I still remember the first time I went to E Chicken Hawaiʻi last fall. The business was located within Pālolo Family Market — literally in a section of the market — and it was open for takeout only. While the hours (and parking) were a bit limited, the glorious crunch of the crispy, Korean-style spicy fried chicken made it all worth it.
The business just relocated from Pālolo to Waikīkī. It’s now located within Waikīkī Gangnam Style, which is its sister restaurant. You won’t see a restaurant sign from the street, though. Look for the huge Waikīkī Gangnam Style restaurant sign instead, and you’ll see the sign for E Chicken. Both restaurants are located at the Ramada Plaza Waikīkī.
E Chicken now has a bigger kitchen space, a dining room and a larger menu. No matter what you get, rest assured that the chicken is always made to order.
The eatery’s signature dish is whole Korean fried chicken ($23.99) with your choice of sauce. Choose from sweet soy, honey mustard, ranch sauce, Korean barbecue mild or spicy sauces. I preferred the Korean barbecue mild, but those who want to add some heat to their meal will love the spicy sauce.
Maybe because I haven’t had it in a while, but the fried chicken tasted even better than what I remembered last fall. That delectable crunch was still there, but the pieces are bigger and more flavorful.
If you prefer boneless chicken, go for the K chicken tenders ($15.95) or K Pop chicken ($14.95).
Meanwhile, the eatery’s mozzarella corn dogs are basically sticks of fried mozzarella cheese. It’s gooey and messy to eat, but sure to satisfy any cheese lover. In the next two weeks, the business will also have Korean-style hot dogs ($5.95).
All that savory fried goodness needs to be paired with something refreshing. Drink options include iced teas — peach, grapefruit, yuzu and mango — and acai cups ($10.95) and bingsu ($10.95), or Korean shave ice, will eventually be available. I’m especially looking forward to the latter, which will come in strawberry, mango, grape and red bean flavors.
Kamaʻāina can take advantage of a 10% discount (valid with State ID).
CONTACT
E Chicken Waikīkī
Located inside of Waikīkī Gangnam Style
1830 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu
808-590-4569
Instagram: @echickenwaikiki
Open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, closed Sundays
Free parking available behind the restaurant
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
