content can even lead to free dessert offers or loyalty perks.

4. Yelp and TripAdvisor

While less real-time than Instagram, Yelp and TripAdvisor offer detailed written reviews from locals and tourists alike. Filter reviews by “most recent” and look for recurring themes. If multiple people mention “the best honey butter chicken in Portland,” that’s a strong signal.

5. Portland Food Blogs and Podcasts

Check out local food influencers like:

• Portland Eats (YouTube & Blog)
• The Oregonian’s Food & Dining Section
• Podcast: “Bite into Portland” – Episode 47 features an in-depth interview with the founder of Kim Jong Grillin’

These resources often provide context you won’t find on menus—like how the chicken is sourced, why they use specific oils, or the history of their signature sauces.

6. Korean Food Glossary

Understanding key terms enhances your experience:

• Gochujang: Fermented Korean chili paste—base of many sauces.
• Yangnyeom: Sweet-spicy seasoning.
• Tteokbokki: Spicy rice cakes.
• Boricha: Roasted barley tea—naturally caffeine-free and earthy.
• Chimaek: The Korean combo of chicken + beer.

Keep a simple glossary on your phone or print one out. Knowing these terms helps you ask informed questions and appreciate the authenticity of the food.

7. Meal Planning Apps

Use apps like Yummly or Mealime to plan your visit. Search “Korean fried chicken pairing ideas” and save recommended sides or drinks. You’ll arrive with a clear idea of what you want to order, reducing decision fatigue.

Real Examples

Example 1: The First-Timer’s Visit

Sarah, a 28-year-old graphic designer from Vancouver, WA, visited Kim Jong Grillin’ for the first time after seeing a viral TikTok video. She ordered a medium yangnyeom chicken with spicy cucumber salad and a bottle of Korean barley tea. She didn’t know how to eat it, so she asked the server for guidance. The server showed her how to peel the skin gently and recommended dipping a piece in the cucumber salad after each bite. Sarah said it was “like eating a flavor explosion—crunchy, sweet, spicy, then cool and fresh. I didn’t know chicken could taste like this.” She posted a photo with the caption: “This changed my life. Kim Jong Grillin’ is now my Portland go-to.”

Example 2: The Regular’s Routine

Marcus, a 35-year-old bartender and longtime Portland resident, visits Kim Jong Grillin’ every Friday after work. He always orders a large half-and-half: soy garlic on one side, spicy gochujang on the other. He pairs it with kimchi fried rice and a pint of local IPA. He brings his dog (a golden retriever named Biscuit) and sits outside on the patio. “I’ve tried every chicken place in town,” he says. “No one gets the sauce right like Kim Jong. And the rice? It’s the only one that tastes like my grandma used to make.”

Example 3: The Group Celebration

A group of five friends from the University of Oregon celebrated a graduation at Kim Jong Grillin’. They ordered two large chicken platters (one honey butter, one yangnyeom), two sides (kimchi rice and tteokbokki), and a round of soju cocktails. They shared everything family-style, laughing as they tried to eat the tteokbokki without burning their tongues. One friend, Elena, said: “We’ve eaten at fancy restaurants all week. This was the most fun, the most flavorful, and the most memorable. It felt like a party.” They left with a to-go box of leftovers and a promise to come back next month.

Example 4: The Vegan Who Loved It

Even those avoiding meat have found joy at Kim Jong Grillin’. Alex, a vegan chef from Southeast Portland, visited out of curiosity. While they didn’t eat the chicken, they tried the vegan kimchi fried rice and spicy cucumber salad. They were so impressed they reached out to the chef to ask if they’d consider a plant-based chicken option. The chef responded by creating a test batch using jackfruit and gluten-based protein. It’s now a monthly special—“Vegan Crunch” with a soy-ginger glaze. Alex now brings groups of vegan friends every month.

FAQs

Is Kim Jong Grillin’ only in Portland?

As of now, Kim Jong Grillin’ operates only in Portland, Oregon. Their original location is in the Alberta neighborhood, with a second spot opening in the Sellwood district in 2023. There are no plans for expansion outside Oregon at this time.

Do they offer delivery?

Yes. Kim Jong Grillin’ partners with DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates for delivery. However, delivery can reduce crispiness. For the best experience, opt for pickup.

Is the chicken gluten-free?

No. The chicken is coated in a wheat-based batter before frying. They do not currently offer a gluten-free option. If you have celiac disease or a severe allergy, inform the staff—they can advise on safe side dishes.

Can I customize the spice level?

Yes. When ordering, you can request “mild,” “medium,” or “extra spicy” for any sauce. The staff is trained to adjust heat levels based on your preference.

Do they serve alcohol?

Kim Jong Grillin’ does not serve alcohol on-site. However, they encourage customers to bring their own beer or soju (BYOB) for outdoor seating. Many patrons pair their chicken with local craft brews.

How long does the chicken stay crispy?

At its peak, the chicken stays crispy for 15–20 minutes after being cooked. After that, the sauce begins to soften the crust. For optimal texture, eat immediately or reheat properly.

Are reservations accepted?

No. Kim Jong Grillin’ operates on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak hours, expect a 10–25 minute wait. Use online ordering to skip the line.

What’s the most popular dish?

The yangnyeom chicken with spicy cucumber salad is the

1 ordered combo. The honey butter chicken is a close second, especially among younger diners and dessert lovers.

Do they have vegetarian options?

Yes. While the chicken is not vegetarian, the kimchi fried rice, spicy cucumber salad, edamame, and tteokbokki (check if made with fish sauce) are plant-based. Ask about vegan modifications.

Is there parking?

Yes. The Alberta location has street parking and a small lot behind the restaurant. The Sellwood location has a dedicated parking lot with 20 spaces. Both are bike-friendly with racks available.

Conclusion

Trying Korean fried chicken at Kim Jong Grillin’ in Portland is more than a meal—it’s an immersion into a global culinary tradition, reimagined with local heart and precision. From the double-fried crunch to the glossy, complex sauces, every element is crafted to delight the senses and spark conversation. By following this guide, you’re not just ordering chicken; you’re engaging with a story, a culture, and a community that takes pride in what they serve.

Whether you’re a Portland native or a visitor passing through, Kim Jong Grillin’ offers an experience that lingers long after the last bite. The key is intentionality: choose wisely, eat mindfully, ask questions, and embrace the contrast of flavors. Don’t settle for the obvious. Try the secret sauce. Order the half-and-half. Bring a friend. Take notes. Share your story.

Korean fried chicken is not just food. It’s connection. And at Kim Jong Grillin’, that connection is served hot, crispy, and full of soul.