RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK Bruxie weds chicken and waffles
The food at Bruxie / Courtesy of Shuttle Delivery
By Mark Boesch
Back in 2020, and perhaps a little lost in the wake of the Nashville hot chicken trend, an American comfort food classic landed in Korea ― Chicken & Waffles. The LA-based franchise Bruxie reimagined it to create an entire menu of bold, fun and totally unconventional fried chicken and waffle sandwiches, righteously crispy tenders and creamy milkshakes.
Bruxie now has locations at Lotte World Mall in southern Seoul's Jamsil and in Pyeongtaek's Sinjang-dong (near Osan Air Base), as well as in Anjeong-ri (near Camp Humphreys).
The history of chicken and waffles is almost as delicious as the combination itself. This unlikely pairing emerged from southern U.S. soul food traditions where it's believed to have its origins in the late 19th century. Fried chicken, which represents the flavors of African American culinary traditions, and waffles, which were later introduced and popularized by Dutch Americans, were joined together in heavenly matrimony. During the Harlem Renaissance, chicken and waffles gained popularity in speakeasies and jazz clubs as a sign of luxury and coziness. This savory-meets-sweet pleasure has developed over the years into a cherished comfort meal that transcends borders, arousing the interest and delight of food lovers globally.
Bruxie pioneered their own take on this American classic by expertly fusing crispy fried chicken with light and airy waffles ― in sandwich form. The waffle bun is simply genius, and their lineup of sandwiches both pay homage to their Southern heritage and test the boundaries of creativity. They have unique sandwich combinations that work for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert.
Without a question, the original Fried Chicken & Waffle is the highlight of the menu. It's a delight that captures the spirit of Bruxie's imagination, with a soft piece of hand-breaded fried chicken nestled between two golden-brown waffles, chili honey sauce and house-made slaw. The contrast between sweet and salty, crispy and fluffy, is a revelation that sends taste buds into a frenzy. With the crunch of the chicken, the buttery softness of the waffle and the tangy notes of the coleslaw, each bite delivers satisfaction. The Kickin' Chicken and the Crispy Chicken waffle sandwich are also perfect for lunch or dinner.
For brunch, the Holy Chicken waffle sandwich is served open face with a sunny-side-up egg, maple syrup, bacon, cheddar and sriracha mayo. In one bite you've got eggs, waffles, bacon ― what more can one ask for in a brunch? It's one of their best sellers and their most popular brunch item. Of course, if you are more of a traditionalist, the Bacon, Egg & Cheddar waffle sandwich is a reminder that invention has no boundaries in pursuit of the perfect brunch menu.
The Holy Chicken waffle sandwich at Bruxie / Courtesy of Shuttle Delivery
A pivotal ingredient on Bruxie's menu, and a popular menu item on its own, the fried chicken tenders are ridiculously tasty. They are breaded and fried with juicy and tender chicken, and covered in a crispy outer layer of seasoned breading. Chicken tenders are served with either four or six pieces and include your choice of Bruxie's scratch-made sauces.
Bruxie is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., but takes a break from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you're in the greater
or
areas in Pyeongtaek, you can skip the queue, pay online and place pickup or delivery orders using the
or by visiting
.
Mark Boesch is co-founder and chief marketing officer of Shuttle Delivery.