What are Korean corn dogs? Street food trend headed to Wichita via two new restaurants
A street food trend that’s already taken over bigger cities across the country will hit Wichita later this year with the arrival of two new restaurant chains.
Korean corn dogs — which are much different and more colorful than American counterparts like the Pronto Pup — will be served at both Mochinut, set to open in November at 343 S. Greenwich, and at Two Hands, opening late this year or early next at Braeburn Square, the development at 21st and Oliver that also has Fuzzy’s Taco Shop and Social Tap.
The corn dogs feature either hot dogs, melty mozzarella cheese or a mixture of both coated with a rice flour batter — as opposed to a Pronto Pups cornmeal better — and then deep fried. They’re then topped with or rolled in things like hot Cheetos powder, cubes of potatoes, crunchy rice puffs or bean powder and drizzled with various sauces. They’re quite filling, say the local franchisees of the two shops, and they’re fun to eat.
Wichita’s Mochinut franchisee, who asked not to be named, said that he and his partners are foodies who travel for work and are exposed to different dishes. They love Korean corn dogs and are especially obsessed with the “stretch,” which is the mark of a good Korean corn dog. The stretch refers to the way the mozzarella cheese stretches when someone takes a bite.
Mochinut is taking over the former Da Chicken Shak space near Kellogg and Greenwich, and its menu will also feature another popular street food: mochi doughnuts — a cross between an American doughnut and a Japanese mochi, a dessert made with a chewy rice coating and an ice cream filling. Mochinut will also serve boba tea drinks and soft-serve ice cream. Its interior will offer some seating and will be “Instagram friendly,” the franchisee said.
The Mochinut chain started in California and has locations across the country. Check out the full menu at www.mochinut.com/donut-menu
The local franchisees of Two Hands also asked not to be named. They’re hoping to have their restaurant — which will be a carryout-only place — open by December of this year or January of 2023.
Two Hands specializes in Korean corn dogs but also serves things like fries with kim chi seasonings, slushes and soft serve ice cream. It also offers elote — Mexican corn on the cob with seasonings. That chain is also based in California and also has restaurants across the country.
The franchisees — a boyfriend and girlfriend — fell in love with Korean corn dogs while visiting Dallas and decided they wanted to offer them in Wichita. They tried out most of the leading chains and decided they liked Two Hands’ product best.
Two Hands is taking over a space next door to the one formerly occupied by Journey East Asia Grill, which closed last year. To see the full Two Hands menu, visit www.twohandsus.com
This story was originally published July 20, 2022 at 2:34 PM.
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