Korean restaurants have long been a go-to in Singapore for comfort food that hits all the right notes, from smoky tabletop barbecue to soul-warming stews and irresistibly crispy fried chicken. In Tanjong Pagar, this love affair with Korean cuisine feels especially concentrated, with the neighbourhood offering an impressive mix of casual eateries and long-standing favourites that keep diners coming back.
If you’re specifically hunting for Korean fried chicken in Tanjong Pagar, you’re in luck. The area is packed with spots that do the dish justice, whether you prefer classic old-school crunch, sweet-and-spicy sauces, or bold garlic-forward flavours. Below, we’ve narrowed it down to three places worth bookmarking the next time cravings strike.
Note: This list is strictly not in order.
1. O.BBa BBQ & Jjajang
O.BBa BBQ & Jjajang is a familiar name to many Korean food lovers, and its Tanjong Pagar outlet continues the brand’s reputation for consistency and value. While the restaurant is widely known for its Korean BBQ and Korean-Chinese staples, its fried chicken deserves just as much attention—especially if you’re dining with a group that wants variety.
The space is casual and welcoming, making it suitable for everything from post-work dinners to relaxed weekend catch-ups. Beyond premium grilled meats, the a la carte menu features a small but well-executed selection of fried chicken that pairs effortlessly with BBQ platters. The old-school fried chicken is crisp, light, and comforting, while the yangnyeom version leans into sweet, sticky heat without being overpowering. Garlic lovers will also appreciate the aromatic punch in their garlic chicken, which balances savoury depth with crunch.
Prices:
- Korean Old-school Fried Chicken: $26
- Yangnyeom Chicken: $39
- Garlic Chicken: $39
Highlights:
- Classic old-school fried chicken with clean, crispy batter
- Sweet and spicy yangnyeom chicken for sauce lovers
- Good value pricing compared to many Korean BBQ spots
Business Reviews:
1. The food was served quite fast given the amount of food we ordered and every dish did not disappoint! 🥰 Would come back for more for sure. The qq texture of the jajiangmeon made it so addictive! Sauce of the fried garlic chicken is also really yummy!
2. The ambience here was wonderful, almost like dining in a private room with attentive service from the friendly staff. They made sure our food was served promptly and that we had a pleasant dining experience throughout. We tried the prime beef, which was tender and juicy, the garlic chicken that was flavorful and aromatic, and the cheese kimchi pancake that was rich and full of taste—along with several other delicious dishes. The refillable side dishes were also a highlight. Overall, it was excellent value for me and my friends, and we’ll definitely be coming back again.
3. Fantastic K-BBQ Experience at Obba BBQ & Jjajang Tanjong Pagar! Visited Obba BBQ & Jjajang at Tanjong Pagar and had an amazing meal! We ordered the old school fried chicken, beef rib, and pork everything was delicious. The fried chicken was crispy and flavorful. The beef rib was tender, juicy, and grilled perfectly, while the pork was delicious. The staff were friendly and attentive, helping us with the grill and making sure everything was cooked just right. The side dishes were generous and fresh, and the overall atmosphere was lively and authentic. Highly recommend for anyone craving quality Korean BBQ in Singapore. Will definitely be back!
| Website: | https://obba-sg.com/ |
| Operating Hours: | Monday: 12 AM– 5 AM, 6 PM–12 AM | Tuesday, Thursday-Friday: 12 AM – 6 AM, 6 PM – 12 AM | Wednesday, Saturday-Sunday: 12 – 6 AM, 5 PM – 12 AM |
| Number: | 6223 3020 |
| Address: | 59 Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore 088480 |
2. MiMi Korean BBQ
MiMi Korean BBQ brings a lively, no-frills energy to the Tanjong Pagar dining scene. The interior looks familiar to anyone who frequents Korean BBQ restaurants—rows of tables, efficient smoke vents, and a few private rooms for those who prefer a more intimate setting. While BBQ is clearly a main draw, MiMi’s wider menu makes it a versatile option for mixed cravings.
