From Korea to Minnesota: The Delicious Legacy of BB.Q Chicken

When you first hear or see the name BB.Q Chicken, what comes to mind? Many might instinctively think of barbecue grilled chicken. However, this brand represents something much more: it is one of South Korea’s premier fried chicken chains. Founded in 1995, BB.Q Chicken made its way to the USA in 2014, and now, over a decade later, it has carved out a niche for itself, though not everyone is familiar with its offerings.

BB.Q Chicken is dedicated to serving the highest quality and most authentic Korean-style fried chicken in the world. The name itself embodies its mission: “Best of the Best Quality Chicken.”

The menu is nothing short of impressive, featuring 14 unique flavors alongside a variety of Korean-inspired dishes, such as ddeok-bokki (spicy rice cakes) and delightful sides. From sweet and savory to sweet and spicy, there’s a flavor for every palate. Personally, I have a soft spot for the Honey Garlic and Hot Mala wings. For those moments when I crave something straightforward yet flavorful, the Spicy Original is my go-to. My spice-loving family members, on the other hand, cannot resist the fiery Wings of Fire. While I haven’t yet ventured into the Mala Ddeok-bokki, I’m a big fan of the classic version, while my discerning mother always opts for the Rose Ddeok-bokki.

If you live in a larger city with a diverse Asian community, you may have already heard of BB.Q Chicken. In Minnesota, however, this beloved brand made its debut only in December 2022. Even in just over two years, BB.Q Chicken has established five locations throughout the metro area. Among the three locations I’ve visited, one holds a special place in my heart—the Maplewood franchise.

This particular franchise is noteworthy as it is the first BB.Q Chicken location owned and operated by members of the Hmong community. As a proud Hmong individual myself, it fills me with great joy and pride to see a business that not only caters to my own community but also welcomes and embraces the broader diversity of the area. By having a Hmong-owned Korean establishment, it creates a welcoming and inclusive environment that celebrates the intersection of these cultures, making it accessible and appealing to people of all backgrounds in the surrounding region. Conveniently situated near Maplewood Mall on Beam Ave, nestled between IHOP and Tokyo Sushi, this franchise opened its doors in October 2023 and has been a vibrant addition to the area ever since.

I must confess, I’ve been a loyal customer since the franchise opened. Over the first six months, I sampled various flavors and K-style dishes, and I was generally pleased with the quality, making allowances for the typical teething problems that come with a new operation.

Having spent five years living in South Korea, I understand that training may have been brief yet intense, which is why I didn’t initially notice any significant issues. Constructive feedback is always welcome, and thankfully, my experiences were consistently positive.

However, now that the franchise has been operating for 16 months, I must admit that I’ve encountered some disappointing inconsistencies. Knowing that the original owners are still at the helm raises the question: what might be causing these issues?

Recently, I ordered a generous spread for a small family dinner, featuring four different flavors of wings and two types of ddeok-bokki—regular and rose—alongside pickled radish.

The wings—Honey Garlic, Hot Mala, Spicy Original, and Wings of Fire—were a true delight. After a 22-minute journey home, they arrived warm and crunchy, having retained their texture beautifully. The flavors were just as I remembered, and I was thrilled to find they hadn’t lost their touch.

Among all the items I ordered, I was particularly excited about the ddeok-bokki. This popular street food is a beloved treat enjoyed by all, from children to adults. Ddeok-bokki boasts a spicy yet slightly sweet flavor, enriched by a rich gochujang (Korean red chili paste) sauce that people crave, especially after school or as a late-night snack.

A traditional ddeok-bokki dish typically includes soft, chewy rice cakes, a slightly thickened red sauce, fish cake pieces, a medley of vegetables, and half a boiled egg. The hallmark of a good ddeok-bokki is its sauce, which should strike a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory notes. The umami flavor is essential; without it, the dish simply falls flat.

The rice cakes should be tender and absorbent, soaking up the umami goodness of the sauce. Fish cake slices add protein, while vegetables like green onions and cabbage contribute texture and freshness. A half-boiled egg rounds out the dish, adding heartiness.

Unfortunately, my recent experience with the ddeok-bokki from BB.Q Chicken Maplewood was disappointing. Both versions were noticeably dry and lacking sauce.

The regular ddeok-bokki—my favorite and the one I had been looking forward to the most—was particularly underwhelming. It arrived with virtually no sauce. If you’ve ever had ddeok-bokki, you know how crucial a generous amount of sauce is, especially when the dish has to travel. Without it, the rice cakes become dry and unpalatable.

While the rice cakes and fish cakes were cooked well and easy to chew, the lack of sauce left the rice cakes devoid of flavor. All I could discern was a faint spiciness; the sweetness and savoriness were completely absent. The cabbage seemed to be hastily added, making it tough to chew. The only discernible flavor came from the fish cake pieces.

The rose ddeok-bokki fared slightly better, though it too was lacking in sauce. I could barely see a thin film of sauce clinging to the edge of the bowl. Flavor-wise, it was marginally improved; I could detect the heavy cream, a hint of spice, and a touch of sweetness, but still, the signature umami flavor was missing.

Overall, both ddeok-bokki dishes lacked that essential balance of spicy, sweet, and savory. After 16 months of operation, I had anticipated better consistency and presentation. While I enjoyed the wings, it was the ddeok-bokki that I had looked forward to the most, and its failure to meet expectations was disappointing.

As I reflect on my experience at BB.Q Chicken, I find myself at a crossroads of nostalgia and disappointment. The wings, once a highlight, evoked memories of the authentic flavors that drew me to this establishment in the first place. Yet, the ddeok-bokki—a dish that holds a special place in my heart—fell short of my expectations.

This culinary journey emphasizes the importance of consistency in the restaurant experience. I remain hopeful that the Maplewood location will address these shortcomings, but I also recognize that every restaurant has its peaks and valleys. The essence of BB.Q Chicken lies in its dedication to quality and community, and I trust that with time and feedback, they will refine their offerings to better serve their patrons.

As a proud member of the Hmong community, I treasure the representation that this franchise brings. I look forward to witnessing its growth and improvement. Ultimately, dining out is not solely about the food; it’s about the memories we create and the connections we forge. I will continue to support BB.Q Chicken on this journey, optimistic that my next visit will rekindle the joy I once experienced. Here’s to better meals and a thriving community!

Until next time! Peach out!