Fried chicken lovers often wonder – is the popular Korean fried chicken chain Bonchon halal? With over 300 locations globally and a specialty in Korean-style chicken, Bonchon attracts many Muslim diners. But does Bonchon meet Islamic dietary standards for halal food preparation?
This guide covers everything you need to know about Bonchon’s halal status, including:
- What is halal food
- Bonchon chicken overview
- Which menu items are halal
- Ordering tips for halal diners
- Halal substitutions
Plus we answer the key question – is Bonchon certified halal? Let’s dig in!
What Defines Halal Food?
Halal is an Arabic word meaning “permissible” or “lawful” in Islam. For food to be certified halal, it must meet the following criteria:
- No pork or pork by-products
- Meat must come from a halal slaughtered source
- No alcohol or intoxicants
- Meat and dairy cannot be mixed or come into contact
- All ingredients must be halal
The halal slaughtering process adheres to strict guidelines like:
- Invoking Allah’s name during slaughter
- Hand slaughter by a Muslim
- Animals treated humanely
These steps ensure the final food is “lawful” for Muslims to consume under Islamic law.
Bonchon Fried Chicken Overview
Founded in Busan, South Korea in 2002, Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken specializes in crispy, flavorful chicken wings, drumsticks, and strips coated in signature soy garlic or spicy glazes.
Beyond fried chicken, their menu also offers:
- Bulgogi beef bowls
- Bibimbap
- Korean tacos
- Mandoo dumplings
- Seafood
- Kimchi coleslaw
- Crunchy pickles
With over 390 locations worldwide, Bonchon is considered one of the [top 5 chicken chains] in USA and UK for quality katsu-style Korean fried chicken.
Is Bonchon Halal Certified?
The short answer is no – as of 2023 Bonchon does not have halal certification for their US or international locations.
However, some of their chicken and meat is halal as it meets general requirements:
✅ Chicken & beef cooked separately from pork
✅ No alcohol used in meat preparation
❌ Other menu items may contain non-halal ingredients
So Muslims can eat certain Bonchon menu items like garlic soy chicken or bulgogi beef. But the restaurant itself does not hold an official halal certification for all their products and processes.
There is also risk of cross-contamination from equipment, utensils and surfaces touched by pork. Those with stricter halal standards may wish to avoid Bonchon.
Ordering Halal at Bonchon
When dining at Bonchon, adhere to these tips for keeping your order halal:
- Stick to chicken & beef dishes
- Soy Garlic Chicken
- Spicy Chicken
- Bulgogi Beef Bowl
- Ask about marinades & seasonings
- Specify allergy to avoid cross-contamination
- Avoid seafood & veggie sides with unknown stocks
- Request separate fryer if possible
- Double check by speaking with staff
| Halal Menu Items | Non-Halal Items |
|---|---|
| Soy Garlic Chicken | Pork Mandoo Dumplings |
| Spicy Fried Chicken | Kimchi Bacon Fried Rice |
| Bulgogi Beef Bowl | Shrimp Tacos |
| French Fries | Seafood Pancit |
| Fried Pickles | Bibimbap with Egg |
Bonchon menu items fall into a grey area unless diners take proactive steps to guarantee no cross-contamination with restricted ingredients.
Alternatives for Halal Korean Fried Chicken
If you want 100% certified halal Korean fried chicken, check local listings for dedicated halal Korean chains like:
- Chi-Kin Chicago
- Hero Chicken France
- Bonchon Halal Glenview
Or try making your own Korean fried chicken recipe at home with halal chicken!
The Verdict: Is Bonchon Halal?
In summary – no, Bonchon itself does not currently offer certified halal preparation. But Muslims can eat certain Bonchon chicken and beef dishes by:
✅ Requesting halal-only preparation
✅ Avoiding cross-contamination
✅ Sticking to select menu items
So while not officially certified halal, proactive Bonchon customers can still enjoy their signature crunch at selected locations worldwide!
Frequently Asked Questions: Is Bonchon Halal?
Bonchon is not certified as halal. Their menu includes items like bulgogi (beef) and signature sauces which may not comply with halal dietary restrictions.
Where can I find the nearest Bonchon location?
You can use the store locator on the Bonchon website to search for the nearest Bonchon restaurant in your city.
What are the main items on the Bonchon menu?
Bonchon offers a variety of options including their famous double-fried chicken, bulgogi (beef), katsu, and a range of signature sauces.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan option on the Bonchon menu?
Bonchon does not have specific vegetarian or vegan options, but you may find side dishes or salads that can be customized to suit your preferences.
Can I share my experience at Bonchon online?
Yes, you can leave a review or share your thoughts about Bonchon on platforms like Yelp or Google Reviews.
Does Bonchon offer any gluten-free options?
Bonchon does not have specific gluten-free options, as many of their dishes contain ingredients that may not be gluten-free.
What is the most popular sauce at Bonchon?
The yangnyeom sauce is a favorite among Bonchon customers for its sweet and spicy flavor that complements the crispy chicken.
How can I get the crunchy texture in my Bonchon chicken?
Bonchon achieves its signature crunch by marinating the chicken and double frying it to perfection.
