Grandaddy of KFC: The Korean fried chicken wave is still going strong in Hong Kong and this is the shop that started it all. Family-operated Chicken Hof & Soju started small at its Tsim Sha Tsui flagship (which still sees lines wrapping around the block), but expanded to Wan Chai and Mong Kok in 2014.

Look & Feel: With no-frills wooden booths, you’ll get enough privacy whether you’re planning to feast and drink the night away with a couple friends, or if you’re about to throw table manners to the wind and inhale as much chicken as you can. Or both. Complementing any casual Korean feast is, of course, K-pop blaring from speakers and music videos playing all the while.

On the Menu: Different varieties of double-fried Korean fried chicken are available, from original salt and pepper to slathered in spicy sauce. There are a few new creations too, such as honey and garlic or chicken topped with grated cheese. It’s wise to go with a few people so you can try some side dishes: think spicy ddeokbokki topped with melted cheese or the popular omelet roll with cheese filling.

Service: The staff are attentive enough but tend to leave you be. It may take 20 minutes or longer before your dishes begin to arrive.

Jeng: Get a combo plate of spicy and original chicken (from $160) to taste-test two of the best varieties. The double-fried chicken comes out crispy but not greasy, accompanied by the sticky, tangy sauce. If you’re dining with a group, try the spicy cheese pork ribs ($280), which are slathered in melty cheese and covered in an addictive sauce. We’re also big fans of the weird but wonderful platter of chicken, rice cakes and cheese in a red, pasty hot sauce ($160). It kind of reminds you of when you just cook something using whatever’s left in the pantry, but hey, it works.

Not so Jeng: The kimchee pancake, while a decent value at $120, doesn’t have much flavor. We wish it were significantly spicier and not so dry. The soju cocktails (from $60) come in adorable little pitchers, but are exceedingly sweet (and with syrup added). We’ll stick to a glass of Hite or makgeolli milky rice wine ($100) any day.

Great for: Happy hour, a night of rowdy drinking, a fried food feast, late-night bites.

FYI: If you visit the Tsim Sha Tsui branch, be prepared to wait in line outside for about half an hour. They don’t take reservations on weekends.

This writeup was based on an independent tasting. The Loop doesn’t guarantee/sell restaurant review coverage. See our editorial policy here.