The story
In São Paulo’s buzzy dining scene, Bicol Korean Cuisine has earned a Michelin Recommended distinction for 2026—a quiet nod to its thoughtful, crowd-pleasing cooking. The restaurant wears its Korean identity lightly, weaving global influences into a menu that centers on one of the most beloved comfort foods: fried chicken.
The flagship offering is the Copa do Mundo Bicol, a globe-trotting fried chicken menu that celebrates international flavors. Each version is a collaboration with chefs from different countries, from Brazil (a crispy chicken with okra and cilantro by Alex Atala) to Japan (tori bainiku shiso karaage with umeboshi and shiso) and the United States (Alabama white sauce with pickles and buttered corn). The Korean entry, Park Kwang Hee’s Yangnyeom Chicken, pays direct homage to the cuisine’s signature style: crunchy chicken coated in a glossy sauce of gochujang and daechu (dried jujube), developed in partnership with the chef of the same name.
Beyond the Copa, the menu covers classic Korean categories—beef, seafood, soups, rice, and sides—all made for sharing. The dining room offers both air-conditioned comfort and outdoor seating, and the kitchen also provides meal kits and takeaway for those who want to enjoy Korean flavors at home. Reservations are recommended, especially for groups of seven or more, but walk-ins are welcome. Bicol is a place where the cooking is precise, the flavors are bold, and the fried chicken alone is worth the trip.
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