I’m always on the hunt for memorable food experiences in Vermont, and sometimes it’s a single dish that makes a restaurant worth the drive. In this case, it’s the Korean fried chicken wings at Donwoori Local favorite: Donwoori in Winooski, Vermont.
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside and coated in flavorful sauces that range from sweet and savory to spicy and garlicky, these aren’t your typical Buffalo wings. And if you’ve never tried Korean fried chicken, Donwoori is a great place to start.
Meet Donwoori: Korean Comfort Food in Winooski
Founded in 2023 by siblings Summer and Khoi Cao, Donwoori brings Korean-inspired comfort food to Vermont’s dining scene. After getting its start in South Burlington, the restaurant relocated to Winooski, where it has become another reason to explore the city’s diverse restaurant offerings.
The menu features Korean favorites like bibimbap, bulgogi, japchae noodles, dumplings and tteokbokki, but it’s the Korean fried chicken wings that really caught my attention.
And once you try them, you’ll understand why.
What Makes Donwoori’s Korean BBQ Wings So Good?
The secret to great Korean fried chicken is the texture. Unlike traditional American-style wings, Korean fried chicken is often double-fried, creating an exceptionally crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Donwoori’s wings deliver that satisfying crunch, even after being coated in sauce. The combination of crispy chicken and bold Korean-inspired flavors makes these wings particularly addictive.
And the sauces are where things get interesting. Whether you prefer something sweet, savory or spicy, there’s a flavor worth trying.
Korean Fried Chicken Wing Flavors Worth Trying
- Gochujang
- Made with Korean fermented chili paste, this sauce delivers a combination of sweetness, heat and savory depth. A great choice if you like a little spice.
- Honey Butter
- Rich, sweet and savory, with a buttery glaze that pairs beautifully with crispy fried chicken.
- Maple-Gochujang
- A Vermont-inspired twist that combines maple sweetness with the spicy, savory flavors of Korean gochujang. I love seeing local ingredients incorporated into international dishes, and this is a particularly good combination.
- Soy Garlic
- A savory, slightly sweet glaze packed with garlic flavor. A great option if you prefer something less spicy.
Donwoori has also offered Golden Original and Mango Sriracha wings, giving you plenty of reasons to return and work your way through the menu.
My recommendation? Order a few different flavors to share. The wings are served with pickled radish, a traditional Korean accompaniment that provides a refreshing, tangy contrast to the richness of the fried chicken.
What Else Should You Order at Donwoori?
While the Korean BBQ wings are reason enough to visit, Donwoori has plenty of other dishes worth exploring.
The fried mandu, or Korean dumplings, make a great starter, while the japchae features sweet potato glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables. For something heartier, try the bibimbap, a Korean rice bowl with vegetables, egg and your choice of protein.
You’ll also find tteokbokki, a popular Korean street food featuring chewy rice cakes in a spicy, savory sauce, along with Korean BBQ kimchi fries topped with pulled pork, melted cheese and kimchi.
It’s the kind of menu that encourages ordering a few dishes for the table, which is exactly how I’d approach a visit.
A Must-Try Vermont Food Stop for Chicken Wing Lovers
Vermont has no shortage of great pub food, but I appreciate restaurants that introduce different flavors and culinary traditions to our local dining scene. Donwoori does exactly that, serving familiar comfort foods with Korean influences that make them stand out.
And while I’m always up for a traditional Buffalo wing, there’s something particularly satisfying about the combination of crispy Korean fried chicken and a sticky, flavorful glaze.
Whether you’re a fan of spicy gochujang, sweet honey butter or the Vermont-inspired maple-gochujang, Donwoori is worth adding to your list of restaurants to try in Winooski.
If you’re a chicken wing lover, put Donwoori’s Korean BBQ wings on your Vermont food bucket list. Just be prepared to have a difficult time choosing which flavor to order.
Visiting Donwoori in Winooski, Vermont
- Restaurant
- Donwoori Korean
- Location
- 22 Main Street, Winooski, Vermont
- Must-Try
- Korean Fried Chicken Wings
- Flavors to Try
- Gochujang, Honey Butter, Maple-Gochujang and Soy Garlic
- Other Menu Highlights
- Fried Mandu, Surf and Turf Fried Rice, Japchae, Bibimbap and Tteokbokki
- Local’s Tip
- Order multiple wing flavors to share so you can sample the different sauces. And don’t skip the pickled radish!
Talk with locals
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