The Best Korean Fried Chicken In New England

The food scene in Providence, RI is one of New England’s most exciting hidden gems, blending culture and creativity with deep rooted tradition. The city is heavily influenced by its strong Italian heritage along with the talent coming out of Johnson & Wales University, one of the country’s most popular culinary schools. Providence delivers everything from old school red sauce joints in Fed Hill to boundary pushing and chef driven restaurants downtown like Oberlin. You’ll find handmade pastas, ultra fresh seafood, and a growing market of modern bakeries and dessert shops. What makes Providence stand out is its balance of culture, neighborhood gems and late night spots all within a compact and walkable city! Whilst Providence offers a food experience that may be elevated, it also offers something deeply authentic.

The food scene around Thayer Street in Providence is fast paced and constantly evolving. Nestled in the area is Ivy League school Brown University making this specific area in Providence one of the most energetic, especially with hungry college students. The area thrives on a steady flow of students, giving the street a very casual grab and go balance. You’ll find everything from bubble tea, to Middle Eastern falafel, even quick service açaí bowls and finally the best Korean fried chicken in New England.

Den Den Korean fried chicken, located at 182 Angell St. has become one of the most talked about spots in Providences food scene. Tucked just off the main strip near Brown University, this spot is a go to for students, locals, and food focused visitors looking for bold and craveable flavors!

What really drives Den Den’s popularity is its take on Korean fried chicken. We’re not talking any normal type of chicken wing. We’re talking twice fried ultra crispy battered wings coated in your choice of soy garlic or spicy gochujang sauce. The textures and flavors are like none I’ve ever had and stand out compared to an American chicken wing.

With a 4.5 star rating on Google, this hidden gem isn’t just known for its Korean fried chicken. You’ll also find Korean comfort dishes such as Kimbap, fried rice cakes in a sweet and spicy sauce as well as beef bulgogi, kimchi pancakes, and even Korean bbq. As someone who went to school in Providence and went here regularly, here’s some of my tips for dining at this spot!

Tip #1: Go early

While some weeknights won’t be as busy as the weekend, college kids and locals are so unpredictable. I’ve dined multiple times around lunch time and before 5pm. The chicken is still just as good and its less busy!

Tip #2: Try Something New

Korean cuisine isn’t something we get to try or find everyday. This spot is great and if you’re in Providence for only the day, expand your palate a little bit and order other things a long with the Korean Fried Chicken. One of my favorite items is the fried rice cakes. It’s sweet and slightly spicy and honestly makes me salivate just typing about it! Crispy and chewy so it’s the best of both textures!

Tip #3: Order extra to go

I alway order more than I can eat when it comes to the chicken. While it gets filling, there’s nothing worse than heading back home and wishing you had more because the craving is real. The great thing is because these wings are super crispy from being twice fried, they’re still crispy the next day or that night after you’re out bar hopping with your college roommates!