Bab Han Kki. One Bite. Pioneer Chicken

I come here for the Korean menu, particularly their (Yawchae Bibimbap, #7). It’s a variation of the bibimbap most people are familiar with, but w/​a stinky twist. The little bowl of stew on the side makes this the stinky version. It’s not for the faint of heart, and I for one couldn’t appreciate this, until way into my adulthood. With that said, I crave for this a lot lately. I guess this is, yet another dish, added in the «Acquired Taste» category. I dunno what it is, but I love it.
For the first timer: add the barley rice, hot paste sauce, & stinky stew into the bowl and mix like crazy. yum

Very nice people, outstanding customer service! The woman who took my order was very kind and generous, she offered me specials that weren’t on the main menu. Food was served in a timely manner and tasted great.

Great fried chicken from my childhood; crispy outside, juicy inside. Great service. I will go back.

The owners of Bab Han Kki closed their Pioneer Fried Chicken location in the Pico/​Fairfax district and decided to continue serving that crispy, very well seasoned fried chicken at this food stand inside the International Food Court of the shopping center. Prices are on par with KFC and Popeye’s…2 pieces with a side for $ 5.99 (dark) or $ 6.99 (white). I went with the white meat. In the evening, chicken is cooked to order so the wait can be about 15 minutes. But when it’s ready, it’s piping hot, crispy and juicy. Could have had more. The cole slaw I chose for my side, was little on the runny side (as far as the mayo dressing is concerned), but spot on with the flavor, with a hint of sweetness that made it tasty.
Next time, I’ll go for the 8 piece for $ 13.99. That seems like the best bargain for Fried Chicken.

Fried Chicken… Fried Chicken… Fried Chicken…
We were ordering dumplings at the food stall next to them when I noticed they were selling Pioneer Fried Chicken! When I was a kid, we used to have Pioneer fried chicken as a special treat so I was here with my Asian Foodies group and we were on a Korean dumpling crawl, but I couldn’t resist so I ordered chicken for everyone and I’m so glad I did! We’d visited 2 dumpling places before getting the chicken so we were pretty damn full but even so, we loved the chicken!
Let me tell you… the chicken was made to order… not sitting under hot lamps for hours and when you get the chicken… OMG it is super hot so be careful… and it is SO CRUNCHY and JUICY! AND Delicious! The lady is so nice and appreciated our business.
I’ve eaten here twice now but I haven’t tried their Korean offerings… next time!

Well I guess I’m sad again since the chicken didn’t taste like pioneer chicken. To me it tasted like I was in the Philippines eating their version of fried chicken. I don’t know the smell of Philippines tasted like my Pioneer chicken here. But to my hubby it did not taste like the Pioneer we are before. Even when it was on San Vicente. The chicken was fried good. Skin was like pioneer. But not the taste. They don’t have fried gizzard either!!! So sad about that.
Friendly owner/​worker. Great to talk to. Informed me about the old place. Which this is a better location, parking and yes cheaper rent.
Chicken is fresh which is awesome! It will take ¹⁵⁄₂₀ mins. So just order walk around and they will also give you a buzzer.
Inside the Korean Mall. Location is food court. Enter and it’s towards the right.

I used to eat Pioneer Chicken regularly in the 80s all the way until perhaps the early 90s or so. Stopped in at Koreatown Plaza and while walking back to my car (parked near the food court), I looked around and saw this Korean restaurant with a small banner that said «Pioneer Chicken».
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, so I went up and asked them, and apparently this is the location that was near Olympic + San Vicente. The lease was up so they had to move, and they moved it into a food court in a Koreatown shopping mall as part of a Korean eatery. Weird.
Anyway, I was curious as a fried chicken lover, and ordered the 3-​piece meal. I was told it would take 15 minutes, but it took slightly over 20, I think my timer said 21 – 22 minutes.
I took it home, ate it, and although I don’t know if it really is the exact same taste as Pioneer that I remember, it was good enough. I would still say Korean fried chicken is better, but Pioneer is good for those who grew up with it and are feeling nostalgic.

OMG, **** ya! I’ve always loved Pioneer Chicken, all the way from my 90’s childhood, to high school, to college. I cried inside when my local spot on Sunset & Fountain closed down :’-(I remember always grabbing 16 pieces, bringing it to high school kickbacks and parties, set it down, get into a conversation, and when I’d look back — it’s GONE! Pioneer Chicken is THAT GOOD! Wayyy better than KFC, better than Popeye’s, and ya, better than Roscoe’s (w/​o gravy and waffles). Their signature batter, great orange color, BIGG a** pieces, best crispy coat I’ve bitten into, and the meat — tender, moist, and juicy! Juicy and NOT greasy! Some places just don’t understand that. This spot… NAILS IT!!! Right when I got my bucket, the aroma threw me back into the 90’s. Had a smile the whole way walking back to my truck (ordered to-​go). Even though I ate already, I had to take a bite. One bite, and I was in heaven. I HAD to walk back and show some love.
It’s in the food court of the Koreatown Plaza, corner spot where Tofu House used to be. I’m soo glad to have a nearby Pioneer Chicken spot again. Definitely comin’ back for sure!