Goodbye Saima Thai & Sushi, Hello ChiMcking

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Photo credit: ChiMcking

Last Sunday I was doing a little research on Portland Thai restaurants and it became clear that Saima Thai & Sushi in the Hollywood District has closed. They opened originally in early 2018. Turns out a new restaurant is moving into that space: ChiMcking, a franchise that offers “Korean Style Chicken & Fresh Beer.” That’s right—an expansive menu of Korean fried chicken is coming to the Hollywood District. This handwritten note on the door of Saima spills the beans:

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Honestly, I will miss being able to grab a chicken satay and an avocado roll in one place. That said, there are number of Thai restaurants in the vicinity and a (track) sushi spot across the street. And Korean fried chicken is so tasty. This will be the third Korean restaurant to open up in the Hollywood District, including Bulgogi + Du Kuh Bee and Happy Bibim Bap House 2 (now closed).

There is another ChiMcking location in Beaverton at 11741 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy that opened last fall. The ChiMcking PDX Instagram account explains who they are:

“Hello everyone, we’re ChiMcKing, a restaurant specializing in authentic Korean chicken and beverages, also know as ‘chimaek.” Originating in Daegu, South Korea, we’re having our sauces and powders imported straight from the source.”

They offer a variety of wings, including boneless, popcorn and whole chicken; sides like rice and fries; and one of my favorite Korean dishes, Ddukbokki (AKA Tteokbokki). There’s also a picture of a Margherita pizza on the website that has me slightly confused.

I’ve not been able to find indication as to when they will open, but I’ll keep an eye on it since I’m in the Hollywood District often. Welcome to the east side, ChiMcking!

ChiMcking Korean Fried Chicken and Beer (opening soon)
4118 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
chimckingusa.com | Instagram