What Should I Order at Bonchon on GLP-1?

Craving Korean fried chicken while on GLP-1? You are not alone. Eating out can feel tricky when your appetite is smaller and your goals are bigger.

The good news? Bonchon has real options that work for you. With a little know-how — and tools like Dose AI's Food Idea Assistant — you can enjoy a satisfying meal without the guesswork.

Let's break down exactly what to order, what to skip, and how to make Bonchon work for your GLP-1 journey.

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Why Does Eating Out on GLP-1 Feel Different?

GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) work by slowing digestion and reducing hunger. This means you feel full faster — sometimes after just a few bites.

That changes how you should approach a restaurant menu. You want meals that are:

• High in protein to preserve muscle and keep you full
• Lower in refined carbs to avoid blood sugar spikes
• Not too heavy or greasy to prevent nausea
• Smaller in portion because your stomach signals fullness sooner

Bonchon is known for its crispy Korean fried chicken. But there is more on the menu than you might think.

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What Are the Best GLP-1-Friendly Items at Bonchon?

Here are the top picks that support your metabolic health goals. Focus on grilled options, protein-rich dishes, and lighter sides.

🍗 Best Protein-Forward Options

1. Bonchon Chicken (Wings or Drumsticks — Half Order)

• Approximate macros per half order (4–5 pieces): ~300–380 calories, 28–34g protein, 10–14g carbs, 18–22g fat
• The soy garlic sauce is lower in sugar than many American BBQ sauces
• Tip: Choose wings over boneless — less breading, more protein per bite

2. Bibimbap (Rice Bowl — Modified)

• Approximate macros: ~500–600 calories, 25–30g protein, 60–70g carbs, 12–15g fat
• Ask for extra veggies and protein, less rice
• The egg on top adds extra protein — keep it!
• Tip: Eat the protein and veggies first, then decide if you want the rice

3. Japchae (Glass Noodle Dish)

• Approximate macros: ~350–420 calories, 12–16g protein, 45–55g carbs, 10–14g fat
• Glass noodles have a lower glycemic index than regular pasta
• Best as a small side, not a main dish

4. Korean Fried Rice — Half Portion

• Approximate macros (half): ~280–320 calories, 10–14g protein, 40–48g carbs, 8–12g fat
• Ask for extra egg or protein added
• Share with someone or box half immediately

5. Edamame (if available as a side)

• Approximate macros: ~120 calories, 11g protein, 9g carbs, 5g fat
• Excellent high-protein, high-fiber starter
• Helps slow eating pace — great for GLP-1 users

🥗 Lighter Side Choices

• Simple salad sides — skip creamy dressings, ask for vinaigrette
• Steamed or sautéed vegetables when available
• Miso soup — low calorie, warm, and soothing if you feel nauseous

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What Should I Avoid at Bonchon on GLP-1?

Some menu items can trigger nausea, bloating, or blood sugar spikes. Here is what to watch out for:

❌ Items to Limit or Skip

• Large combo platters — portions are too big for reduced GLP-1 appetite
• Sweet sauces in large amounts — spicy honey glaze and sweet chili are high in sugar
• Fried rice as a main dish — high carb load can cause discomfort
• Soda and sweet drinks — liquid calories add up fast and offer no nutrition
• Sticky rice dishes — high glycemic, can spike blood sugar quickly
• Bonchon Boneless Chicken — more breading than bone-in options, higher carb count

Heavy, greasy meals can worsen GLP-1 side effects like nausea. Keep it simple and protein-focused.

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How Can I Customize My Bonchon Order?

Customizing your order is one of the smartest moves you can make. Here are easy swaps that make a big difference:

Ask your server for these simple changes:

• ✅ Request sauce on the side — control how much glaze you use
• ✅ Choose soy garlic over spicy honey — lower sugar content
• ✅ Ask for extra vegetables in rice bowls
• ✅ Request less rice and more protein in bibimbap
• ✅ Skip the sugary drinks — order water or unsweetened green tea
• ✅ Ask for a to-go box upfront — box half your meal before you start eating

Small customizations add up. They can cut 200–400 calories from your meal without sacrificing flavor.

