Ccokio is a take-out restaurant specializing in Korean fried chicken with a curious meaning behind the name.
“Ccokio is the sound made by a rooster when it crows in Korean, like a cock-a-doodle-doo,” explains Chanyoung Jung, owner of the restaurant, which opened in 2022 and has been receiving strong reviews.
Also nicknamed “candy chicken” or “the other KFC,” the classic Korean fried chicken distinguishes itself by its thin, crackly crust and thick sweet-and-spicy sauce.
The quality is definitely higher, says Jung, better known by the initials CJ.
“American fried chicken is often made from pre-cooked chicken. I start cooking after receiving the order. It takes about 20 minutes, but it worth waiting," he says.
What's more, Jung says, is his fried chicken is a more complete meal compared to the American version, which usually uses only certain parts of the chicken such as wings, thighs and legs.
“We cut the whole chicken into 14 pieces so that people can try all parts," he says.
Ccokio’s menu choices include yangnyeom chicken, a popular Korean fried chicken variety glossed with sweet-and-spicy sauce.
“People who don’t like a spicy taste can order soy sauce chicken, which is sweet and salty,” Jung says. “Both of the sauces are special sauces used in the Korean style.”
However, Jung notes that experiencing the two flavours at once may be even more appetizing.
“One of the most famous main courses is the half sweet soy and half signature sauce, where customers can taste two Korean-style sauces at the same time," he says.
Before starting Ccokio, which is his first restaurant in Canada, Jung worked as a chef for about 10 years at O&B Café Grill Blue Mountain in the Collingwood area and at Friday Harbour Resort in Innisfil.
“I always wanted to promote Korean food someday. And then I came up with Korean fried chicken, which is both popular and a Korean specialty," he says.
Jung says, at that time, he couldn’t find a place serving authentic Korean fried chicken in Barrie.
In addition to the business opportunity, he says the birth of his son last year played a major role in his decision.
“I saw that moment as a chance to take on new challenges," Jung adds.
Speaking about his family, he says they love living in Barrie and that his wife regularly uploads videos on YouTube to introduce the city to Korean people.
“There are lots of things to do in this great community," he says happily.
Jung is also planning to a add spicy chicken rice bowl to the menu this fall.
“I am working on a chicken rice bowl based on authentic Korean sauce, because it is important to stick to the basics," he says.
Ccokio is at 110 Little Ave., Unit 4, Barrie, at the corner of Bayview Drive.
For more information about Ccokio, visit www.ccokio.ca.
