Nestled on a corner terrace in Chippendale is an unassuming Abercrombie Street wonder. Offering Korean fried chook in a range of flavours — some of which are special one-offs, alongside loaded burgers and at an affordable price point — Joy is a must-try addition to your fried chicken hit list (or try our lineup of the best fried chicken in Sydney).
Owner Kay Hwang is a Sydney hospitality stalwart. Hwang moved to Australia from South Korea 19 years ago before professionally training and opening Sergeant Lok in The Rocks in 2020. The pandemic became the catalyst for Hwang to step away from Sergeant Lok and shifted focus to a life-long love: fried chicken.
According to Hwang, the concept behind Joy Korean Fried Chicken is about a great fried chicken spot where customers can order smaller amounts — like one or two pieces instead of having to go the whole bird. That's exactly what you can get: crispy fried chicken pieces on the bone for $4.50–5.90 a pop, plus 180-gram serve boneless pieces, accompanied by coleslaw and pickles.
From here you face the tough decision about what flavour you choose. Your options include sweet and spicy, honey soy, lemon and parsley, and bulgogi, with special edition limited-time flavours popping up on the menu regularly.
If you're looking for a heftier meal, hungrier patrons can get all flavours available in burger form or go for the Joy Box combo of fried chicken, a burger, coleslaw, pickles, chips and a drink for under $20. A real bargain.