Ban Ban Korean Fried Chicken is a chain from Durham Region that is now expanding into Toronto.

Established in 2021, Ban Ban specializes in authentic South Korean street food. The term 'ban ban' means 'half and half' in Korean and is often used in reference to fried foods that are served half seasoned and half plain.

Before opening their Scarborough location in October of 2024, Ban Ban's chicken was highly sought after, with many travelling to Pickering and Ajax from Toronto to get a taste of their food.

The owners explain that, while they had been thinking about bringing their brand to Toronto for some time, they chose to open their newest restaurant in the east end because it was closer to an area that they were familiar with.

The staff adds that the franchise may continue to expand, depending on the reception of their newest restaurant.

Though the restaurant itself looks fairly nondescript, with booth style seating and minimal decorations, Ban Ban's menu is anything but boring.Gimmari ($6) are crispy fried seaweed rolls, made with glass noodles and dried seaweed. The batter on the outside gives them a satisfying crunch, while the fillings offer a softer, chewier texture and a mild, slightly salty flavour.

Our server advised us to dip them in tteokbokki sauce to give them a spicier taste.

Corn cheese ($11) is exactly what it sounds like: an ooey-gooey appetizer made with mozzarella cheese and sweet corn kernels.

Seasoned with parsley and served in a warm skillet, this dish is incredibly popular among children and families.

Rose tteokbokki ($16) is an inventive twist on a classic Korean dish.

Though tteokbokki is normally served with boiled eggs, green onions and spicy gochujang, this dish pairs chewy stir fried rice cakes with chicken bacon, mushrooms, broccoli and onions.

A creamy tomato-based sauce is used in lieu of the usual soy sauce, giving the dish a rich flavour with a slight hint of spice.

Of course, Ban Ban's main attraction is its chicken, which is served in faux wicker baskets with checkered wrapping paper. All options are halal and can be made boneless upon request.

Yangnyeom chicken ($24) is Ban Ban’s best seller. Though the dish's name — which simply means 'seasoned' in Korean — doesn't describe its taste very well, the chicken itself is sure to leave an impression.

Each piece is covered with sweet and tangy sauce, made with gochujang, garlic and sugar. Sesame seeds are then sprinkled on top, to give it a slight crunch, as well as a nutty aftertaste.Soy garlic chicken ($24) is a spicy dish with an extra crispy batter, reminiscent of 'old school' Korean fried chicken.

As its name might suggest, soy sauce and garlic are the two main ingredients. Sesame seeds and chili peppers are added to enhance their flavour.

Ban Ban also carries a wide selection of imported beverages, including flavoured soju and Korean soft drinks such as Milkis.Ban Ban Korean Fried Chicken is located at 2549 Warden Avenue.