Taiwan Popcorn Chicken

15333 Culver Dr #420, Irvine, CA 92604, United States
+1 949-733-9999
$$$
(221 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Taiwan Popcorn Chicken, a hidden gem nestled in the bustling heart of Irvine, CA. This vibrant eatery transports you straight to the lively night markets of Taiwan, where the aroma of freshly fried delicacies fills the air. Specializing in authentic Taiwanese cuisine, this restaurant is perfect for anyone looking to indulge in comforting, flavorful dishes that offer a true taste of Taiwan.

Your culinary adventure begins with the star of the show: the illustrious Popcorn Chicken. Perfectly seasoned and fried to a golden crisp, each bite releases a burst of savory flavor that's both addictive and satisfying. Pair it with the Pork Belly Combo Box or indulge in the Fish Filet Combo Box, each served with delicious daily sides, rice, and your choice of the refreshing green or black tea. Whether you’re in the mood for something light or hearty, every option promises to deliver a delightful experience.

The atmosphere at Taiwan Popcorn Chicken is casual and laid-back, making it a perfect spot for a quick lunch break or to grab a bite after a long day. However, some patrons have noted that the electronic ordering system, while efficient, may take away from the personal touch often associated with dining out. In a few instances, reviews have pointed out that the food can arrive unevenly prepared. One customer remarked on the surreal experience of receiving burning hot noodles mixed with frozen meat, a reminder that consistency is key in creating a memorable dining experience.

Despite the mixed reviews on some dishes, many customers have raved about the authenticity of the menu, stating that it's reminiscent of their experiences in Taiwan. One delighted patron exclaimed it reminded them of the vibrant food carts that line the bustling streets of Taiwanese night markets, emphasizing how everything just tastes better when it’s freshly fried. If you're looking for authentic Taiwanese flavors in the midst of Orange County, Taiwan Popcorn Chicken could be your new go-to spot.

Don't forget to complement your meal with a refreshing drink from their extensive milk tea selection, featuring flavors like Taro, Hokkaido, and the intriguingly aromatic Rose Black/Green Milk Tea. The delightful boba adds an extra layer of fun to your experience, making it a perfect treat even if the milk tea has garnered mixed reviews for its basic taste.

So, whether you're a fan of casual bites or simply searching for authentic Taiwanese food, Taiwan Popcorn Chicken could be just what you're craving. Visit them at 15333 Culver Dr #420, Irvine, CA 92604 or give them a call at +1 949-733-9999 to explore their delicious offerings. Experience the charm and flavors of Taiwan without leaving Irvine – your taste buds will thank you!

221 Reviews
Steven A

05 Sep 2025

Electronic non-person ordering system, which I really liked. The food took unexpectedly long to prepare, around 20 minutes for a beef noodle soup and cartilage chicken. The music playing inside seemed a little inappropriate to me, I heard obscenities. That said, the beef soup was pretty good. The cartilage chicken was mostly cartilage, so I threw it away.

Andy Hendrawan

11 Aug 2025

I've had lunch here 3 times and a bit disappointed each time. Both their pork chop rice and pork belly rice aren't very good, meat were chewy, although the side dishes and veggies that came with were good. Their fried chicken skin were bad, the two times I tried it. Their milk tea were very basic and watery, although the boba was ok. Not coming back for sure.

John Hsieh

22 Jul 2025

So glad we stumbled upon Taiwan Popcorn Chicken the other night. Having grown up in Taiwan, this store is literally the fried carts commonly found in day/night markets in Taiwan. If you're not familiar with these fried carts, they will literally throw everything and their kitchen sink into the deep fryer, fresh, for you. Everything just tastes better freshly fried, and that includes popcorn chicken (the name of the store), calamari, oysters, and even pig's blood cake. They do sell other stuff like bento boxes (also filled with fried goodness) if you're looking for more of a meal. Parking is quite good as it is located within a large strip mall.

5EX사랑해

01 Jul 2025

Authentic Taiwanese food, good service, quick service. I would suggest the popcorn chicken and calamari. The lunch combo is also affordable choice if your in a rush. You get free water too.

Kristine

10 Jun 2025

Stopped by Taiwan Popcorn Chicken in Irvine for a quick lunch and yikes what a disappointment. There is zero human contact and the food was legit burning hot in some spots and frozen in others. It was kinda surreal having burning hot noodles and frozen meat all in one bowl. Can't even mix in the peanut sauce as it's congealed No need to say more Zero service. You place your order and wait for your number to appear and you go pick up your meal. Clean restaurant with plenty of parking.

Johnson

07 Jun 2025

While it can be labelled as snack food, the galleria of Taiwanese fried foods at Popcorn Chicken pack a heavier punch than most trendy restaurants at food halls. Ordering used to be done through a scantron, which I may prefer now as some cashiers don't always capture what your order is. That hiccup aside, there are just so many options that you're unlikely to find anywhere else. The biggest standouts were the taro items (taro egg ball and taro mochi(?) cake), cartilage, and oyster. The taro egg ball, our favourite and often sold out, is a dense ball of taro battered and fried, with an egg in the center. It's not comparable to anything I've had before, and the starchy sweet taro contrasts so well with the seasoning used at the store. The egg just adds additional richness! The other items are just what you'd expect. The main attributes that make Popcorn Chicken stand out are the quality of the fry (using some kind of starch such as tapioca) giving it a bit of a chew and ruffled texture on the exterior, and the seasoning. The seasoning reminds me of hot broths at hot pot condensed to powder form, and mixed with the salt and pepper seasoning on fried pork chops. This isn't your typical basil and garlic popcorn chicken, this is something that would hold strong in a bowl of rice. The only knocks I have against Popcorn Chicken is the consistency. It seems that some days they're much more heavy handed on the seasoning and spice, and others they're incredibly light despite providing the same level of desired heat each time. Which is unfortunate, since that's what makes the food stand out and keeps me returning. Be sure to ask for the sweet and sour dipping sauce! This isn't provided unless asked for, with no charge!

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