How K-Bap & Wings is Bringing Korean Flavors to Midtown—One Wing at a Time
Discover K-Bap & Wings, Midtown Manhattan’s go-to spot for Korean Fried Chicken with bold flavors like Soy Garlic and Snow Cheese. Enjoy Bibimbap, Ramen, and more authentic Korean dishes in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Learn about owner Karen Kim’s inspiring journey and plans for growth!
In 2005, Karen Kim made a bold decision. What started as a bagel shop called Korean Pro took a turn when Karen realized there was something missing in the local dining scene: authentic Korean cuisine. “There weren’t a lot of Korean restaurants outside of Koreatown at the time,” she shares. “We wanted to share our culture.” And so, K-Bap & Wings was born—a cozy spot in Midtown that quickly became a go-to destination for its crispy, flavor-packed Korean fried chicken and comforting classics.
Signature Dish: Korean Fried Chicken
The star of the show? Without a doubt, it’s the Korean Fried Chicken. Double-fried to crispy perfection, K-Bap’s wings are tossed in house-made sauces that keep customers coming back for more. From the popular Soy Garlic and Sweet & Spicy to unique flavors like Snow Cheese and Curry, Karen takes pride in offering flavors you can’t find just anywhere. “A lot of people come in specifically for our special flavors like Snow Cheese and Curry,” she says. Each sauce is crafted in-house, a testament to the care and passion poured into every dish.
But fried chicken isn’t the only star on the menu. K-Bap & Wings also serves up crowd favorites like Bibimbap—a colorful Korean rice bowl loaded with vegetables, protein, and a perfectly runny egg—and Ramen, providing comfort in every bite.
Weathering the Challenges
Running a restaurant isn’t for the faint of heart, and Karen knows that firsthand. Like many small businesses, K-Bap & Wings faced tough challenges during the pandemic. Located in a bustling office district, the restaurant relied heavily on foot traffic during lunch hours. “Since everyone was working from home, it was a really hard time for us,” Karen reflects. But K-Bap adapted. By shifting their focus to delivery services and opening a ghost kitchen, the team found ways to stay afloat. “Now that the pandemic is over, our regular customers have come back,” Karen shares with a smile.
Adding to their resurgence, K-Bap’s presence on social media has helped attract a whole new wave of diners. “A few of our reels went viral,” Karen says. “We’ve seen a lot of customers come in because of that.”
A Look Ahead: Growth and New Ideas
While K-Bap & Wings remains rooted in tradition, Karen is always looking to innovate. This year, they added a fried chicken sandwich to the menu and are currently experimenting with new wing flavors. In the kitchen, Karen collaborates with Antonio—her trusted chef who’s been by her side for over 20 years. “Antonio has been with us through it all,” Karen proudly says.
As for the future? Karen has her sights set on expansion. “Maybe opening up more spots in the future around Manhattan,” she says, with determination in her voice.
Staying Inspired
When asked about the advice she’d give to aspiring restaurant owners, Karen’s message is simple: “Even if there are times when it’s hard, just put in all your effort and keep trying. It will all work out.” After nearly two decades of serving up incredible Korean flavors, her story is proof of exactly that.