If you ask three different Vancouverites where to get the best fried chicken, you will get three different answers.
You might even start a fight.
That is because this city takes its poultry surprisingly seriously.
We have everything from Nashville heat that will ruin your weekend to Korean chains that have perfected the “crunch.”
We even have a donut shop that somehow beats most dedicated restaurants.
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
If we are talking about the undisputed king of the scene, we have to start on Commercial Drive.
Downlow Chicken Shack basically invented the Nashville Hot trend in this city.
If you see a line near Venables, you are in the right place.
Start with their boneless thighs—crispy, juicy perfection that’s THE stuff of fried chicken dreams. Even their chicken breasts are impressively tender.
The “Sando” is massive, messy, and dusted with a spice blend that does not forgive.
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
However, if you want that same level of crunch but prefer Korean flavours, you need to head to the West End.
The Frying Pan started as a legendary food truck, but their brick-and-mortar spot on Denman is where the magic happens now.
Their Double Decker sandwich is absurdly large. It is physically difficult to eat, but the mess is part of the charm.
Make sure to grab the “Bulgogi Fries” while you are there, as they are a meal on their own.
What to order: Waffle Hot Chicken Sandwich, Double Decker Sandwich, Boneless Chicken Bites – Korean Yangnyeom, Smoked Beef “Bulgogi” Fries
Address: 1101 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1C9
Order delivery: Uber Eats
Website | Instagram | Facebook
3. Phnom Penh
Sometimes, you aren’t looking for a sandwich. You want wings, and specifically, you want the most famous wings in all of Vancouver.
Phnom Penh is not a fried chicken restaurant, but it might as well be.
Their “Deep Fried Chicken Wings” are a rite of passage for anyone living in Vancouver.
They are served with a lemon-pepper dip that has a cult following.
Expect a 45-minute wait minimum on weekends, but you can pass the time by deciding which size order of “Butter Beef” you are getting.
What to order: Deep fried chicken wings, butter beef, beef luc luc
Address: 244 Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z7
4. Juke Fried Chicken
If you want the flavour without the gluten, there is really only one option that holds up.
Juke Fried Chicken in Chinatown somehow makes gluten-free chicken taste better than the regular kind.
It is less greasy than your standard bucket, which means you can eat more of it.
The vibe here is also much cooler than a typical takeout joint, with a cocktail list that actually makes sense.
It is the kind of place you can go for a date without feeling like you are at a fast-food counter.
Address: 182 Keefer Street, Vancouver BC
Order Online: DoorDash | Uber Eats | Skip the Dishes
5. Kosoo
For a more modern Korean experience, you should look at Kosoo on Robson.
This is not a grab-and-go situation.
It is a sit-down spot where the “Honey Butter” chicken is the star of the show. The batter is lighter and crispier than the heavy American style, and the space feels surprisingly polished.
Pair it with the rich and comforting Doenjang Jjigae or the must-try Wang Galbi-tang, a premium beef short rib dish, for a complete meal.
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
Speaking of polished, sometimes you want fried chicken in a room where the servers wear ties.
Nightingale in Coal Harbour serves what is likely the most expensive fried chicken on this list, and it is worth every dollar.
It is buttermilk-marinated and served with a spiced maple syrup that changes the game.
You are paying for the atmosphere, sure, but the technique is flawless.
What to order: Buttermilk fried chicken, Roasted chanterelle mushroom pizza
Address: 1017 W. Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 0C4
7. Chicken Box
Back on the casual side of things, Main Street locals are fiercely loyal to Chicken Box.
This place flies under the radar compared to the big names, but the “Chicken Cloud” with its zesty yellow sauce is a sleeper hit.
The Soy Garlic and Sweet & Spicy boneless options are top-notch, delivering a perfect balance of flavours.
It is consistent, fast, and the portions are generous enough to leave you with leftovers.
What to order: Sweet & Spicy, Soy Garlic, Chicken Cloud
Address: 4401 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3R2
8. Le Coq Frit
If you prefer your chicken on top of a waffle, Le Coq Frit has expanded across the city for a reason.
Their batter is noticeably thicker and craggier, which helps it stand up to the syrup.
The “Original Black Chicken” with soy glaze is a savoury bomb that balances out the sweetness of the waffles perfectly.
What to order: Chicken & Waffles, Sweet & Spicy, Original Black Chicken
Addresses: 1888 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6J 1Y9 CA
9. Nene Chicken
Nene Chicken in Vancouver is where fried chicken dreams come to life. Simple but perfected, it’s THE ultimate spot for mouthwatering fried chicken in the city!
Their Korean fried chicken is crispy, tender, and full of flavour, whether you dine in or take it to go. With options like wings, drumsticks, boneless tenders, and burgers, you can mix and match sauces with their half & half option.
Try the Swicy, Snowing Cheese Chicken, and the Original for a real treat. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with any of the three!
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
This is the wildcard but also a local fave.
The place you go when it is 1 AM and you have made poor decisions. Duffin’s Donuts on East 41st is an institution.
Yes, it is a donut shop that also sells Tortas and noodles.
But their “Fritou” style fried chicken is greasy, salty, and inexplicably perfect.
There is no games here, just a lineup of cops, students, and shift workers waiting for a spicy two-piece.
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?