Korea’s Famous Fried Chicken Brand Lands in South Africa: Here’s What to Expect

South Africa’s love affair with fried chicken is about to get a Korean twist. One of South Korea’s biggest and most-loved food chains, Genesis BBQ (bb.q Chicken), has announced that it’s bringing its world-famous crispy chicken to Mzansi marking its first-ever expansion into Africa.

The Korean Arrival Everyone’s Talking About

Genesis BBQ signed a major franchise deal with Good Tree South Africa, a local distributor of Korean food products, earlier this month in Seoul. The agreement sets the stage for the brand to open its first stores in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Bloemfontein, with more locations expected to follow.

“South Africa is our strategic cornerstone for expanding into the African market,” said Genesis BBQ Chairman Yoon Hong-geun, promising to tailor the brand’s signature menu to local tastes.

What Makes Genesis BBQ So Popular?

Founded in 1995, Genesis BBQ is one of Korea’s top fast-food success stories. It’s built a loyal global following for its perfectly crispy fried chicken, often coated in soy-garlic, spicy, or honey-glazed sauces. The company runs over 3 000 stores worldwide, including outlets in the US, Japan, and Canada.

Their “K-chicken” style has become synonymous with the Korean wave of pop culture, often enjoyed alongside a cold beer a trend fans affectionately call “chimaek” (chicken + maekju, meaning beer).

Why South Africa Makes Perfect Sense

The brand’s move into Mzansi isn’t random. According to the South African Poultry Association, locals consume an average of 36 kilograms of chicken per person every year more than double the global average.

That, combined with a population of over 63 million and a young median age of just 28, makes South Africa one of the most promising new markets for global food franchises.

Social Media Buzz: “K-Chicken, Meet Mzansi Flavor”

Since the announcement, local foodies have been buzzing online about the new arrival. On X (formerly Twitter), users joked that “K-chicken and pap is going to be a game changer”, while others wondered whether Genesis BBQ will tweak its menu to suit local spice levels.

Food bloggers and influencers have already begun comparing the franchise to homegrown favorites like Nando’s and KFC, predicting a new “fried chicken showdown” for South African taste buds.

What To Expect When Doors Open

The first Genesis BBQ stores are expected to operate as quick-service restaurants (QSRs), offering a fast-casual dining experience that blends Korean flavors with local flair.

If international menus are anything to go by, South Africans can look forward to half-and-half combos, sweet-spicy marinades, and crunchy golden skin that’s become a social media sensation abroad.

As K-culture continues to rise in popularity from K-pop to K-dramas the arrival of K-chicken could easily become South Africa’s next big food obsession.

{Source:The South African}

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