There are so many new fried chicken restaurants opening up in Burnaby that it’s hard to keep up.
The latest – and possibly the greatest – is new arrival K Chicken at 2701 Norland Ave. on the edge of an industrial park. It was previously known as the Norland Grill, a popular lunch spot for people who live and work in the area.
K Chicken’s menu is loaded with different options, from marinated to regular to spicy fried chicken.
All items are ready to eat in or for takeout or delivery. This part of North Burnaby has few fried chicken options so it’s well situation for people in the neighbourhood.
"I really hope you can write about this because it's a real hidden gem off the beaten path," wrote Todd S., who works in the area.
K Chicken joins a long list of fried chicken places.
Pelicana Chicken, another newcomer to the Burnaby quick service restaurant business scene, is on a big expansion in the hopes of tempting local taste buds with its "unique chicken flavours” and sweet and spicy sauces.
Pelicana Chicken is making a big push in Metro Vancouver, opening up in Burnaby in the strip mall next to Lougheed Town Centre and Red Robin, and has two more restaurants planned for B.C.
In a video, Pelicana's cooking method is explained, along with the history of the global giant, that opened in 1981 and now has 3,000 stores around the world. Viewers are told Koreans didn't eat a lot of meat in those days and fried chicken was served as a treat for special occasions, such as sports tournaments or on field trips, where parents would pack it for lunch.
Pelicana was Korea's first fast-food restaurant, according to the video featuring Lee Yunsoo, assistant director for the company, and interest in Pelicana chicken spread as celebrities were shown eating their fried chicken, which comes with a special pickle, and is often enjoyed with a refreshing beer.
There’s also KFC, but many newer additions to the chicken wars.
Popeyes has officially opened its Louisiana-style chicken restaurant in Burnaby at 7855 Kingway right near 10th Avenue on the border with New Westminster.
For southwestern Burnaby residents, there’s an intersection that should probably be renamed “Chicken Way” because of all the chicken joints that are now open there.
It’s at Kingsway and Wilson in the Metrotown/Patterson area that already has a Nando’s restaurant, a 24-hour Hi-Five fried chicken outlet and the Hi Chicken Pot.
A fried chicken venture that found its wings (and legs) this year at its original Richmond location has now opened on Kingsway to face off with these other restaurants.
Chirpyhut Fried Chicken is known for its crispy fried chicken, available in pieces or as a whole fried chicken.
But Chirpyhut's most Insta-famous menu item by far is the black chicken wings, aka Meteorite Wings.
How do they do it? They use a well-loved culinary tool: squid ink.
Along with their popular chicken offerings, Chirpyhut serves up sides like thick-cut fried potato wedges, and chicken sandwiches - some even available on a black squid ink bun.
Hi-Five chicken on Hastings, Kingsway and at Crest Plaza is also fantastic. Deep, rich flavour and crunch without all the grease of other fried chicken places.
And then, of course, there’s Nando’s – home of flame-grilled chicken and peri-peri goodness.
This intersection is now the official chicken hot spot of Burnaby.
North Burnaby has Church's chicken on Lougheed in Brentwood and on North Road in Burquitlam.
Chicko Chicken now has new locations in the Edmonds area and in Metrotown. It’s Korean-style friend chicken that has a wonderful kick to it.
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
