The UK's love affair with Korean fried chicken is set to reach new heights as popular chain KoKoDoo announces the opening of its seventh British outlet, a flagship restaurant on Fulham Broadway, scheduled for January 2026.
From Humble Food Truck to Fulham Flagship
Founded in 2016 by Mary and Joseph Yoon, KoKoDoo began as a single food truck and has since grown into a beloved brand with a cult following. The new Fulham location marks a significant strategic shift for the business. Unlike its six existing sites in London, Bristol, and Swansea, which are all franchised, the Fulham Broadway restaurant will be the brand's first fully company-owned establishment.
Managing director Joe Yoon revealed to Propel earlier this year that this flagship site is a crucial milestone. He stated it will set the standard for future franchise locations and pave the way for the brand to 'scale rapidly' across the UK once the blueprint is established.
The 'Goosebump-Inducing' Menu Winning Rave Reviews
KoKoDoo's success is built on a focused menu that has consistently impressed both critics and customers. The offering centres on hand-battered chicken bites, fiery chilli glazed wings, and its signature KFC burger – a playful nod to 'Korean Fried Chicken' drizzled in a secret sauce.
The acclaim is widespread. Food vlogger RollinJoint famously tried the burger after a friend claimed it was so good it induced 'goosebumps'. The verdict? It was declared 'the best in London', praised for its perfect balance of sweetness, spiciness, and saltiness.
This sentiment is echoed across social media. On TikTok, user Pauliedee63 described it as 'the best chicken [they've] ever had', while missdanniellaa called it a 'hidden gem'. On Reddit, the chain is frequently recommended as a top spot for authentic Korean fried chicken, with one user noting it was the 'closest to authentic' option in Britain, applauding its generous portions, juicy chicken, and decent prices.
Riding the UK's Fried Chicken Wave
KoKoDoo is not alone in capitalising on the UK's burgeoning appetite for premium chicken. The market is becoming increasingly competitive. In September, US chain Dave's Hot Chicken announced plans for two new London sites less than a year after its debut. They are joined by other international players like Dubai-based BonBird and Canada's MB Chicken, while even Domino's pizza has launched a new chicken-focused spin-off brand, Chick 'N' Dip.
According to Vhari Russell, a food industry specialist and founder of The Food Marketing Experts, this fried chicken craze is partly driven by the economy. During a cost of living crisis, chicken is seen as an affordable, familiar, and versatile protein. She explained that it is perceived as a lower-risk choice when budgets are tight and is also viewed as slightly healthier than beef or pork, broadening its demographic appeal.
With its new company-owned flagship, KoKoDoo is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of this lucrative and growing food trend, promising Londoners more of the 'goosebump-inducing' chicken that made its name.
