BHC Chicken: South Korean fried chicken in Toronto.

South Korea's largest fried chicken franchise has landed in Toronto. It brings proprietary flavors you won't find anywhere else in the city. BHC Chicken holds the title of Korea's leading fried chicken brand by both store count and sales. It opened its first Canadian location at The Well's Wellington Market Food Hall in October.

The brand joins the thousands of locations the Dining Brands Group operates worldwide. The 90-seat restaurant arrives at a moment when Toronto's appetite for Korean fried chicken shows no signs of slowing. However, BHC distinguishes itself with trademarked seasonings like Bburinkle and Matcho-King. These recipes have built cult followings across Asia and the United States.

I visited on a weekday afternoon and found the space exactly as advertised. It was boisterous, busy, and scented with spice. K-pop loops cheerfully overhead while staff shuttle between tables to manage a steady stream of orders. The energy is infectious, and the chicken lives up to the reputation.

Why This Franchise Made the Cut

Close-up of BHC fried chicken pieces

BHC's global reputation rests on a foundation of obsessive attention to poultry. The team marinates top-quality birds for 15 hours to tenderize the meat and lock in juices. They then double-dip each piece in a signature breading made from seasoned wheat and rice flours before frying in sunflower oil.

The result is audibly crunchy, golden, and remarkably juicy inside. "Fried chicken, with its juicy and tender meat, rich flavors and crispy coating, creates an ideal balance of taste that is loved not only in Korea but worldwide," CEO David Song stated regarding the expansion.

What sets BHC apart from Toronto's crowded landscape is its proprietary flavor library. Bburinkle is a puzzlingly charming cheese dust with aromatic enhancement and a flicker of sweetness. It has been the company's top-selling item since 2014. Matcho-King is a decade-old soy sauce glaze that remains a steady favorite in Korea's fiercely competitive market. These are not flavors you can replicate at home.

Signature Flavors and Menu Highlights

BHC Chicken menu items including boneless thighs and wings

I recommend starting with BHC Cheese Balls ($8.00). These crunchy orbs are stuffed with stretchy, mild cheese. They are as fun to eat as they are photogenic. You can order them dusted with Bburinkle seasoning for an extra hit of that signature cheese-onion-garlic tang.

The chicken itself comes as tenders, wings, or boneless thighs in portions of four, eight, or ten pieces. Bburinkle Boneless Thighs (10 pieces for $20.00) arrive with a thick dusting of powder. It delivers unmistakable notes of cheese, yogurt, onion, and garlic. It is distinctive without being overwhelming. The crunch holds up impressively even as you work through the pile.

Matcho King Boneless Thighs (10 pieces for $20.00) lean spicier. They are glazed with aged, concentrated soy for umami depth and fresh chili peppers for lingering heat. It is more pleasurable than punishing. Gold King Wings (8 pieces for $14.00) get slicked with honey, Korean soy sauce, and garlic. This combination will have you licking every drip of sauce from your fingers.

The menu ventures into comfort territory with dishes designed for Toronto winters. Classic Chicken Lasagna ($17.00) layers spiced chicken and pasta under a heavy blanket of béchamel and cheese. It forms a solid brick of sustenance.

BHC Poutine ($10.00) twists the Canadian classic with golden fries, chewy tteokbokki, beef gravy, and curds. Rosé Tteokbokki ($17.00) delivers a fragrant, deeply spiced bowl. The Bulgogi Sandwich ($13.00) offers an inoffensive option for anyone avoiding poultry.

The restaurant is still awaiting its liquor license. This will eventually bring Korean-style cocktails, beer, and soju to the menu. For now, you are limited to non-alcoholic options like soda and water.

Planning Your Visit to Wellington Market

Wellington Market Food Hall gets busy. This is especially true during lunch and dinner rushes when the 90 seats fill quickly. I suggest visiting during off-peak hours, such as mid-afternoon or late evening, to secure a table without circling.

The food hall format means you order at the counter, grab a number, and wait for staff to deliver your tray. Expect a bit of chaos during peak times, but the turnover is steady.

Come hungry and bring friends. The portion sizes are generous. The flavors are best experienced when you can sample multiple styles side by side. A mix of Bburinkle and Matcho-King with a side of cheese balls makes for a satisfying spread that showcases what BHC does best.