FSJ Eats with Ed: Totem Mall’s Prinkle fried chicken review

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — For most North American taste buds, fried chicken’s popularity is reserved to giving an honorary Kentucky colonel named Harland Sanders credit for its widespread availability.

But, one might not be aware of the the dish offered in South Korea: some reports state a variation of a recipe existed since the 15th century during the Goryeo dynasty.

In fact, Sanders’ Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) didn’t exist in South Korea until the mid-1980s – long after the recipe for modern Korean fried chicken was established and readily eaten by hungry residents of Seoul.

Now, a variation of the Korean version is available for inhabitants of the North Peace. Prinkle Chicken, a popular franchise in the lower mainland, opened its first location in northern B.C. last week in Fort St. John.

But does it really stand up to the test? Well, on this inaugural FSJ Eats with Ed, let’s find out.

Entering through the mall entrance, it is a small location with fake green ivy adorning the walls three tables to sit down to eat, and the soft sound of instrumental music playing while various locations of the Asian country are shown on a flat screen TV. 

The manager when I arrive, Chanchel Shetty says he’s a certified chef and has worked in 19 different countries.

He says the establishment offers “something different” in a town overrun by “too many pizza places.”

“It’s new to the town,” says Shetty. “People are demanding new flavours in the town.

“There are all options of flavours for [people] to try. We have all the flavours.  We’re also thinking about bringing in Korean tea.”

Its namesake, also known as Bbrunkle Chicken, is a variation with garlic cheese and onion coating.  

There are up to 20 flavours on the menu, with a sides and snack menu of 25 items also available, including fries, onion rings, Korean sides and a soup and wrap combo for $12, something Shetty says “is the best deal in town.”

There are two or four flavour orders available, in either yangyeom (sweet and spicy sauce), original, prinkle snow (Bbrunkle), honey hot (honey garlic) or padak padak (extra crispy).

There’s also a sample bowl of one flavour and other main dishes including Korean Tacos.

While the waiting period is around ten to 15 minutes, every bite is worth it.

Biting into the original recipe, the chicken is flavourful, almost reminiscent of KFC’s extra tasty crispy variety.  

The Korean honey wasabi had a nice blend of sweetness and savoury, with a hint of spice in the aftertaste.

Honey BBQ was draped and coated in honey. It was definitely worth another round. 

Prinkle snow was sweet, cheesy and garlicky all at once.  Taking one bite into it, it’s a true delight.

The onion rings were crunchy and chewy with a soft hint of onion flavour.  A change to the breading recipe, including Bbrunkle around the rings, would have made them to die for.

Shetty says traffic is steady throughout the lunch and dinner rush and over time, the restaurant can be successful. It’s already available on mobile app Skip the Dishes and UberEats.

“People are loving it,” says Shetty. “What we’re getting is repeat customers. It’s what we want.”

Although it was definitely worth a second visit, the price tag of $39.96 for a full order might make this a once-in-a-while treat.  

It scored 3.75 out of 5 on my Ed-ometre.

Prinkle Chicken is located in Totem Mall, at 9600 93rd Avenue in Fort St. John.

(Note: The meal was paid in full by the reporter for this independent review. This article was not made as an advertisement or promotion of Prinkle Chicken. The visit was not pre-arranged and the establishment was not made aware of the visit during the ordering process. All opinions are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Moose Media.)