Alongside classic dishes like gamjatang and army stew, MiMi offers an extensive fried chicken lineup that caters to different tastes. You can start with the original flavour to appreciate the crispness of the chicken itself, then move on to sauced options such as soy, spicy, or yangnyeom. Adventurous diners might enjoy the stir-fried spicy chicken with cheese, which adds richness and drama to the table. Thanks to this range, it’s easy to see why many consider MiMi a solid stop for Tanjong Pagar Korean fried chicken when variety matters.
Prices:
- Fried Chicken: $35
- Boneless Fried Chicken: $35
- Yangyum Fried Chicken: $38
- Soya Chicken: $22
- Spicy Chicken: $22
Highlights:
- Wide range of fried chicken flavours, from classic to spicy
- Buffet option with multiple protein choices
- Private rooms available for group dining
Business Reviews:
1. yummy sides like pancake fried chicken and rice cake, super worth buffet
2. I am from Korea and the food here is pretty authentic! Especially pancakes and fried chickens, they are so delicious!
3. Found this kbbq buffet online and it met all the expectations!! The quality of the meat was nice & I love the bulgogis! There’s also a wide variety of side dishes and cooked dishes like kimchi pancake, fish cake, kimbap, fried chicken etc.!! Definitely coming back here if I have the stomach for a buffet next time!
| Website: | https://www.instagram.com/mimibbq_sg/ |
| Operating Hours: | Sunday-Thursday: Lunch: 11:30 AM – 3 PM, Dinner: 5:30 PM – 11 PM | Friday-Saturday: Lunch: 11:30 AM – 3 PM, Dinner: 5:30 PM – 12 AM |
| Number: | 9114 9510 |
| Address: | 2 Peck Seah St, #01-01 Air View Building, Singapore 079305 |
3. Kko Kko Na Ra
Kko Kko Na Ra is first and foremost a classic Korean restaurant serving a wide range of familiar comfort dishes. That said, it’s also one of the most well-known names when it comes to Korean fried chicken in Tanjong Pagar, and for good reason. The menu here is broad, making it an easy choice if your group wants more than just chicken on the table.
When it comes to fried chicken, Kko Kko Na Ra offers an impressive lineup of flavours. You’ll find everything from the original version to sauced options like soy garlic, yangnyeom (sweet and spicy), spicy garlic, cheese sprinkle, and honey shiok. A standout favourite is their signature garlic soy sauce chicken wings and drumlets, marinated with hand-crushed garlic and a blend of imported ingredients. For those who enjoy variety, the combo chicken set delivers nine pieces across three flavours—original, sweet, and their special garlic soy sauce.
Kko Kko Na Ra is also widely credited as one of the pioneers of chimaek culture in Singapore, so pairing your chicken with ice-cold beer feels almost mandatory. If beer isn’t your thing, the drinks menu includes creative soju cocktails, flavoured soju, and even makgeolli for something a little different.
Prices:
- Whole Original Chicken (16 pcs): $45
- Half Original Chicken (8 pcs): $25
- Whole Yangyum Chicken (16 pcs): $48
- Half Yangyum Chicken (8 pcs): $28
- Whole Mala Chicken (16 pcs): $45
- Half Mala Chicken (8 pcs): $35
- Soy Garlic Wings & Drums: $45
Highlights:
- Wide range of fried chicken flavours, from classic to modern
- Signature garlic soy sauce wings and drumlets
- Strong chimaek culture with beers and soju cocktails
Business Reviews:
1. I usually suggest to go Kko ko nara for my company dinners and birthday parties. Really appreciate their service and hospitality! Food is always fresh and yummy especially their soy garlic fried chicken and raw marinated crabs! Bonus that they have Karaoke which my friends and I enjoy. It’s always an enjoyable time at there I highly recommend this fantastic dining!
2. This place has a really nice vibe to it and the fried chicken is so good.
3. Authentic Korean flavour through and through! Initially a little bit hesitant to come here as the prices felt slightly higher than the other shops but wow after eating the food, we were not disappointed at all! Fried chicken was so freshly cooked, I can still taste the crispiness of the batter and the strong flavouring! Soup was so thick that there wasn’t much soup and the flavour was so strong and delicious! Definitely somewhere I would come again!
| Website: | http://www.kkokkonara.com/ |
| Operating Hours: | Open Daily: 12 PM – 1 AM |
| Number: | 6225 9282 |
| Address: | 33 Tras St, #02-01, Singapore 078973 |
NearMe’s Pick
All three spots bring something different to the table, which can make choosing just one a challenge. To help narrow things down, here are our tailored picks based on what you might be looking for.
