K-Chicken & Korean BBQ is Tampa’s new 5-star fried chicken spot

K-Chicken & Bowl has officially opened at 14380 North Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, and it’s the city’s new 5-star spot for Korean fried chicken and dumplings.

K-Chicken & Bowl first came to my attention courtesy of Carlos Hernandez, founder and publisher of Carlos Eats. I highly recommend y’all give this wonderful food blog a follow. Carlos is a champion for locally-owned businesses, and works tirelessly to shine a spotlight on lesser discussed hidden gems throughout the region. Carlos was the first to show us 22nd Street Coffee, and it remains one of our favorite cafes in all of Tampa.

Since its opening just a few weeks ago, K-Chicken & Bowl has garnered near perfect 5-star reviews. This modern Korean restaurant serves up pan fried pork dumplings, Tteok-Bokki (Stir-fried rice cake with Korean spicy sauce), kimchi fried rice, chicken bulgogi, vegetable Bibimbap, and Japchae (savory and slightly sweet dish of stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables).

Korean sweet pancakes are also on the menu and we are salivating.

Here’s what reviewer Chizom K. had to say in a 5-star review:

“We got sweet and spicy flavored chicken tenders – they were very crispy and stayed hot until we arrived home. We also got Soy Pepper flavored chicken tenders which were also WONDERFUL. Beef Bulgogi fried rice was cooked well and had great flavor. The chicken meals come with fries and are $12.95 each. Oh, we also got the pan seared pork potstickers, crisp and delicious. I would go back easily, even though the drive was 26 mins. Well worth it. The inside of the restaurant made me want to stay there and eat.”

Gale O. left another 5-star review and noted that this large Korean restaurant is worth the drive:

“Made the drive from Wesley Chapel and it was so worth the trip!  Started with the nicely plated “banchan” that included my fave cubed pickled radish, bean sprouts and delish kimchi.  My daughter loved the spam kimbap (like a sushi roll) . The japchae (noodle dish) was tasty and full of flavor.  The sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken wings was my favorite. Could have been a little crunchier but the sauce was so good and made up for it.  Pretty decor with cute chalkboard drawings of Korean culture on the walls. TV’s in the bar area played K-pop videos and a Korean variety show.  Definitely check this place out!  I’ll be back to try the bulgogi kimbap and their bingsu (traditional Korean shaved ice dessert).”

Another review, Ashton M., said it serves the best Korean food in all of Tampa.

The restaurant also offers 9 different flavors of Soju and Korean beer just in case you’re looking for a libation.

Follow K-Chicken & Bowl on Facebook and Instagram for menu teasers.