BonChon Salem

The first time I went to a BonChon for lunch I had the wings and the fries, and that's what I have had every time I visit and why not? Both the wings and drums are excellent, and the fries are outstandingly good. The spicy is occasionally spicy, and the garlic could use more garlic, but who cares with chicken this good. Now it was time to try something new.

They are located in downtown Salem with metered on-street parking.

The inside is nice and rustic, and you get chopsticks by default. The one in Lowell gives you rolled up silverware.

I was intrigued by the Takoyaki. "Fried octopus dumplings drizzled with Japanese mayonnaise, Katsu sauce and sprinkled with bonito flakes". It's alive! The heat from the dumplings make the bonito flakes move, and this was really cool. The bonito flakes were also smoky, and that was a new one for me. The dumpling was really tasty, but light on the octopus and some bits could have been more tender. Despite that, they were delicious.

Next was the classic Bibimbap. "White rice, assorted seasonal vegetables, topped with egg*, served in a sizzling stone bowl with Korean red pepper paste (Gochujang) on the side. Choice of topping: TOFU, SPICY CHICKEN, BULGOGI (+$1) OR SEAFOOD (+$1)". I went with the Spicy Chicken. There is a certain way to eat this. First, you add the Gochujang, and then you mix everything together, except the bottom layer of rice. You now have something that's trice HOT. The food is hot, the stone pot is even hotter, and the Gochujang adds heat as well. Now let this sit for a while so that the bottom crusts up. This is called socarrat in Spain and noo roong ji in Korean. Now mix everything up again so that the crusty bits from the bottom mixes with the soft rice and veggies and you have a bowl from heaven. This was really delicious, and it was a big bowl.

Address 299 Essex St. Salem, MA 01970
Phone number (978) 594-8256