You’ll probably agree that a simple fried chicken meal is sometimes the BEST.
Like better than any fancy meal.
And as someone who is born and raised in Vancouver, you bet I’ve had my fair share of fried chicken in the city.
So you won’t be disappointed with the suggestions I have for you!
Quick recommendations: go for Downlow Chicken Shack’s mouth-watering chicken or Frying Pan’s unforgettable Korean fried chicken sandos.
We’ve rounded up the top 10 must-visit fried chicken hotspots in the city, showcasing the best of local flavours and culinary craftsmanship.
1. Downlow Chicken Shack
Vancouver’s top destination for fried chicken, Downlow Chicken Shack impresses with its bustling ambiance and irresistible fried chicken. The boneless thighs and juicy breasts are a dream come true for chicken lovers. Their signature Original Sando with Nashville-dusted chicken combines juicy perfection with a delightful spice kick, satisfying all your fried chicken cravings.
What to order: Boneless and juicy chicken thigh, The Original Sando, Fries
Address:
-905 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC V5L 2H2
-6065 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 0C5
2. Frying Pan
Known for some of the best fried chicken sandwiches in Vancouver, Frying Pan has earned its reputation as a top food truck. Their hot chicken and double-decker sandwiches are crowd favorites. The Korean Yangnyeom boneless chicken, with its perfect blend of sweet, sour, and spice, is a culinary masterpiece. Complement your meal with their Bulgogi Fries for a full-flavoured experience.
Address: 1101 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1C9
Order delivery: Uber Eats
Website | Instagram | Facebook
3. Phnom Penh
This family-style restaurant in Chinatown, Phnom Penh, is a haven for fried chicken enthusiasts. Their Cambodian-style fried chicken wings are legendary, offering a unique sweet and salty flavour profile that keeps customers coming back. Along with their standout chicken wings, Phnom Penh serves a variety of scrumptious Vietnamese-Cambodian dishes.
What to order: Deep fried chicken wings
Address: 244 Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z7
4. Juke Fried Chicken
Specializing in gluten-free fried chicken, Juke Fried Chicken caters to both gluten-sensitive and classic fried chicken aficionados. The chicken, available in both non-spicy and chili varieties, is known for its perfect crispy exterior and tender, flavourful meat. Juke also offers a range of delicious sides like Cornbread and Me So Corny Cookie to complement your chicken feast.
Address: 182 Keefer Street, Vancouver BC
Order Online: DoorDash | Uber Eats | Skip the Dishes
🍕 Foodie? Check out these top-rated Vancouver food tours!
5. Kosoo
Kosoo on Robson Street is not just another Korean restaurant; it’s an upscale establishment offering a modern twist to traditional Korean fried chicken. The honey butter Bone-in Chicken is particularly noteworthy for its rich flavour. Along with their unique take on fried chicken, Kosoo’s menu features a variety of other Korean dishes, making it a popular choice for those seeking a contemporary Korean dining experience.
What to order: Honey Butter Bone-In, Doenjang Jjigae (Soybean Soup), Wang Galbi-Tang
Address:
-Kosoo Cardero – 832 Cardero St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2G5
-Kosoo Robson – 1128 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1B2
Website | Instagram | Facebook
6. Nightingale
Situated in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, Nightingale offers a sublime Buttermilk Fried Chicken that stands out even in their menu of contemporary Canadian dishes. The chicken, served with spiced maple syrup, is a testament to Nightingale’s culinary prowess.
The restaurant’s chic ambiance enhances the dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking top-quality fried chicken in a stylish setting.
What to order: Buttermilk fried chicken, Spaghetti, White Chocolate Elderflower Mousse
Address: 1017 W. Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 0C4
7. LA Chicken
In the realm of simple yet exceptionally delicious fried chicken, LA Chicken in Richmond is a local favorite. This unassuming spot focuses on delivering perfectly crispy and tender chicken, with a choice between spicy or original flavours.
LA Chicken’s commitment to simplicity and quality has earned it a loyal following among fried chicken connoisseurs.
What to order: Original Chicken, Spicy Chicken
Address: 11780 Thorpe Rd, Richmond, BC
8. RIB & CHICKEN
A top pick for affordable late-night Korean fare, Rib & Chicken excels with its standout Soy Garlic Chicken, which combines moist, tender meat with a perfectly crispy coating. For spice lovers, the Spicy Yangnyeom Chicken is a must-try.
Their menu also includes Beef Back Ribs with cheese, offering a rich and indulgent option for rib enthusiasts. Whether you’re craving chicken, ribs, or other Korean specialties, Rib & Chicken’s diverse menu has something to satisfy every palate.
What to order: Soy Garlic Chicken, Spicy Yangnyeom Chicken, Grilled Pork Chop Rice Bowl, Beef Back Ribs
Addresses: 1660 Renfrew St., Vancouver, BC, Canada
Website | Instagram | Facebook
9. Nene Chicken
At Nene Chicken, the Korean fried chicken is not just a dish; it’s a sensation. The restaurant has gained widespread acclaim for its perfectly crispy and tender chicken, available in a variety of flavours. Customize your meal with their half & half option, choosing from wings, drumsticks, classic, or boneless styles.
Their Swicy and Snowing Cheese Chicken, along with the Original flavour, are standout choices that showcase Nene Chicken’s mastery of the art of fried chicken.
What to order: Swicy Chicken, Snowing Chicken, Original, Soy Garlic, spicy burger
Address:
-1070 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5V 1N9, Canada
-1231 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1N4
Website | Instagram | Facebook
10. Duffin’s Donut
Against all expectations, Duffin’s Donut is renowned for more than just its donuts; their fried chicken is a highlight in Vancouver’s culinary scene. Offering chicken that’s consistently crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, Duffin’s has become a go-to spot for fried chicken enthusiasts.
This family-owned establishment has been perfecting its fried chicken recipe for over three decades, ensuring that each bite is as delightful as the last.
What to order: Regular, Spicy, Mix
Address: 1391 E. 41st ave, Vancouver, BC
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about Noms’ top ten best fried chicken restaurants in Vancouver.
Once you’ve scoured the city to satisfy your fried chicken fix, why not go for one of the best restaurants in Vancouver?
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.