Korean fried chicken restaurant Bonchon opens first location in Iowa
Korean fried chicken restaurant Bonchon opens first location in Iowa
Lucia Cheng and Susan Stapleton, Des Moines RegisterTue, May 5, 2026 at 3:13 PM UTC
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Sink your teeth into the crispy goodness of Bonchon's Korean fried chicken, the newest competitor in the comfort food scene.
The chain recently opened its first Iowa location in West Des Moines on April 29.
What is Korean fried chicken?
Korean fried chicken is known for its ultra-crispy texture and bold, addictive sauces. Unlike traditional American fried chicken, it’s double-fried for extra crunch and coated in signature glazes like soy garlic, spicy or Korean barbecue.
In the Des Moines metro, Basic Bird in Beaverdale, DZO Korean BBQ on Ingersoll Avenue, Chikin-Lickin in Waukee, and What Dak Korean Fried Chicken in West Des Moines all offer Korean fried chicken.
More: Korean flavors heat up the Des Moines metro dining scene
What’s on the Bonchon menu?
Bonchon’s menu will feature:
Chicken favorites: Korean fried chicken is served as wings, drumsticks, strips and a chicken sandwich.
Bibimbap: This “mixed rice” features warm white rice topped with an assortment of seasoned and sautéed vegetables (namul), gochujang (chili pepper paste), a protein and a fried or raw egg.
Japchae: This dish features stir-fried glass noodles and a mix of vegetables, meat and mushrooms.
Tteokbokki: These simmered rice cakes are a popular Korean street food made from soft, chewy, cylindrical rice cakes known as garae-tteok. The rice cakes are simmered in a rich, savory, sweet and spicy sauce, which is most commonly made with gochujang (Korean chili paste).
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Bulgogi: This Korean barbecue dish features thinly sliced, marinated meat, most commonly beef, that is grilled or stir-fried. Bulgogi translates to “fire meat,” referring to the method of cooking over an open flame and not the heat of this sweet and savory dish.
Kimchi: This fermented food is usually made with napa cabbage and radishes, seasoned with chili powder, garlic, ginger and often fish sauce or shrimp paste.
Korean street corn: Grilled corn with Kewpie mayo, mozzarella, garlic and red chili flakes.
Dessert: Korean doughnuts are coated in cinnamon sugar and served with sweet cream dipping sauce.
More: The 15 most-anticipated restaurant openings in the Des Moines metro
Where is Bonchon located?
The new Bonchon is open at 6880 EP True Parkway, Suite 104, West Des Moines, near Three Bears Tea, Tous les Jours, and Vietopia Asian Fusion.
The newer strip mall is just north of Jordan Creek Town Center.
The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
More: A French-Asian bakery with more than 300 pastries and cakes opens in West Des Moines soon
Who is behind the Iowa expansion?
The franchise partner for Bonchon’s Iowa debut is Min Tun, who plans to open three Bonchon locations across the state in the coming years. This West Des Moines restaurant will be the first.
What is Bonchon?
Bonchon, which means “my hometown” in Korean, was founded in South Korea and made its U.S. debut in 2010. Since then, it has grown to nearly 150 locations in the United States and close to 500 worldwide.
Lucia Cheng is a service and trending reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at lcheng@gannett.com or 515-284-8132.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Bonchon brings more Korean fried chicken to Des Moines
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