Manyunk’s newest chicken outpost brings chef-crafted heat and sci-fi spirit.
Hot chicken is colonizing the galaxy — or at least the greater Philadelphia region. My partner and I always joke that anytime a building goes up for sale, it’s only a matter of time before a hot chicken joint lands like a star cruiser on an empty lot.
And honestly, I’m not mad about it! With powerhouses like Asad’s — which grew from a gas station parking lot on Roosevelt Blvd to now thirteen locations — and Bab’s Hot Chicken, one of my favorites, that does a Nashville-style spin (two locations, Audubon, PA & Newark, DE).
What’s driving all these spots to not just survive — but thrive? Or should I say… what Force is with them?
🪐 From Blade Runner to Brioche
Hen Solo may be playful in theme, but behind the lightsabers and lore is a serious culinary operation. The restaurant, opened last December in Manayunk, is the brainchild of Dean Leevongcharoen, an inspired kitchen visionary with deep roots in cuisine across the globe.
He literally grew up in the food industry through his family’s local Thai eateries, where he realized he had restaurant dreams of his own. He went on to study at the prestigious Paul Bocuse Institute in Lyon, followed by one-on-one training in Japan. In 2012, he opened Ramen Bar, a popular Japanese noodle restaurant in University City with a second location at Drexel.
But creativity called! He sold those off to develop the concept for a Blade Runner-themed noodle bar that would become Chika Ramen, a wildly trendy, cyber-punk bar/café in Center City (and one of my top three recommendations for 2023).
With Hen Solo, Leevongchareon launches his own concept restaurant, that boldly reimagines fried chicken as a cosmic fusion of comfort and cool in a galaxy far, far away. Or at least down Route 76, which is sort of the same thing.
💪💥 Bold Flavors in a Galaxy Not So Far Away
Why Manayunk? “It has the perfect mix of neighborhood charm, foot traffic, and food-savvy people,” Leevongcharoen explained. “It’s a place where something quirky, bold, and chef-driven like Hen Solo can thrive.” Manayunk has no shortage of great food spots, most of them sit-down. Hen Solo adds a great takeout option (they also do delivery).
Hen Solo’s flavor-packed menu was out of this world! We started with the Katsu Force, a Japanese-style chicken cutlet drenched in rich curry sauce, garnished with cilantro and Japanese pickles, and stacked high on a long, seeded roll. This sandwich was a beast, easily the size of a small droid or at least my full wingspan. While a fork and knife was helpful to get through the meat-packed sandwich, the flavor was unmatched.
We also got the Galactic Guac Sandwich, which comes with grilled or breaded chicken (I chose breaded). It was topped with guacamole, arugula, pickled red onion (one of my favorite garnishes), and spicy chipotle mayo on a fluffy, large brioche bun. This one was also amazing—and quite spicy!
Fried Chicken With a Passport 🌎🍗
I like that the menu organizes the sandwiches between brioche and cutlet rolls so you’re not flying blind. I also appreciated that the menu tied in various cultures in different selections: Japanese, Tex-Mex, Thai, and traditional American hot chicken.
One of their most popular item is the Inferno Supreme, a spice-laden superweapon layered with chipotle, long hots, and habanero sauce that could blow up a planet (or at least your sinuses). The Vodka Pesto Rebel joins the Resistance with a defiantly fresh, herbal kick — and your choice of cheese weapon. Upon request, they’ll replace the chicken in any sandwich with fried or sautéed eggplant for a vegetarian twist.
The menu also offers wraps, tenders, and even wings in a variety of sauces – we had an order of Buffalo-style, along with crispy fries that complemented our meal nicely. Other sides include coleslaw, chips and salsa or guac, blistered shishito peppers and chicken gyoza. Service was fast and the cheerful space felt sleek and futuristic in a nostalgic kind of way.
🌟 The Force Is Personal
The Star Wars theme isn’t just window dressing — it’s coded into Hen Solo’s DNA. According to Leevongchareon, the idea struck him while rewatching Solo: A Star Wars Story. “I’ve always been drawn to that independent, underdog energy, like Han Solo, who operates outside the system but always delivers,” he said, “That spirit felt a lot like how I approach food: breaking the mold, taking risks, and creating something unforgettable.”
His long-term plan for the concept is to “launch Hen Solo into hyperspace and bring our concept to other cities.” In the meantime, he’s committed to keeping it fun for the Philly fans. In addition to a loyalty program, current themed promotions include 10% off for SEPTA card riders and anyone in Star Wars gear, plus there’s a whole fleet of Lightspeed Combos that bundle a main item with fries and drink for a discounted price.
Offers rotate seasonally, always keeping flavor and creativity front and center. For such a whimsical concept, it’s surprising how serious the team is about the food here. Hen Solo may sound playful, but it’s a chef-driven kitchen through and through.
While hot chicken places may be colonizing the rest of the galaxy at warp speed, in Manayunk, Hen Solo pilots a crispy X-wing through the spice nebula, launching explosive flavors with international, intergalactic flair.
Whether you’re refueling after a long day of pod racing, pregaming a night at The Cantina, or just Force-hurling through the week, check out Hen Solo, serving up a bold new hope for chicken in Philly.
COMMENTS WELCOME! 
What do you think? Is this your kind of sci-fi foodie destination? Can you recommend any items I’ve got to try? Please catch up with me on Instagram @gingersliketoeat. If you enjoyed this feature, please check out my last column on a secret Center City steakhouse that’s both exclusive and inviting.
HEN SOLO
Tiktok | Instagram | Facebook
4351 Main Street, Manayunk
623-9779 | hensolo.com
Open:
Tues/Weds/Thurs/Sun: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Fri/Sat: 11:30 AM – 10PM
Monday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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