The signature dish uses a triple-frying technique that creates a crust so crispy it shatters when bitten, while the meat stays juicy inside. Reviewers consistently call it the crispiest fried chicken in Seoul. The chicken arrives with pickled radish and a tangy dipping sauce on the side.
Tips from diners
Order a serving of alcohol (soju or draft beer) and a soft drink per person alongside your chicken—it's required and keeps the meal going past midnight.
The counter seating gives you a view of the owners working—they treat it like a mom-and-pop operation with warmth despite the gruff exterior.
House-made tangy sauce with a mild kick, designed for dipping fried chicken.
Tips from diners
Ask for extra sauce—the combination with the spicy chili paste creates layers of flavor that keep people coming back.
Sweet and tangy pickled daikon radish served as a palate cleanser.
Tips from diners
It comes free with the chicken order and helps cut through the richness of the fried coating.
Cold local Korean beer, a traditional pairing with late-night fried chicken.
Tips from diners
Ordering beer (or soju) is required, so factor that into your budget. The cold beer complements the hot, crispy chicken perfectly.
Cold seasoned sea snails with a spicy, tangy Korean sauce.
Tips from diners
A great complement to the fried chicken if you want something fresh and acidic to balance the richness.
Eongteoli opened in 1996 in the heart of Itaewon and has become a late-night institution. The owners personally oversee every batch of chicken, employing a triple-frying technique that creates a remarkably crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy. Multiple diners compare it to the crispiest fried chicken they've had in Seoul.
The restaurant is closed on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, so plan accordingly if you're craving it mid-week.
Don't be put off by the gruff elderly owners—they're warm and kind once you sit down, treating every guest like family.
This is a proper hole-in-the-wall with no fancy decor. Come for the chicken, not the ambiance. The late hours mean you'll see a mix of tourists, office workers, and locals.
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