Ottawa's food scene just got a serious upgrade in the fried chicken department, and it's coming from an unexpected source: fine dining.
Chef Teegavarapu Sarath Mohan, known for his refined approach to cooking, has opened Kozhi, a new restaurant in Ottawa's Chinatown that's putting all its energy into one goal — making the best fried chicken in the city. It's a bold ambition, especially from a chef whose background leans toward the white-tablecloth end of the culinary spectrum, but that's exactly what makes Kozhi such an interesting addition to the neighbourhood.
A Fine-Dining Take on a Comfort Classic
There's something special about watching a chef trained in fine dining turn their attention to a dish as universally loved — and as notoriously tricky to perfect — as fried chicken. Getting that balance right between a shatteringly crisp crust and juicy, well-seasoned meat inside takes real technique, and it's clear Mohan is bringing the same precision and care to Kozhi that he'd apply to a tasting menu.
That kind of crossover is becoming more common in cities with strong food cultures, and Ottawa is no exception. Diners here have shown again and again that they're hungry for chef-driven takes on comfort food, whether it's an elevated poutine, a gourmet burger joint, or now, seriously ambitious fried chicken.
Why Chinatown Is the Perfect Home for Kozhi
Ottawa's Chinatown, centred along Somerset Street West, has long been one of the city's most vibrant food destinations, packed with everything from Vietnamese pho spots to Chinese bakeries and Korean barbecue. Kozhi slots right into that mix, adding another reason for Ottawans to make the trip to this stretch of the city.
Chinatown's food scene has quietly become one of the most exciting corners of Ottawa's culinary map over the past few years, with new concepts opening alongside beloved longtime institutions. A fine-dining chef choosing to set up shop here, rather than in a flashier part of downtown, says a lot about where Mohan sees Kozhi fitting in — as part of a neighbourhood built around great, unpretentious food, even when the technique behind it is anything but simple.
What to Expect at Kozhi
While the focus is squarely on fried chicken, the fact that it's coming from a fine-dining background suggests diners can expect careful attention to detail — from the seasoning and brine to the crunch factor and whatever sides or sauces round out the plate. For Ottawa fried chicken fans who've had their go-to spots for years, Kozhi represents a fresh, chef-forward option worth checking out.
Whether Kozhi lives up to the ambition of serving the city's best fried chicken is something Ottawa diners will get to decide for themselves, but the buzz alone is enough to put this Chinatown newcomer on the radar for anyone looking for their next favourite bite in the capital.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
