Chicko Tako, a small Korean restaurant in Chestnut Hill, deserves to be on your radar.
Text and Photos By Ryan Piatkowski ’27
Sweet and Spicy Beef (Bulgogi) Tacos Mandu Bi Bim Bap
Chicken Bowl
Market at the Fairway in Chestnut Hill is a modern farmers market with 14 different vendors, selling everything from smoothies to wood-fired pizza. Despite the wealth of choices, every time I walk in the door, I head to one restaurant and one restaurant only: Chicko Tako. The small Korean restaurant is located on the left as soon as you enter the market, making for a convenient location. Whether you get a classic Korean dish or a less traditional, fusion-style meal, you are sure to be blown away.
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bowl
Chicken and rice. When I hear those words, I think of plain, leftover white rice and dry chicken breast. I have only one word to describe that: bland. But Chicko Tako’s Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bowl is different. The simplicity of the dish does not make it boring, but rather extraordinary. Fried, bite-sized chicken pieces are drenched in a vibrant, sweet and spicy sauce and served over warm white rice and topped with sautéed veggies, giving each bite an exquisite burst of flavor. A bestseller at Chicko Tako, this simple Korean dish changed the way I viewed food. How could something so simple be so exceptional?
Beef (Bulgogi) Tacos
But Chicko Tako doesn’t only have traditional Korean food. Their tacos are a blend of Korean and Mexican cuisines—both international food powerhouses—which, when combined, give you the best of both worlds. The beef tacos consist of sweet and tangy shredded beef in a tortilla topped with onions, cilantro, cucumbers, and kimchi. The spicy, refreshing kimchi pairs perfectly with the sweet beef, completing one of the most unique and delicious tacos I have ever tasted.
Mandu
A lesser-known Korean dish, the Mandu at Chicko Tako is a fantastic choice for an appetizer or an entrée. Dumplings filled with pork and vegetables are deep-fried and served with a side of tangy vinegar sauce. The sauce compliments the hearty dumplings to a tee like they were born to be together. Crunchy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside—what more can you ask for in a dumpling?
Bi Bim Bap
One of the most popular dishes on the menu, Bi Bim Bap, is a classic Korean rice bowl, and it is simply delightful. It consists of white rice topped with sautéed veggies, marinated chicken, and a fried egg. The bowl comes with a side of gochujang, a sweet and spicy red chili paste that is a staple in Korean cuisine. The presentation is beautiful, with a combination of colors that resembles a bouquet of flowers. The second I bit into this, I fell in love. The combination of vibrant veggies and well-seasoned meat, coated with delectable egg yolk and topped with sweet and spicy gochujang, makes it something special. A classic Korean dish, this is the perfect bowl to try if you have never had Korean food before. Each bite has the perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and salty, and the mouthwatering result perfectly encompasses the flavors of Korean cuisine.
Chicko Tako is truly one of the best restaurants in all of Chestnut Hill, despite being known by few. Not only was the food amazing, but when I was there, it was run by only one man, and the service was excellent. Despite a large order, the food came out quickly and was hot and fresh. When leaving, I saw the man walking around the parking lot with his apron still on. He forgot one of my meals and was looking for me! That man puts his heart and soul into Chicko Tako, and the hard work pays off. With delicious food and excellent service, this lesser-known Korean restaurant is a must-try for anyone in the Chestnut Hill area. You won’t regret it.
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