The restaurant is loved for its Korean Fried Chicken but is undergoing a change
The restaurant is near Oxford Road(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
There’s some outstanding fried chicken spots in Greater Manchester. There’s those that specialise in American-style dipped in hot sauce, or southern-fried, and then there’s Japanese karaage and of course, Korean style.
But, one of the most popular, which can be found in the student area of town by Oxford Road, is seemingly undergoing a bit of a change. Chimaek, just a minute away from the railway station on Hulme Street has become a city centre staple, but its listing online says ‘temporarily closed’.
Chimaek translates as chicken and beer; chi, short for chicken, and maek from maekju, meaning beer, and it is here that you can get some of best double fried chicken in the city.
However, eagle-eyed customers spotted a new sign has replaced Chimaek’s, which suggests a new Malatang – translating as Chinese street food or hot pot – spot is taking its place.
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It’s is not clear whether the same owners will be running the transformed restaurant space, but a sign on the window reads: “Dear Valued Customers, Please be informed that our restaurant will be undergoing renovations starting July 6.
Fried chicken at Chimaek(Image: Supplied)
“The renovation period is expected to last for approximately two weeks. Our reopening date and updated business hours will be announced soon.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and truly appreciate your understanding and continued support. Thank you! Chimaek.”
Another sign in the window about the revamp into a Malatang restaurant explains there will be a soft opening from July 23. It adds that if customers spend £20, they will get £10 back as a voucher plus a free keychain.
The sign at Chimaek has been replaced(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
But customers of the popular have voiced their concern over the change. A post of Reddit read; “Just walked past what used to be my fave Korean fried chicken spot in Manchester (Chimaek, just off Oxford Road) and nearly dropped my iced coffee.
“Does any one know if Chimaek’s actually shut for good or if they’re opening a new location? They usually close for a bit this time of year anyway, so I’m clinging to hope that this is all just a dramatic seasonal break.
“If anyone has any information I would be so grateful!”
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In response, another Reddit user wrote: “I attempted to go there for lunch today and was also shocked to see the branding change! Although i’m still not sure what it means…”
Others speculated about the temporary closure listing on Google and TripAdvisor while another simply wrote: “No no no no no no no no”.
The sign explains a renovation has been taking place(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
The Manchester Evening News has contacted Chimaek for more information, but for now it appears that it will be changed into a malatang restaurant, a type of eatery that specialises in malatang, a Sichuan-style street food dish characterized by its spicy, numbing broth and variety of customisable ingredients.
Diners are able to choose from a selection of ingredients and toppings such as vegetables, meats, seafood, and noodles, which are then cooked in a piping hot broth and served in individual bowls.