Singapore’s OG Korean Fried Chicken Opens Street Food Kiosk At Orchard

Kko Kko Na Ra Express is a new kiosk at Takashimaya Food Hall

Known for being Singapore’s first Korean fried chicken store, Kko Kko Na Ra has returned to the scene, opening its first express outlet at Takashimaya Shopping Centre! This time, they’re serving up a variety of Korean street food favourites, alongside their beloved fried chicken recipes. 

Founded in 2008 by chef-owner Eon Lee and her niece Annabelle, Kko Kko Na Ra first opened in the heart of Tanjong Pagar—then a budding “Korea Town.” It has since relocated to Tras Street, where it continues to uphold its legacy of serving authentic Korean fried chicken. 

What you’ll find at Kko Kko Na Ra Express is markedly different. In addition to their signature fried chicken, you’ll find a lineup of beloved Korean street food classics enjoyed by all ages, some of which are exclusive to the Express outlet. 

Of course, we have to start with their Yangnyum Chicken (from $12), with its sweet-spicy marinade that is found in every Korean fried chicken parlour. You can also find their Original Chicken and Soy Garlic Chicken starting from $10. 

Each piece of chicken wing and drumstick was sizeable, crispy and drenched in the yangnyum sauce. I loved how subtly sweet and spicy this sauce was, as I’m usually not a fan of its cloyingly sweet nature. This was rather enjoyable, especially with its notes of yuzu, which I’m told is its secret ingredient. 

The Kimchi Pancake ($12++) is a well-known favourite, and it was a winner here with its tangy, fermented richness and use of apples and pears. Fun fact, many of Kko Kko Na Ra’s ingredients are imported directly from Korea! 

Korean Egg Bread (from $4.50 each), or gyeran-ppang, made an appearance on CNN’s Top 50 Breads Around The World, and is a common breakfast and snack item. 

While deceptively simple, it was fluffy and sweet, and had a buttery-soft texture that was pleasant to sink our teeth into. 

We loved this Giant Green Pepper Japchae (from $6.50)—a huge green chilli pepper stuffed with stir-fried Korean glass noodles and then deep-fried. Its crispy exterior contrasted nicely with the soft noodles within, while the smoky flavours were enhanced by the peppery kick that was not overly spicy. 

You’ll also find freshly-steamed Mandu ($5.50 for four pieces) here, a well-loved Korean dumpling variant that is stuffed with kimchi. We enjoyed these pockets as a great appetiser for the chicken. 

Those pining for Korean chicken and street food can find Kko Kko Na Ra Express at Takashimaya Food Hall, a five-minute walk from Orchard MRT Station. 

For more eats around the location, check out our Takashimaya Food Hall guide. Udon Shin, a long-queue udon speciality store, has also just opened around the corner. 

Address: 391A Orchard Road, #B207-6-2, Takashimaya Department Store, Food Hall, Singapore 238873
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 9:30pm
Website
Kko Kko Na Ra is not a halal-certified eatery. 

Photos taken by Jordan Ong.
This was a media tasting by Kko Kko Na Ra Express.