Michelin Chef Brings Korean Fried Chicken to Flat Iron Square
A Michelin Star Chef Steps Into Casual Dining
For those who’ve followed London’s fine dining scene, Woongchul Park’s name carries weight. The chef-owner of Sollip, the Michelin-starred Korean restaurant near London Bridge, has built a reputation for refined, multi-course tasting experiences. But at Papa Dak, his new venture at Flat Iron Square, Park is deliberately stepping away from the formality of haute cuisine to embrace something more accessible: exceptional Korean fried chicken. It’s a bold move that signals how respected chefs are increasingly recognising what diners genuinely crave—quality comfort food without the pretension. For locals across South London, from Hounslow to Whitton to Richmond and beyond, this represents an exciting shift. Park brings his technical expertise and ingredient knowledge to a casual format, meaning the double-fried chicken, signature glazes, and thoughtfully crafted sides reflect the same precision he applies to his tasting menus. This isn’t fast food masquerading as fine dining; it’s fine dining principles applied to genuine, shareable Korean street food. The move democratises his culinary vision, making his cooking accessible to a broader audience who might not book a formal dinner but absolutely appreciate quality when they taste it.
What’s On The Menu And Why It Matters Locally
Papa Dak’s menu focuses on two signature chicken preparations, each representing different facets of Korean chicken culture. The Korean Red delivers yangnyeom-style preparation—a sticky, sweet and spicy glaze finished with crispy rice crisps—offering the bold, familiar flavours many diners associate with Korean fried chicken. But the real talking point is the Guinness Black: Park’s creative interpretation featuring a deep, savoury Guinness sauce that pays homage to London’s beer culture whilst remaining distinctly Korean in execution. Beyond the chicken, the menu includes So-Tok So-Tok skewers pairing smoked sausages with chewy Korean rice cakes, a Kole-Slaw incorporating traditional aekjeot and Korean chilli for distinctive umami depth, and pickled kohlrabi with garlic and ginger. This isn’t mere side dish filler; each component reflects intentional flavour balancing and technique. The deliberate absence of dessert works strategically with Spring Street Pizza’s new slice shop positioned next door, creating a food destination where diners can design their own complete meal experience. For the community, this represents sophisticated food retail arriving at Flat Iron Square—a venue that’s increasingly becoming a destination for quality eating rather than generic tourist dining.
What Locals Should Know And Watch Next
Flat Iron Square’s evolution matters to South London residents who want accessible quality dining without travelling into central London or paying premium prices. Papa Dak’s arrival, alongside Spring Street Pizza, signals that the venue is curating genuinely compelling food operators rather than relying on chain restaurants. For regulars and new visitors, this creates real reasons to visit—you’re getting food prepared by someone with serious credentials operating at a fraction of fine dining costs. The location itself, at 45 Southwark Street, sits at a natural gathering point for people across the region. Whether you’re from Hounslow, Whitton, Richmond, or surrounding neighbourhoods, it’s increasingly worth the journey. Worth monitoring: whether Papa Dak opens additional locations, how Spring Street Pizza performs, and whether Flat Iron Square continues recruiting independent, chef-driven concepts. The broader implication is encouraging—it suggests London’s restaurant economy still values craftsmanship and genuine culinary innovation over purely commercial concerns. For community members interested in supporting local businesses and independent food operators, Papa Dak represents exactly the kind of venture worth visiting and recommending to others. Check opening hours and booking availability on flatironsquare.co.uk.
Source: Guinness Korean Fried Chicken From A Michelin Star Chef Has Landed At Flat Iron Square
