The Bowery Market - Twig'M

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The Bowery Market: A Crave-Worthy Bite of NoHo

Tucked into the vibrant heart of NoHo, The Bowery Market is a microcosm of New York City’s ever-evolving culinary scene. This open-air food market, located at 348 Bowery, has become a haven for food enthusiasts seeking diverse and innovative flavors. Among its array of vendors, Twig’m stands out, offering a modern twist on Korean fried chicken that has quickly garnered a dedicated following.

The Bowery Market: A Culinary Hub with Historical Roots

The Bowery Market occupies a space steeped in history. Originally, this site was home to an auto body shop, a nod to the Bowery’s industrial past. The Bowery itself is one of Manhattan’s oldest thoroughfares, dating back to its days as a Native American trail and later a Dutch farm road known as Bouwerij. Over the centuries, the area transformed from farmland to a bustling entertainment district, and eventually into the eclectic neighborhood we see today.

In July 2016, The Bowery Market opened its doors, repurposing the former auto body shop into a year-round, open-air food court. This innovative use of space quickly attracted both locals and tourists, drawn by the market’s unique blend of culinary offerings and its authentic, urban atmosphere.

A Magnet for Food Enthusiasts

The Bowery Market’s appeal lies in its curated selection of vendors, each offering distinct and high-quality fare. The market’s compact layout fosters a communal dining experience, encouraging patrons to sample a variety of cuisines in one visit. Its location in NoHo, a neighborhood known for its artistic flair and cultural significance, further enhances its allure.

I first discovered The Bowery Market when I tried the Sushi on Jones omakase — an unforgettable introduction. With its affordable omakase menu and outdoor counter-style seating, it offered an elevated experience without the upscale price tag. It was casual, intimate, and felt uniquely New York. Sushi on Jones has since moved on from the space, but it helped shape the market’s early buzz. In the same spot where Sushi on Jones was at, Korean Fried Chicken restaurant, Twig’m is in.

Over the years, The Bowery Market has also been home to other viral vendors like:

• Alidoro, known for overstuffed Italian sandwiches;
• The Butcher’s Daughter, a photogenic plant-based café;
• Pulqueria Taqueria, which briefly served street-style tacos.

Today, we noticed long lines at the matcha stand and a very popular coffee stall, both pulling in loyal crowds. The market’s limited real estate means every vendor must shine — and Twig’m absolutely does.

Twig’m: A Crave-Worthy Korean Fried Chicken Bite (But No Beer, No Restroom!)

Among the current vendors, Twig’m delivers a standout experience for Korean fried chicken lovers. The name is a play on the Korean word twigim, meaning “deep-fried.” The star of the menu is dakgangjeong, a style of Korean fried chicken made from boneless, bite-sized pieces that are double-fried for extra crunch and glazed in a sticky, savory-sweet sauce.

When we visited this place, owner was the only person who was working. Because this is such a cozy place, it seems like he is taking care of cooking, ordering and managing.

We tried the half-and-half chicken gangjeong, a split order between their classic soy garlic glaze and their spicier option. Both were excellent — crispy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The chicken was hot, juicy, and coated in sauce that clung beautifully without making things soggy. You could tell this wasn’t just “fast food” chicken — it was thoughtfully done.

Alongside the chicken, we ordered tuna mayo rice balls, which came with a side of fried kimchi — a surprisingly bold, tangy touch that rounded out the meal. To finish, the snowman rice cakes were a chewy, sweet dessert that added a fun contrast to the savory main.

Price-wise, Twig’m isn’t cheap — but it’s not overpriced either. For NYC, it’s reasonably priced for the quality and portion sizes. You leave feeling satisfied, not scammed — and that’s saying something in this city.

That said, one thing became very clear during the meal: I was seriously craving a beer to go with that crispy chicken. It would’ve been the perfect pairing — but unfortunately, Twig’m (and The Bowery Market in general) doesn’t serve alcohol. And even if they did, it might’ve been inconvenient… because, well, there’s no restroom.

This isn’t just a Twig’m issue — the entire market has no on-site bathroom. That’s a real logistical hurdle for anyone wanting to stay a while, especially if you’re eating spicy fried chicken or slurping a strong espresso.

Still, despite the no-drink and no-restroom limitations, Twig’m’s food delivered. If you’re craving Korean-style fried chicken with a satisfying crunch and big flavor, it’s worth the stop — just plan accordingly.

A Menu That Celebrates Korean Flavors

Twig’m’s menu offers more than just chicken. From crispy nibbles to comforting sides like rice balls and fried kimchi, every item honors Korea’s rich street food culture with a fresh, NYC-friendly spin. The snowman rice cakes make for a playful dessert, and the savory components are well-balanced for mixing and matching.

This is casual Korean food done with thought — and with the kind of flavor punch that makes you want to come back for more.

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📜 Things to Know Before You Go to The Bowery Market

• No Restrooms On-Site: The entire market has no public bathrooms. Seriously — none. Plan ahead, especially if you’re dining with kids or ordering drinks elsewhere beforehand.
• No Alcohol Sales: None of the stalls serve beer or cocktails, including Twig’m — despite how badly fried chicken screams for one. Likely due to NYC’s licensing laws for open-air markets.
• Outdoor Only: All seating is outside. That’s great in nice weather, but a challenge in rain or snow.
• Limited Seating: Expect to share tables or stand during peak hours. Space is tight.
• Cashless: Most vendors accept card and contactless payments only.

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In conclusion, The Bowery Market remains a flavorful slice of downtown life — quirky, bold, and packed with culinary talent. Whether you’re drawn in by memories of Sushi on Jones or tempted by the crunch of Twig’m’s chicken, you’ll find something memorable here. Just… maybe hit the restroom before you go.