London, always a city brimming with culinary curiosities, welcomes yet another gem in the heart of Shoreditch. From September until the end of November, Oh Gee, a vibrant Korean fried chicken pop-up helmed by Chef Byung Tae Ahn, is nesting at The Hoxton. With Shoreditch’s pulsating atmosphere as a backdrop, Oh Gee infuses the neighbourhood with the aromas and flavours that have earned Chef Ahn international acclaim.
You may recognise Chef Ahn as the Grand Champion of K-Chicken War, a title not easily earned. His mastery over the art of frying chicken is unrivalled. From New Jersey’s 101 Chicken to his recent robotic fried chicken restaurant, Ahn’s culinary innovation is turning heads—perhaps none more so than in the kitchens of Oh Gee. For the London diner, this pop-up offers a tantalising opportunity to savour award-winning Korean fried chicken without the long haul flight.
A Menu to Crave
Walking into Oh Gee is akin to entering a food lover's playground. The air is charged with spice, heat, and the distinct sizzle of frying chicken. The menu is designed to satiate, with a central focus on three chicken coatings: original, hot pepper, and the famed potato crisp. Each bite of the latter will remind you why Chef Ahn has amassed so many accolades; the crunch is more than a mere texture—it’s a celebration of flavour.
But chicken at Oh Gee doesn’t merely stop at the coating. Glazes, ranging from the sticky allure of Sweet & Spicy to the umami-rich Soy Honey, elevate the experience. For those indecisive souls (aren’t we all when faced with so many delicious options?), the set menu, aptly dubbed “The Bucket List,” offers the chance to feast on two whole chickens or a towering 28 wings, accompanied by an array of sides and sauces. A test of willpower, if ever there was one.
Sandwich lovers are also well cared for here. The 101 Potato Crisp Chicken Sandwich is the standout—perfectly crispy chicken nestled in a soft brioche bun, balanced by fresh lettuce, pickles, and Chef Ahn’s signature 101 sauce. For the more daring, the Mortadella Chicken Sandwich adds a meaty twist to this already unmissable menu item.
Snacks, or the Korean Art of Anju
Beyond the chicken, Oh Gee dabbles in anju—small snacks traditionally served with alcohol. The Crispy Spring Onion Pancake, delicate yet robust, comes with a dipping sauce of soy and vinegar, adding a sharp kick to its savoury goodness. Meanwhile, the Bibim Guksu, spicy cold noodles with house pickles and sesame, offers a refreshing contrast to the fried fare, each bite fiery and tangy in perfect measure. And then, there’s Ddukbokki—the chewy Korean rice cakes drenched in a rich, spicy gochujang sauce. It’s a dish that demands attention, both visually and on the palate.
Raise a Glass (or a Tower) to Fun
What’s a pop-up without a few playful touches? Drinks at Oh Gee take centre stage, with rice wines and soju adding an authentic Korean edge. But it’s the whimsical cocktails, like the Watermelon Sugar served in a light-up tower, that steal the show. With its candy-sweet taste and Instagram-worthy presentation, it’s clear that at Oh Gee, food is only half the fun.
For the more adventurous, the Poktan-ju, a traditional Korean ‘bomb shot’ of soju dropped into HITE lager, offers an experience as entertaining as it is intoxicating. Just be prepared for an evening that could slip away faster than anticipated.
An Ambiance to Match the Flavour
While the food will certainly draw you in, it’s the atmosphere that will make you stay. The Hoxton, with its sleek yet casual grill space, is the perfect setting for Oh Gee’s lively vibe. Neon lights and communal seating set the stage for a dining experience that feels both stylish and relaxed—whether you’re there for a quick bite or a longer, more indulgent feast.
The decor, as with the food, embraces a Korean aesthetic but with modern twists—subtle enough not to overwhelm, yet bold enough to capture your attention. And it’s not just about aesthetics. There’s a celebratory air to this pop-up, from flaming cocktail presentations to the rhythmic thrum of conversation and clinking glasses.
The Verdict
In the world of culinary pop-ups, Oh Gee strikes a delicate balance. It’s playful without being pretentious, and it’s serious about flavour without taking itself too seriously. It takes the best of Chef Ahn’s expertise and brings it to London, allowing diners to revel in the joys of Korean fried chicken while sipping soju beneath the neon glow.
As the leaves fall on London’s autumn streets, a plate of potato crisp chicken and a cold soju cocktail might just be the perfect way to embrace the season.
Don’t miss your chance to experience Oh Gee — book a table at The Hoxton before it flies away at the end of November.
