Yummy Coty

After trying all of the wings at ALL of the Korean and Korean inspired restaurants in Tampa Bay, I’ve narrowed it down to my top 3 favorites based on the following criteria; flavor, authenticity, and texture:

1. Flavor – Bold, garlicky, spicy, sweet, salty, meaty, and more all combined into one- making these wings so addictive and popular worldwide.

2. Authenticity – Since Tampa Bay does not have chains like BonChon, Kyochon, and BBQ Olive Chicken like other cities in the US, we do not have those brands in the running.  However, as far as authenticity for comparison to actual Korean fried chicken chains and Yang-numbing sauced wings that I’ve had in Korea, Tampa Bay does have some strong contenders.

3. Texture – Crispy exterior, soft, tender, and juicy interior-  this style of wing needs to hold up to the thick and gooey or watery sauces added.  Crunch is important, as well as a slight chew as you are hit with the wonderful flavors.  Some contenders not only have the crunch, but also have additional crunch toppings to take it over the edge.

Since there are so many new options popping up and closing all of the time in Tampa Bay, this may be a yearly task as restaurants change and tastes change.  Here are my favorites for 2022:

#3 Tea Lounge (Clearwater, FL) – In case you didn’t know, as well as beer, fried chicken of any kind pairs perfectly with bubble tea.  You will be reminded of this often.  Tea Lounge in Saigon Plaza off of 49th Street specializes in Che, which is a magnificent Vietnamese shaved ice dessert, as we are in Tampa Bay after all.  However, this wonderful gem of a shop also hosts some of the tastiest snacks you will find locally, such as their famously crispy wings in three flavors.  Two of those flavors are the classic red-colored sweet and spicy flavor, as well as their candied soy sauce flavor.  The wings are crunchy and addictive, making it into the top 3.

#2 Tsaocaa (Tampa, FL) – This runner up is new tea pilgrimage shop that has thankfully made it’s way to Tampa Bay has been packed since opening and known for their teas as well as their fried chicken and bubble waffles.  I could simply go on and on with Tsaocaa romance, but let’s get onto the chicken as it is legit.  Yes, even the packaging is on point, has a steam vent, and is adorable in it’s own right.  Just like what you would find in Korea.  The flavors are bold, and the sauces are thick and sticky.  As there are quite a few sauces to choose from, my favorite is the Garlic Soy, and you can smell the garlic even from outside of the box.  The boneless and legs are just as good as the wings here, so take your chicken in any form.  Can’t wait for their Pinellas Park location to open close to me.

#1 Green Mint  (Clearwater, FL) – Yep, we are over the bridge again to bring you the best of the best of 2022!  Green Mint has been around for a while now, continuing to innovate their menu and update their wings.  Now, the most recent version is a KFC appetizer that will unexpectedly hit you like a flavor KTX.  These wings are double battered, double fried, extra crispy, and coated in chopped peanuts and green onion.  The sauce is sweet, spicy, sticky, and has a strong wine fragrance.  These wings are truly special and cover all of the criteria, making them the #1 rated!