The Authentic Taste of Korea at Don Chicken Encinitas

Encinitas is home to many excellent restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. However, only one spot truly captures the flavor of Korea – Don Chicken Encinitas. This unassuming restaurant serves up piping hot, perfectly fried Korean-style chicken that keeps locals coming back again and again.

A Family Business Focused on Quality

Don Chicken is a family-owned and operated restaurant specializing in Korean comfort food. The owner, Don Lee, grew up in Korea before moving to California He missed the taste of crispy Korean fried chicken and set out to recreate it in Encinitas After months of testing recipes and techniques, he settled on using organic chicken and a secret marinade to achieve the ideal balance of crunch and juiciness.

Don works alongside his wife and daughters in the open kitchen at Don Chicken. They carefully monitor each batch of chicken, adjusting cooking times and temperatures to ensure consistency. The family takes pride in using high-quality ingredients like organic chicken and homemade sauces. Customers can taste the extra care that goes into each bite.

The Star of the Show – Korean Fried Chicken

Without a doubt, the main attraction at Don Chicken is the fried chicken. It’s available in several styles including soy garlic, spicy, and oven-baked. However, the classic Korean fried chicken is the most popular.

Each piece is lightly coated in a thin tempura-style batter. It’s then fried slowly in a dedicated fryer until the skin achieves a perfectly crispy texture without being greasy. Beneath the crunchy exterior, the chicken stays incredibly moist and tender. It’s evident that the chicken is never over-fried or cooked too quickly.

The chicken is served up hot and juicy in crisp paper boxes. Portion sizes are generous, often feeding two people. Several dipping sauces like spicy mayo and sweet chili accentuate the flavors. A few slices of pickled radish balance out the richness.

Homemade Korean Side Dishes

In addition to fried chicken, Don Chicken prepares several classic banchan (Korean side dishes) These small plates are the perfect complement to the chicken Favorites include kimchi, spicy cucumbers, pickled bean sprouts, and shredded cabbage slaw.

The kimchi and other banchan are made in-house according to traditional recipes. They provide a nutritious balance of vegetables alongside the fried chicken. The crunchy texture and tangy, spicy flavors pair exceptionally well.

Soju, Beer, and Other Korean Drinks

To fully experience Korean cuisine, be sure to accompany your meal with traditional beverages. Don Chicken offers popular Korean alcoholic drinks like soju and beer.

Soju is a clear liquor traditionally made from rice. It has a smooth yet strong kick similar to vodka. Cass and Hite are two major Korean beer brands with light, crisp flavors.

For non-alcoholic options, Don Chicken serves intriguing Korean sodas. Try flavors like yogurt soda, coconut soda, and melon cream soda. These sweet, creamy drinks make a fun change from typical soda.

A Casual, Welcoming Atmosphere

Stepping into Don Chicken feels like being transported to Korea. The interior is decorated with Korean art, flags, and cultural symbols. Korean pop music videos play on the television, although not too loudly.

The vibe is casual and comfortable. Customers sit at wooden tables or the small bar area. During busier times, expect some noise and bustling as the family works to prepare chicken and take orders. The atmosphere remains warm and welcoming.

The staff is happy to offer recommendations or substitutions to accommodate dietary needs. Prices stay reasonable, especially considering the high-quality ingredients.

Consistently Delicious Korean Comfort Food

It’s clear that Don Chicken Encinitas stays true to owner Don Lee’s original vision – serving authentic, high-quality Korean fare. The love and care that goes into preparing traditional dishes like fried chicken and banchan shines through with each bite.

For those seeking a true taste of Korea without the long flight across the Pacific, Don Chicken is the place to visit. Their consistently delicious food using time-honored recipes makes this a must-try spot for Korean cuisine.