Here’s Fuku, David Chang’s Answer to the Fried Chicken Sandwich Craze

David Chang’s highly anticipated fried chicken sandwich restaurant, Fuku, opens today at SocialEats food hall on Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade. The former Sumo Dog stall has been transformed into a sleek counter with a straightforward menu. There’s a spicy fried chicken sandwich, chicken tenders, and an off-menu cold fried chicken leg that’s as spicy as Howlin’ Ray’s hottest level. On the side are waffle fries, chili-garlic green beans, and horseradish snow peas.

The Southern-style sandwich will likely be the star with its plush potato roll and crunchy pickles. It’s a reasonable buy at $8 and a solid deal with a drink and fries at $11. Order it as a “knockout” and the sandwich comes loaded with seasoned cabbage and a spicy mayo-like sauce. The tenders are good too, but the off-menu Rippin’ Hot cold fried chicken leg might steal the show with its seriously spicy profile. It’s a Santa Monica Fuku exclusive and only available by request, so put on the provided gloves and get ready to sweat.

To drink, there’s a frozen strawberry lemonade, peach sweet tea, and yuzu lemonade. Fuku first opened in New York City’s East Village before expanding to three locations in the Big Apple, one in Boston, and other sports concession venues including the LA Coliseum. The fried chicken spot also popped up at Coachella the last few years to drum up social media buzz.

Fuku is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at 1315 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica.

• All Fuku Coverage [ELA]

Disclosure: David Chang is producing shows for Hulu in partnership with Vox Media Studios, part of Eater’s parent company, Vox Media. No Eater staff member is involved in the production of those shows, and this does not impact coverage on Eater.