Friendship at First Bite: Getting to know Chicken Chingu
As food-loving people, we go all in. Whether it’s binge-watching an entire K-drama in one weekend, lining up for hours just to get our hands on a limited-edition snack, or debating which samgyupsal dip is the superior choice, we don’t do things halfway. Food, especially, is something we get crazy about, and when it’s something as addictive as Korean fried chicken, there’s no stopping us.
On a personal level, I’ve been a K-drama fan since the early 2000s, way before subtitles were easy to find and streaming platforms made life easier. Naturally, this love for Korean entertainment also fueled my fascination with Korean food (don’t you just get tempted to go grab some noodles or snacks while watching?) — I was already obsessed with “samgyup” long before it became a massive trend in the Philippines. And when it comes to Korean fried chicken? I must admit I’ve had more than my fair share of crunchy, sauce-drenched goodness over the years but through not-so-popular Korean restaurants in the metro (Some have already closed down!). So when I got the chance to visit Chicken Chingu, a restaurant dedicated to serving the friendliest Korean fried chicken in town (fittingly named chingu, which means “friend” in Korean), I was more than excited.
Chicken Chingu in Quezon City is located at the Biz Terreno building.
A secret door is inside to The Odd Seoul.
Chicken Chingu in Scout Torillo, Quezon City
The moment I stepped inside Chicken Chingu’s Quezon City branch, I was greeted by the warmest and friendliest staff—a little touch that instantly made the experience feel even more authentic. They welcomed me with a hearty family meal featuring two dips and four different flavors of their signature boneless Korean fried chicken. Each bite was a burst of bold, well-marinated flavors that had me reaching for more before I even finished chewing.
Check out my boba iced tea! Haha, almost finished before I could even take photos!
But the feast didn’t stop there. I also got to try their beef stew, which had a rich, deeply savory sauce that reminded me of a classic beef bulgogi—perfectly balanced when paired with their kimchi rice. Everything was so satisfying that I was glad I came with an empty stomach, yet I still ended up with leftovers that I wished I could’ve shared with family or friends.
One of the unexpected highlights of my visit? Their boba iced tea—a refreshing, slightly sweet drink where the bobas popped in my mouth in the most satisfying way.
The whole place had a cozy, laid-back vibe, and what made it even more exciting was the hidden secret door leading to Odd Seoul, a party place that comes alive at night. How cool is that? If that wasn’t enough, Chicken Chingu even has a noodle bar where you can find different brands of authentic Korean instant noodles to complete your dining experience.
@randomrepublika For some Korean fried chicken goodness, visit any of the #ChickenChingu branches. Chicken Chingu is now proudly serving at 10 convenient locations across Metro Manila: Ayala Malls Cloverleaf | YouSuites, Recto | Sct. Torillo | SMDC Green, Taft | NU MOA | Poblacion (Hoesik) | Katipunan | San Juan (GolfX) | Sheridan | The Medical City, Pasig #foodph #foodtokph #foodtok ♬ DAM – SB19
Why Chicken Chingu is a must-try
The food, the flavors, the vibe—everything about Chicken Chingu makes it the perfect place for Korean food lovers to indulge. Whether you’re dining solo, hanging out with friends, or looking for a lively spot to enjoy good food before heading out for drinks, this place has you covered. The friendly staff go the extra mile to anticipate your needs, making sure you have an experience that’s as memorable as the food itself.
There’s a vaping station.
Even the restroom is Korean-themed!
So if you ever find yourself in Quezon City (or any of their 10 locations across Metro Manila), do yourself a favor and drop by Chicken Chingu. Order the crispy, flavor-packed Korean chicken, enjoy a cozy meal, and maybe even check out the hidden party place while you’re at it.
Chicken Chingu is now proudly serving at 10 convenient locations across Metro Manila. Check out the dine-in or pick-up options at the following branches: Ayala Cloverleaf | YouSuites, Recto | Sct. Torillo | SMDC Green, Taft | NU MOA | Poblacion (Hoesik) | Katipunan | San Juan (GolfX) | Sheridan | The Medical City, Pasig — Chicken Chingu is also available via Food Panda and Grabfood.
About Chicken Chingu
March 2025 marks a half-decade since the unique Korean fried chicken spot took root, a story that began during a time of isolating the pandemic. What started as a delivery-only experiment has become a fixture, a collection of ten locations.
“From a humble dream born during the pandemic to a brand embraced by #ChinguNation, our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary,” says Chef Marc Justin Tee, General Manager and Co-Owner. He’s not talking about business metrics. He’s talking about people. “This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our loyal customers since 2020. Their love, passion, and enthusiasm are at the heart of our success, and this celebration is our way of giving back. More than just a brand, it’s about creating unforgettable moments, amplifying flavors, and making every bite a memorable experience. Here’s to many more years of delicious memories with our ChinguNation family.”
The appeal is clear: boneless Korean fried chicken, marinated in sauces that punch above their weight, served in combinations that encourage sharing. But beyond the food, there’s a sense of community, a feeling of belonging that’s hard to fake.
To mark this milestone, Chicken Chingu is throwing a month-long party, a “Chinguversary” that extends from March 3 to April 3. Each of the ten locations—from Ayala Malls Cloverleaf to The Medical City in Pasig—is participating, offering special deals, in-store surprises, and a chance to connect with fellow fans. It’s a thank you, a tangible expression of appreciation for the people who turned a pandemic-born idea into a local phenomenon.