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What Are the Best Portion Tips for GLP-1 Users at Bonchon?

Your appetite is smaller on GLP-1. That is a feature, not a bug. Use it to your advantage.

Practical portion strategies:

1. Order half portions when available — Bonchon offers half orders of chicken
2. Share a main dish with a dining partner
3. Start with water — hydration helps prevent overeating and reduces nausea
4. Eat protein first — chicken before rice, always
5. Put down your fork between bites — give your brain time to register fullness
6. Stop at 70–80% full — GLP-1 users often hit fullness fast
7. Never feel pressure to finish your plate — leftovers are tomorrow's lunch

Remember: on GLP-1, a smaller meal is a win, not a failure.

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How Does Dose AI Help Me Eat at Bonchon?

Eating out does not have to mean losing track of your progress. Dose AI makes restaurant dining easy to manage.

📸 Food & Macro Logging

Not sure how many calories are in your Bonchon plate? Just snap a photo. Dose AI's AI-powered food logging analyzes your meal macros automatically. No manual entry needed. You get protein, carbs, fat, and calorie estimates in seconds.

🤖 Personalized Food Idea Assistant

Not sure what to order before you even walk in? Dose AI's Food Idea Assistant gives you personalized GLP-1-friendly meal suggestions — including restaurant-specific ideas. Just ask it: "What should I order at Bonchon on GLP-1?" and get tailored answers based on your goals.

💧 Water Logging

Staying hydrated reduces GLP-1 side effects like nausea and constipation. Log your water intake in Dose AI to make sure you are hitting your daily goal — especially before and during meals out.

🩺 Symptom Tracker

Did that extra sauce cause bloating? Did eating too fast trigger nausea? Dose AI's Symptom Tracker helps you connect food choices to how you feel. Over time, you will learn exactly what works for your body at restaurants like Bonchon.

📊 Progress Tracker

Every smart meal choice adds up. Log your weight and progress photos in Dose AI to see how consistent restaurant strategies support your long-term GLP-1 results.

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🔗 Related Reading on the Dose AI Blog

Want to keep learning? Check out these related topics:

• "What Should I Order at Chipotle on GLP-1?" — Another fast-casual favorite, made GLP-1 friendly
• "Best High-Protein Meal Ideas for GLP-1 Users" — Build your weekly meal plan around protein

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bonchon and GLP-1

Can I eat Bonchon fried chicken on Ozempic or Wegovy?

Yes, in moderation. Choose bone-in wings or drumsticks over boneless options. Bone-in pieces have less breading and more protein. Stick to a half order and choose soy garlic sauce over sweeter glazes.

Will fried food make my GLP-1 side effects worse?

It can. Greasy, fried foods may worsen nausea and bloating for some GLP-1 users. Start with a small portion and see how your body responds. Eating slowly also helps reduce discomfort.

Is Bonchon good for weight loss on tirzepatide?

Bonchon can fit into a weight loss plan on tirzepatide (Mounjaro or Zepbound). Focus on high-protein options like chicken wings, eat smaller portions, and skip sugary drinks. Logging your meal with Dose AI helps you stay on track.

How much protein should I aim for at Bonchon on GLP-1?

Aim for at least 20–30 grams of protein per meal to support muscle preservation on GLP-1. A half order of Bonchon wings delivers roughly 28–34 grams of protein — a solid target for one sitting.

What is the lowest-calorie option at Bonchon?

Edamame (if available) and a small side salad are the lowest-calorie choices. For a full meal, a half order of soy garlic wings with a side of vegetables is one of the most balanced, lower-calorie combinations on the menu.

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Citations

• Wilding, J.P.H., et al. (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
• Jastreboff, A.M., et al. (2022). Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

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⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medication, or health routine. GLP-1 medications affect everyone differently. Individual results may vary.

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Ready to Eat Smarter at Bonchon?

You do not have to guess what to order anymore. With the right choices — and Dose AI by your side — every restaurant meal becomes a step forward, not a setback.

Download Dose AI today. Log your Bonchon meal, track your symptoms, and let the Food Idea Assistant guide your next order. Your GLP-1 journey just got a whole lot easier. 🙌