Popular Korean Fried Chicken Joint Kko Kko Na Ra Opening Takeaway Outlet With Cheaper Prices At Orchard Road

Jeju-born chef-owner Eon Lee first came to Singapore in 2000 to visit her niece, who was studying here. Back then, she was surprised to find no proper Korean fried chicken in sight. So in 2008, the now Singapore PR decided to open Kko Kko Na Ra on Tras Street. The restaurant relocated to Tanjong Pagar Road in 2014 before moving back to Tras Street last year.

According to Kko Kko Na Ra’s PR rep, they helped kick-start Tanjong Pagar’s transformation into Singapore’s mini “Korea Town”.

Co-founded Hansik Dining Collective

In November 2024, Eon co-founded Hansik Dining Collective (HDC), a 24-hour Korean dining destination at 33 Tras Street. The two-storey shophouse is home to six Korean restaurant and bar concepts that operate under the HDC brand. They include Kko Kko Na Ra and The GogiJip Korean Barbeque Restaurant.

Fried chicken on the go

"Bringing Kko Kko Na Ra to Takashimaya is about more than convenience. We’ve reimagined our signature recipes to suit an express dining setting, but every bite remains rooted in the same craft and care that has defined our kitchens for 17 years,” says Eon via her PR spokesman. 

Former franchise outlets closed down

Interestingly, Kko Kko Na Ra used to have franchised outlets at Jewel Changi and Marine Parade. “The franchisee kept using cheaper ingredients, which caused the quality to drop and affected our reputation. We wanted to maintain the quality of our food, so we ended the franchise and focused on our own restaurant,” says the PR rep. 

She adds that since the Takashimaya outlet is a takeaway-only concept with no table service, it allows for more affordable prices compared to the restaurant.  

Here’s what to expect when it opens:

Soy Garlic Korean Fried Chicken, from $10 for four pcs

While there are three chook options on the menu, Kko Kko Na Ra’s signature offering is the Soy Garlic Korean Fried Chicken. The bird is double-fried and coated in a soy-garlic glaze made with crushed garlic, Korean soy sauce, chili, leeks, onions, ginger, and dried herbs.

At the Taka branch, smaller portion sizes are offered, unlike the Tras St restaurant where prices start from $25 for eight pieces. The larger eight piece set at the Orchard shop is cheaper at $18. The Original Korean Fried Chicken sans sauce is also available for the same price.

Yang Nyum Chicken, from $12 for four pcs

For those who prefer some heat, the Yang Nyum Chicken (sweet & spicy), coated in a gochujang glaze, is also priced lower at $20 for eight pieces vs $28 for the same portion at the HQ restaurant.

Yang Nyum Chicken Bento Box with Drink, $17

These chicken bento boxes, unique to the Takashimaya outlet, offer a single-portion meal and come with your choice of fried bird, rice, pickled radish, and kimchi. The Yang Nyum version is served with a cold drink, while the Original/Soy Garlic option is priced at $15 a la carte. 

Jeju Premium Abalone Porridge, $15

Originating from Eon’s hometown of Jeju, this porridge is made with Jeju abalone, Korean rice, sun-dried clams, and sesame oil. At the HQ restaurant, it’s served with traditional side dishes for $35 (pictured above), but the Takashimaya takeaway version will be served in a smaller portion on its own for $15.

Cheese Kimchi Pancake, $15

Filled with melted mozzarella, cheddar and house-made kimchi. It costs $30 at the Tras St restaurant, but the new outlet offers it at half the price, albeit for a smaller pancake.

The Takashimaya outlet will also feature exclusive Korean street food items, such as:

Fluffy Egg Bread, $12.50 for three pcs (New!)

This trendy Korean street food, known as gyeran-ppang, features slightly sweet bread with a pancake-like interior, baked with a whole egg in the center.

Hotteok, $12.50 for three pcs (New!)

A well-loved Korean snack of sweet deep-fried pancake. Served warm, it’s filled with brown sugar, honey, and crushed nuts.  

Giant Green Pepper Japchae, $18 for three pcs (New!)

These battered green peppers, each at least 20cm long, are stuffed with japchae (stir-fried sweet potato glass noodles, shredded carrots, tofu and leek). 

Kko Kko Na Ra Express opens on 8 Nov at Takashimaya Department Store, #B207-6-2  Food Village, 391A Orchard Rd, S238873. Open daily 10am-9.30pm. More info via Instagram or Facebook. 

Photos: Kko Kko Na Ra

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