Run, don’t walk, Nomsters, because I found the best Korean fried chicken in Maryland and it’s hiding in a Columbia strip mall. I’m talking about Kong Pocha, and it’s easily the best Korean spot in Columbia right now. It’s a pocha, aka a Korean late-night pub, so it’s built for shareable plates, soju, and hanging out well past midnight, which is honestly a gift in Howard County where good late options are slim.
We came for the fried chicken and ended up ordering way more than that. (Full transparency, the team hosted us, but you already know I only send you to spots I’d happily pay for myself.) The verdict? This place is the real deal, and if you’ve been sleeping on it, it’s time to fix that. Here’s everything we got and exactly what you need to order.
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What Makes Kong Pocha a Standout Korean Spot in HoCo
Plenty of spots do Korean fried chicken, but Kong Pocha nails the whole pocha experience, and that’s what sets it apart. It’s not a rushed sit-down dinner, it’s a night out: dim, buzzy, open late, with soju and beer flowing. The food’s built to share and pairs perfectly with a drink, which is exactly the point of a pocha. It’s actually the second location (the original’s up in Baltimore’s Station North), so the concept was already dialed in before it landed in Columbia.
That Baltimore spot built up a serious following before they expanded out here, and the Columbia location carries that right over. For HoCo, where the late-night scene is pretty thin, having a genuine Korean pub open until 2am is a legit game-changer.
What to Order at Kong Pocha
Come hungry and bring a friend or two, because these plates are meant for sharing.
Sweet and Spicy Fried Chicken ($31.99)
The star of the show and the reason I’m telling you to run here. This is the BEST Korean fried chicken I’ve had in Maryland, no exaggeration. It’s smothered in the yummiest sweet and spicy sauce, and it’s seriously next level. At $31.99 it’s built for sharing, and it’s worth every penny. If you get one thing, get this!
Spicy Jokbal ($36.99)
If you’re feeling adventurous, order the jokbal. It’s spicy stir-fried pig’s trotters, and I know that might sound intimidating, but hear me out. It’s extremely flavorful with a nice chewy texture, and it’s quite spicy, so consider yourself warned. Traditionally jokbal’s served as ssam (wrapped in lettuce), but Kong does theirs with salad and tortilla chips, which is a fun twist. It’s a classic Korean drinking food, so order it with a round of soju and lean in.
Spicy Rice Cake with Rose Sauce ($17.99)
For the table’s spice-averse, this is your friend. It’s spicy Korean rice cakes in a creamy rose sauce, so you get something a little less spicy than the rest of the table, and the sauce is exceptionally tasty. They’re cooked to tender perfection, and it comes with fish cakes and some veggies mixed in. Delish.
Corn Cheese ($9.99)
You already know! It’s grilled corn topped with melty mozzarella, super cheesy and so fun to share. It’s a KBBQ classic for a reason, and at $9.99 it’s an easy yes to round out the table.
What Does the Word Pocha Mean?
If you’re new to the word, a pocha (short for pojangmacha) is basically a Korean late-night spot built around food and drinks together. The name literally means “covered wagon,” after the little street tents where the whole tradition started, and the food you order is called anju, meaning dishes made to go with alcohol. Think soju and beer flowing, spicy shareable plates, and a loud, social energy that’s meant for hanging out with your people well past midnight. That’s exactly the lane Kong Pocha lives in, and it’s a big part of what makes it special: this isn’t a quick dinner, it’s a whole night out.
The Vibe and Experience
Kong Pocha’s the kind of place you hit when the night’s just getting started. It’s a laid-back, buzzy Korean pub with soju and beer, and it stays open SUPER late, which is a lifesaver because solid late-night options in Howard County are pretty limited. It’s perfect for a group of friends, a low-key date, or that post-work craving that hits at 11pm. If you’re into Korean drinking spots, Soju Haus over in Ellicott City is another go-to of mine. Just note Kong’s closed on Tuesdays, so plan around that.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 9350 Snowden River Parkway, Unit J, Columbia, MD, in a strip mall with its own surface parking lot.
- Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday 4pm to 1:30am; Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 4pm to 2am; closed Tuesday.
- Prices: Budget-friendly. The dishes I got ran from $9.99 to $36.99, most built for sharing.
- Drinks: A full pocha setup with soju and beer
- Late night: One of the few spots open past midnight in Howard County.
- Second location: The original Kong Pocha is in Baltimore’s Station North.
- More to try: Kimchi pancakes, budae jjigae (army stew), and bulgogi if you want to go beyond the fried chicken.
Is Kong Pocha Worth A Visit?
100 percent yes! For the best Korean fried chicken in Maryland, killer late-night hours, and a fun pocha vibe you can’t really find anywhere else in Columbia, Kong Pocha’s a genuine gem. For anyone chasing Korean comfort food after dark in Howard County, this is the move. Round up your crew, order the fried chicken and the corn cheese, and settle in. You’ll also find it in my guide to the best Korean food in Howard County.
Columbia’s Korean food scene keeps leveling up, and Kong Pocha’s leading the charge for late-night. If you’re on a Korean kick, Ssong’s Hotdog in Columbia is worth a stop too for crispy Korean corn dogs. Have you guys made it to Kong Pocha yet, Nomsters? Tell me how you handle the jokbal in the comments, and save this for your next late-night run.