MaMa Chicken

ABOUT THE RESTAURANT:

Address: 252 Broad Ave, Palisades Park, NJ 07650

Phone: (201) 461-7900

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MamaChicken1

Living in Bergen County, I am part of a diverse group of people. However, I didn't know what I was getting myself into (actually I sort of did due to rumors) until I stepped foot into Bergen County Academies. The Academies, in and of itself, is a rigorous school with a long admissions process: there are plenty of tests, recommendation letters, and even an interview! All at the age of 13! While this school draws many overachievers all over Bergen County, a vast majority of them are Koreans. While I had a few Korean friends in elementary and middle school, I had lived in a predominately white neighborhood, so I was not exposed to the Korean culture as much.

On orientation, I remember one of the first thoughts I had was: 'I've never seen this much Asian diversity before!' Naturally, being surrounded by so many different people, I became more aware of a culture that I never before really had much motivation to be interested in. Being part of the Academies made me aware of so many parts of Bergen County I never heard of before. It also exposed me to some of the so-called "predominately Asian towns".

I remember the first time I went to Palisades Park. My dad told me that we were going to a dentist appointment, and we drove some 20 minutes at night to the office.

It never struck me as anything out of the ordinary.

Soon, however, I started hearing about the various Korean restaurants in Palisades Park. I remember the first time I went to Palisades Park with friends, I suddenly realized how much Korean culture was infused into this small town. Through these past 3 years in high school, I've accumulated many visits to this town and naturally have tried various restaurants. One, however, will always have a place in my heart.

MaMa Chicken.

One word to describe this place? Heaven.

MaMa Chicken is a casual-style restaurant. While you can take out, most people prefer to dine-in.

See how cute that wall is? The restaurant provides post-it notes and pens so you and your friends (or significant other) can put a little footprint in this room (I've written one every time I've been here). The space is extremely open and encourages discourse: it's a place you come to with friends to hang out and have fun!

The menu is very accommodating. There are many spicy options, but if you wish, there are also a few non-spicy options. However, be warned that there are little to no healthy options (but then again, this place is too good to not come time and time again).

My favorite item to order is the Kimchi Cheese Bacon-deop-bop. Essentially, it's a kimchi fried rice topped with melted cheese, a perfectly fried egg, and nori. Trust me, I've had my fair share of kimchi fried rice, and this one always comes out on top. So savory, with the perfect balance of spice. You also can't forget to scrape the sides of the pan for that leftover crunchy cheese.

The restaurant also always starts you off with small appetizers/starter dishes before your food comes. My favorite is the tteokbokki, which are spicy stir-fried rice cakes with fish cake!

I also love to get the Don Katsu, which is a breaded pork cutlet topped with brown sauce! The meat is always super moist, and the brown sauce is a great addition. Sometimes if I'm craving both, I'll get the MaMa Special, which includes the Don Katsu and Kimchi Fried Rice in smaller quantities. I always recommend that to first-timers.

There are also non-spicy options that are equally delicious.

This place is like no other I've been to that serves similar food. Warm and welcoming, and with delicious food. Kind of like mama's food.