Chimaek (치맥), which is a combination of chicken and beer, is a mash-up of two words: “chi (치)” from the word chicken and “maek (맥)” from maekju (beer).

Don’t let its simplicity fool you though, chimaek is far from ordinary and definitely worth a try. 

Chimaek became popular after it was featured in the 2013 drama, My Love from the Star (별에서 온 그대). In the drama, the female lead, Chun Song-Yi, is crazy about chimaek! (Let's be honest, who wouldn't be?) Since then, it was introduced to the world’s tables and ultimately, their hearts. 

What’s not to love about chimaek? Imagine biting into fried chicken that’s beautifully cooked and thickly coated, with a tangy sauce that’s spicy and salty at the same time. Once you feel the kick of the flavor, you can proceed to wash it down with your favorite ice-cold beer. It’s a match made in heaven that will make you fall in love from the very first bite. 

One of the best things about Korean chicken is there are many wonderful ways to enjoy it. You can choose the flavor of the sauce you want the chicken to be coated with, which will determine how spicy or sweet it will be. Beneath that crispiness and the sauce, the chicken meat is always juicy and flavorful. 

Chimaek is very accessible in South Korea.  You can find it easily in different stalls and restaurants. There are so many food chains that have an array of different flavors you can choose from. Some examples of popular chains are KyoChon, Hanchu Chicken, and Mom's Touch to name a few. It is also fairly common to have them at your local drinking place. 

Remember this scene from Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo? 

Usually, you can also choose to have it delivered to wherever you are at any time. Whether it’s a sudden craving in the middle of the night, or an addition to a Sunday picnic, you can get your chicken fix with just a single phone call. 

The chimaek craze is not just confined to South Korea anymore. There are also a variety of places in the Philippines where you can have chimaek. It’s the perfect addition to Friday night get-togethers and parties. It can even be enjoyed alone during a K-drama marathon. You can get your chicken fix from BonChon, 24 Chicken, Chicken Beer, among many others. 

There’s always a reason to order chimaek. Watching a sports game? Chimaek enhances the experience of cheering for your team. Nothing beats cheering with a mouthful of chicken. 

Crying because of a breakup? Chimaek might just help soothe those blues. If not, then at the very least, you may be heartbroken, but you won’t be hungry. As they say, people come and go—chimaek never will.  

Worried about meeting new people for the first time? Why not get to know them over chimaek? Chimaek brings people together. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s universally loved by everyone, no matter their age or nationality. Chimaek transcends culture and language barriers. 

So when you get the chance, make sure to order this South Korean staple and enjoy it with the people you love most. Chimaek’s simplicity, comfort, and fantastic flavor will definitely make you come back for more.