Thursday, March 20, 2025

#KoreanCravings: Bonchon Celebrates Milestone 15 Years with a Refreshed Look, New Store Openings and Exciting Menu Additions

The usual definition of any business or brand's success goes beyond the accepted metrics or even the bottom line. One key measure of success is longevity, the enduring staying power of a brand remaining relevant and meaningful in the hierarchy of shifting preferences and evolving trends. Few brands or businesses make it past the milestone tenth year mark, and those that do have become an integral part of our daily routine. Like Bonchon, the acknowledged pioneer in Korean fried chicken now embarking on its 15th year journey of unique and captivating flavors, continuous innovation and growth with even more delectable surprises from their ever busy kitchens.


Do you remember your first time at Bonchon? Like many, we've all remained captivated by the delicate play on crisp and juicy textures and bold flavors of Bonchon's signature Korean style fried chicken for over fifteen years and counting. It's a remarkable run by any standard, but the brand promises yet even more to come. Take a bite and savor the inspiring story behind the success of 2024's Most Influential Brand by Influential Brands Singapore in the Korean Restaurant Category...

Photo provided by Bonchon
The inspiring story of Bonchon can be traced back to 2002 when Mr. Jinduk Seh had an idea anchored on his favorite fried chicken recipe. The brand's name which means "my hometown" reflects the rich and authentic flavors of Korea that eventually sparked a worldwide revolution in fried chicken. 


The global culinary phenomenon eventually reached the Philippines in 2010 marking the start of an epic adventure in flavor that continues to this day. Fifteen years on, Bonchon remains top-of-mind when it comes to Korean fried chicken. Why? It's the double-frying technique for that crispy golden skin and crunch over juicy chicken slathered in a flavorful glaze from Korea's colorful palette of flavors (for more on Bonchon, see my very first post on the Korean fried chicken brand at Change is Delicious with Bonchon Chicken's New Crunchy Garlic from 2015). 


A love for Korean food and Korean fried chicken in particular led Scott Tan of the Scottland Food Group to bring the much-loved Korean fried chicken brand to the Philippines. With Bonchon as its flagship brand, the rapidly growing food group now includes a variety of international cuisines like Japan's Go Bento, Korea's Eat Pizza (see more on my posts Slide into The Latest Craze From Korea With The Unique 10-Inch Pizza Creations At Eat Pizza and Say Annyeong as the Pizza Revolution Expands South with the Second Eat Pizza Branch at SM Mall of Asia) and Singapore's Ya Kun Kaya Toast


As Bonchon celebrates its milestone 15th anniversary, the brand gears up for an exciting 2025 with a cool, exciting and refreshed look in key locations along with new store openings and an impressive array of new menu offerings. Koreans have a word that best describes the brand's flavorful and adventure-filled 15-year journey in the Philippines with "daebak" meaning "awesome." And that's exactly what Bonchon has achieved in its continuing story.


The bright new interiors with its vibrant colors takes the brand towards a new chapter in its awesome fifteen year run, with still so many more flavorful stories to share...


...and that deserves a big bite of the crisp and juicy Korean style fried chicken that continues to remain at the top of everyone's hit list. Earning the coveted Most Influential Brand in the Korean Restaurant Category for 2024 by Influential Brands is the feather on the cap in Bonchon's storied journey. And the icing on the cake. The recognition also highlights the brand's unwavering commitment in popularizing the now iconic fried chicken and other Korean-inspired dishes in the country. 


It's that crisp and juicy bite that immediately reels you in for another bite with its delectable play contrasting textures from the signature double-frying technique. And the variety of flavors from Soy Garlic, Crunchy Garlic, Honey Citrus, YangNyeom and Spicy that makes each visit to Bonchon a pure moment in fried chicken deliciousness. 


And that first bite takes you back to that very first time you enjoyed the Korean style fried chicken at Bonchon. Those memories are relived and experienced anew at Bonchon


Today, the restaurant scene is filled with countless Korean fried chicken options and its popularity continues to grow. In fact, Korean fried chicken has been deeply embedded in the local culinary mainstream along with a weave of cultural threads from K-pop, music, K-drama and entertainment. But it's Bonchon that paved the way with a taste of Mr. Jinduk Seh's flavors from his hometown. 


