The Basak - Best Korean Fried Chicken in Montreal

Want to know a hidden treasure that only the Asian community knows about? Located just outside of Guy-Concordia station, The Basak serves the best finger-licking Korean fried chicken in Montreal. What's so special about it? It's all about achieving the crispiest thinnest crust possible. To obtain such result, it all lies in the double deep-frying method - the same trick to make the perfect French fries. First, the chicken is deep-fried at a lower temperature to cook the meat thoroughly, then deep-fried again at a higher temperature to achieve the crispy crust.

I have been to The Basak 5 times - three of the times were for take-out. The menu is straightforward - chicken and side dishes. The chicken can be bone-in or boneless. You can choose from 3 flavours - original (Korean curry powder), soy-garlic or spicy. Your best bet is to opt for the half and half, basically two flavours in one order. 

Boneless Soy-Garlic and Spicy Chicken

The Korean Fried chicken, the better version of KFC, is gobsmacking. The Original is not shy with the amount of curry powder delivering great punches of flavours and the meat is tender and juicy. 

The soy-garlic glaze is always a winning combination and the spicy glaze has the perfect blend of sweet, savory and spicy. Even though it is smothered in sauce, the crispy exterior is still retained. All three flavours are finger-licking delicious. The order comes with a side of pickled daikon to help freshen your palate.

Bone-in Original and Soy-Garlic Chicken

You can also opt for their sides. Both times, we ordered the cream corn gratin. There is nothing special about this side dish. It's simply canned corn topped with melted mozzarella cheese served on a cast iron pan.

Cream Corn with Cheese Gratin

On their specialty menu, we ordered the spicy braised chicken with japchae (Korean potato glass noodles). This dish is not very spicy. The pieces of chicken are nice and tender cooked in a dark rich brown sauce along with basil, potatoes, carrots and onions. Simply delicious. This dish reminds me of the Taiwanese staple dish - Sanbei Chicken (Sanbeiji). 

Braised Spicy Chicken with Japchae

A recent addition to their menu is the patbingsu, the Korean version of ice cream. I haven't tried the one here, but I did try the bingsoo at the Korean bakery - Le Painnamou on Bishop. It's a great dessert to end the meal.

Original and Spicy Bone-In Whole Chicken

We all crave fried chicken at some point, some time, some day. If you do, get your fix at The Basak. I can guarantee it's the best Korean Fried Chicken you will ever eat in Montreal. Asians love it. I love it. You will definitely love it!

The Basak
1237 rue Guy
Montreal, QC
514-508-1144
http://www.facebook.com/THEBASAKMTL