Kong BBQ is Opening its Official Richmond Restaurant This Week

There are few more anxious moments in our lives than the wait we must endure for Korean fried chicken. Our mouths can't help but water, our hands can't help but fidget. Chris Lucas has inflicted a slightly torturous wait upon us, but thankfully it's also nearly over. Kong BBQ will officially be open for business in its permanent Richmond home this Friday, May 30.

For those that haven't yet been swept up in this BBQ bonanza, Kong is the brainchild of famed restauranteur Chris Lucas — the guy behind Chin Chin and Baby Pizza. After the announcement of Kong's imminent arrival in December last year, Lucas has been hard at work. Kong has been built from scratch, taking advantage of the best in Korean BBQ cuisine; plus it has already been trialled as a pop-up in the much-loved CBD street food park Rue & Co. Now the dress rehearsal is over, everyone is sufficiently tantalised and the real thing is nearly upon us.

With Chin Chin's Benjamin Cooper on board as executive chef, Kong will be taking up residence in what was once Church Street's Pearl Cafe. Taking inspirations from traditional Asian smoking techniques, the restaurant will specialise in BBQ favourites like ribs and wings while using chemical-free charcoal and sustainable Australian hard wood.

Unsurprisingly, it will also take on Chin Chin's infamous walk-in only policy. Kong will not take bookings and with this amount of hype, we suggest you get there very early to secure a table. Luckily they'll also offer a takeaway menu. With menu items characterised by kimchi, soy and sesame, at least this is takeaway food you can feel semi-okay about scoffing.

Kong will be open from 11am-late from Friday, May 30. It's located at 599 Church Street, Richmond.