Tongdak
No-frills Korean fried chicken with undeniable crunch — hand-battered, made to order, worth the wait.
Why we love it
The Infatuation says it's '70% better than anything you've seen in an Amelia Dimoldenberg interview' — and they're right.
If you want Korean fried chicken with undeniable crunch, Tongdak is your spot. This no-frills takeaway joint has about ten seats, no toilets, and a 20-30 minute wait — because everything is hand-battered and fried to order. The crunch factor is genuinely exceptional: crispy batter, juicy meat, perfect seasoning even on the parts without sauce. The menu has seven different flavours, but The Original is the one to get — a mix of drums, flats, and wings fried to golden perfection. The White Spice comes drenched in a creamy, spicy sauce that's straight-up addictive. The Cheese Spice is exactly what it sounds like: real cheese, proper flavour. The Infatuation calls it "70% better than anything you've seen in an Amelia Dimoldenberg interview," and they're not wrong. **Local's Tip:** Expect a 20-30 minute wait — it's made fresh. Order ahead if you can, or bring patience and an appetite.
What to order
- the original
- white spice
- cheese spice
Best for
Featured in
Photos
Nearby
More in New Malden
Cake & Bingsoo Cafe
39 High Street, New Malden
K-dessert heaven on the high street — towering bingsoo, croffles, and proper coffee from Ozone.
Chick and Beers
24 Coombe Road, New Malden
Double-fried Korean chicken with ASMR-worthy crunch, served with ice-cold beers in frozen glasses.