Korean-Born Fried Chicken Favourite Bonchon Has Opened Its First Australian Store in Melbourne

There's no shortage of cult Korean fried chicken joints that have settled themselves into Melbourne's food scene over the past few years. And, since there's no such thing as too much choice when it comes to crispy fried bird, the city has just welcomed another star onto that growing list.

South Korea's Bonchon is the latest to venture Down Under, opening the doors to its first Aussie eatery in Craigieburn Central last month. And it's even celebrating the arrival with a cheeky chicken giveaway on Saturday, January 15.

Born in the buzzing southern city of Busan in 2002, Bonchon — meaning 'my hometown' — is now an international name in the chicken game, boasting over 370 outposts across the globe. Its latest has made its home in Melbourne's north, where Aussies can get their first taste of the brand's signature sauces — spicy and soy garlic — and its original recipe double-fried chook.

Bonchon's menu famously extends to a range of pan-Asian dishes and other Korean specialties, which are also making an appearance at the new Melbourne restaurant. Here, you can balance your fried chicken fix with the likes of loaded kimchi fries, kimchi coleslaw, prawn and ginger potstickers, and popcorn cauliflower bao.

There's a classic beef bulgogi with rice and sweet soy, an assortment of mix-and-match 'k-bowls', and a lineup of Korean-inspired burgers, too. And don't forget to match your feed with one of the soju-infused house cocktails, including a soju margarita.

As for that signature chook, it comes battered, double-fried and hand-brushed with sauce to order, available across a whole range of bone-in and boneless combination packs. And, as for that giveaway, the store is treating its new fans to a huge opening special on Saturday, January 15, handing out free three-packs of wings to all customers who visit between 2–5pm.

Find Bonchon at Craigieburn Central, Main Street (off Craigieburn Road), Craigieburn. It's open daily from 11am–10pm.