But Bonchon isn't resting on its laurels just yet. Continuous innovation and the constant roll-out of new dishes and offerings are key in remaining relevant and top-of-mind in a competitive and cluttered restaurant scene. Along with the refreshed new look of selected branches and the opening of even more locations in the pipeline, Bonchon is ready for the next chapter in its journey. 


There's more to Bonchon than its stellar cast of savory Korean fried chicken led menu, a whole lot more to discover from its growing repertoire of Korean-inspired flavors... 


...like the new Rosé Tteokbokki for an indulgently creamy and spicy spin on soft and chewy rice cakes and pasta with rosé sauce, fish cakes, nori and sesame seeds. Hearty and comforting with the distinctive bold notes of Korean cuisine, the Rosé Tteokbokki presents yet another must-try option at Bonchon. Other tempting noodle picks include Chapchae and Beef Bulgogi Noodle Soup


Then, there's the line of Bibimbowls with rice topped with beef, chicken or seafood, soft and chewy glass noodles, mushrooms, corn, egg and lettuce served in a sizzling hot cast iron skillet. A complete and satisfying meal in itself, the Bibimbowls are available in Original and Spicy variants. 


But my pick has to be The Beef Stew now served in a sizzling hot cast iron skillet with carrots, mushrooms and fork-tender slabs of fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs with the flavorful kick of Korean notes. The thick, sweet and savory sauce just ties everything together with each bite. And that sizzle just completes the hearty beef dish. 


The Boneless Chicken option with that crisp and juicy texture and rich flavors lets you go down straight to business without the bone. Spice it up with your choice of dips like the Spicy Mayo, Regular Mayo or the BYN (Bonchon Yangnyeom Glaze). Packed with flavor without the bone to come between you and pure Korean fried chicken goodness, this one's another cool pick from Bonchon


The extensive array of options are just one of many reasons to return to Bonchon. But leave room for dessert...


What's the first thing that comes to mind when Korean desserts are mentioned? Bet Bingsu is way up there and Bonchon has the goods with the new Honeydew Melon Bingsu or the popular Mango Bingsu


And with summer already here, Bonchon shows you one cool "daebak" way to beat the heat. From the shaved ice all the way to the variety of toppings, there's just no better way to cool down at Bonchon


My pick? The Chocolate Brownie Bingsu has always been a favorite with soft and moist brownie cubes drizzled with thick chocolate syrup. The finely shaved and creamy ice with chocolate is a decadent combo and the picture-perfect sweet ending to your sumptuous Korean feast at Bonchon


Coffee? Make that the Café Koreano with its blend of milky Korean snow ice and rich coffee. Is there a more decadent way to enjoy your caffeine fix? 


The Chocolate Café Koreano just hits all the right notes with each indulgently soothing sip with the deep notes of coffee tempered and smoothened by the nutty hints of chocolate. 


Looking back, there's a whole lot to celebrate at Bonchon. "Bonchon Philippines' 15th Anniversary isn't just a celebration of the past; it's a glimpse into an exciting year filled with even more flavor, growth and unforgettable dining experiences brought to you by Scottland Food Group. We thank you all for being part of our journey and look forward to sharing more exciting news in the coming months," shared Scott Tan, Managing Director of Scottland Food Group. 


A refreshed new look and vibe, exciting new menu additions and more store openings looming on the horizon plus recognition from Influential Brands Singapore as the Most Influential Brand in the Korean Restaurant Category, the milestone 15th anniversary of Bonchon is everyone's celebration. And things just keeps getting better at Bonchon

Do you remember your first time at Bonchon? Celebrate and relive those moments with a visit at Bonchon. And let that crunchy, crisp and juicy bite take you back to that very first time...

Bonchon is located at the Ground Floor of SM Mall of Asia South Wing, Pasay, Metro Manila. You can also visit their FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/BonchonPhilippines and https://www.instagram.com/bonchon_ph/ for more information and updates. 

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