1. If you want variety for group dining:
Our pick: O.BBa BBQ & Jjajang
O.BBa BBQ & Jjajang is ideal if you’re dining with friends or colleagues who can’t agree on just one type of Korean food. Its biggest strength lies in balance—you can enjoy BBQ, hearty mains, and fried chicken all in one sitting without stretching your budget too far. The fried chicken works especially well as a side to share, making it easy to please different palates at the table.
2. If you want the most flavour options in one place:
Our pick: MiMi Korean BBQ
MiMi Korean BBQ stands out for its sheer range of fried chicken flavours. Whether you prefer classic crunch, sweet soy notes, or fiery spice, there’s something here for you. Add in the option of a buffet and private rooms, and it becomes a strong choice for celebrations or casual gatherings where everyone wants something slightly different.
3. If you want a laid-back, late-night supper spot:
Our pick: Kko Kko Na Ra
Kko Kko Na Ra shines when you’re craving comfort food in a relaxed setting. Its generous portions and unfussy approach make it perfect for late dinners or supper sessions with friends. If your idea of a good night involves crispy chicken, cold drinks, and unhurried conversations, this is the place to head to.
Final Thoughts
Tanjong Pagar continues to prove why it’s one of Singapore’s most reliable neighbourhoods for Korean food. From casual chains to long-standing favourites, each of these spots offers a slightly different take on fried chicken—whether through flavour variety, value, or atmosphere. The good news is that there’s no wrong choice, only one that best suits your mood and company.
If fried chicken is just the starting point of your cravings, consider exploring the wider range of Korean offerings in the area as well. From BBQ feasts to comforting stews and classic sides, these top restaurants offering the best Korean food in Tanjong Pagar have everything you need for a truly satisfying dining experience. Head down, explore, and let your appetite lead the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What makes Tanjong Pagar the go-to spot for Korean fried chicken?
Tanjong Pagar is often referred to as Singapore’s “Koreatown” because it has the highest concentration of authentic Korean-owned restaurants in the country. Many of these shops were started by Korean families who brought over traditional double-frying techniques and proprietary sauce recipes. The competitive nature of the street ensures that quality stays high and flavors remain as close to Seoul as possible.
2. Why is the chicken there so much crispier than fast-food versions?
The secret lies in the double-frying method. The chicken is first fried at a lower temperature to cook the meat through and render out the fat from the skin. After a brief rest, it is fried again at a much higher temperature. This process creates a thin, glass-like crust that stays crunchy even after being tossed in heavy glazes.
3. What are the must-try sauce flavors for a first-timer?
While every shop has its specialty, most Singaporeans gravitate toward these “Big Three”:
- Soy Garlic (Ganjang): Savory, sweet, and approachable.
- Yangnyeom: A sticky, red, sweet-and-spicy glaze made with gochujang (chili paste).
- Honey Butter: A popular “white” seasoning that offers a creamy, salty-sweet profile.
4. Are there any Halal-certified options in the Tanjong Pagar area?
While many of the traditional “chimaek” (chicken and beer) joints in Tanjong Pagar serve alcohol and use non-halal meat sources, the landscape is changing. Some popular chains and smaller kiosks in the nearby malls (like Tanjong Pagar Centre or 100 AM) have secured Halal certification. However, it is always best to check for the MUIS certificate at the door, as many independent shophouse restaurants are not Halal-certified.
5. What is the average price for a meal?
Dining in Tanjong Pagar is generally a mid-range experience. You can expect to pay:
- $20–$25 for a half chicken (serves 1–2).
- $35–$45 for a whole chicken (serves 3–4).
Most restaurants also apply a 10% service charge and prevailing GST, so a group of four should budget around $30–$40 per person including drinks and sides.
