By Courtney Thompson
Ponko Chicken is a restaurant that has been a part of my life since I was five years old. I remember during one of my kindergarten assignments, students were instructed to draw a picture of their favorite restaurant. Most kids chose places like McDonald’s and Wendy’s, but I chose Ponko Chicken, or as it was known back then, Food-Ease. My kindergarten teacher was intrigued by my picture and description of the food, and tried it. She loved it too, and thanked me for introducing her to the restaurant. Even as a kid, I was always telling people about Food-Ease. It’s great Asian-fusion spot with affordable prices. Unfortunately, the restaurant closed when I was in middle school.
To my surprise, the restaurant re-opened last year in Atlanta as Ponko Chicken. Ponko Chicken is now located near Mercer University’s Atlanta campus, so there’s more young people in the restaurant than there used to be. As a result, the restaurant has undergone some re-branding so that it’s a bit more appealing to younger crowds. The inside of the restaurant is also nicer than and has a more modern vibe than before. It’s still a casual spot though. You can catch up with friends and family, or even grab a beer and watch a football game. I always enjoy listening to the family-friendly songs that are on the playlist. I often leave the restaurant with new songs added to my iTunes library.
The most important thing, though, is that the food is still delicious. The ponko chicken, a play on the word, “panko,” is unlike any other panko-crusted chicken that I’ve ever had. It’s crispy, but does not overwhelming where it gets in the way of the chicken. This is important because the chicken is moist and juicy. The menu states that the restaurant uses antibiotic free and locally sourced products. I think this is why the food tastes so fresh. The restaurant has even added a few new and delicious items to the menu – such as “ponko fries” and green tea lemonade. The green tea lemonade is delicious. It’s the perfect mix of sweetness and tartness. Beware that refills are not free, so sip slowly.
I usually eat the original sauce on my chicken, which is a teriyaki-based sauce. The original sauce is sweet and tangy. There are also barbeque and spicy chicken flavors. I enjoy all three flavors, but I recommend the original. The spicy flavor is not spicy enough for me, and the barbeque sauce simply doesn’t taste as good as the original. The rice box is a great meal to get because it’s only $7 and Ponko Chicken’s rice is enjoyable. It has a stickiness that pairs well with the chicken. The Ponko fries are also delicious and crispy. If you do not eat meat, the menu is vegan and vegetarian-friendly. Ponko Chicken also offers salads, veggie patties and tofu tenders. They are also made with the same breading as the chicken, and have the same sauce choices. I recently tried the tofu tenders with one of my vegetarian friends, and they were surprisingly good. I am not usually a fan of tofu, but these tenders actually tasted good because they were flavorful.
I recommend Ponko Chicken to anyone who is a fan of Asian-inspired cuisine. The food and the atmosphere is fresh and vibrant. The prices are also very reasonable, as most meals are $10 or less. Whether you’re a college student or a 60-year old, the experience is enjoyable. The restaurant is clean and the staff is friendly. It’s run by a family who cares about the product. But most importantly, the food is delicious.
Photo courtesy of Yelp.
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