Race/Related: Are Korean American Atlanta hot wings the best?

The best hot wings are in Atlanta, but you can make them at home.

View in browser|nytimes.com October 18, 2024 Jun Yum, seen here at Cafe Hot Wing 7 in Suwanee, Ga., was once part of the family wing business in Atlanta. Known for their crisp exterior, tender meat and peppery, vinegary flavor, Atlanta's Korean American-style hot wings can be hard to find outside of a handful of locations in the suburbs. Melissa Golden for The New York Times By Eric Kim There's no hot wing like a Korean American Atlanta hot wing There was a time in Hank Kim's life when eating hot, crisp-fried chicken wings every day was the norm — he could easily down about 20 in a sitting — not least because his family opened a wing shop, Cafe Hot Wing, in 1988. Another reason he could put away so many? The wings in question were smaller, sharper in flavor, even lighter than their Northern cousins, Buffalo wings. Much like the Atlanta hot wings of today, these Korean American wings were coated with a red-hot sauce, unbridled in their cayenne flavor and vinegary tang. One could argue that they were a dialed-up version, with a focused intensity in their blend of hot sauce, spices and pepper. A touch to the lips might make you break a sweat. That's why they often came with celery and carrot sticks and a cup of blue cheese dip or ranch, to tame the flames. In 1980s Atlanta, this style of hot wing (and its cooling plate-mates) gained footing as a fast food meal for a growing Korean American community. Unfortunately, these particular wings aren't around anymore, or at least they're harder to find. The one surefire way you can taste them today is to make them at home. Melissa Golden for The New York Times See the recipe and read the story → EDITORS' PICKS We publish many articles that touch on race. Here are a few you shouldn't miss. In Rural Wisconsin, Race Is an Undercurrent of the Presidential Election Former President Donald Trump's recent attacks on his opponent could affect the vote. "It's a stirring of the pot," one voter said. By Dionne Searcey and Vincent Alban Amir Hamja for The New York Times Hollywood and Bollywood Kick Off Diwali in New York Hasan Minhaj, Mira Nair and Nora Fatehi joined business and entertainment leaders of South Asian descent at the Pierre hotel in their most elegant attire. By Sadiba Hasan Photo illustration by Pablo Delcan and Danielle Del Plato The University of Michigan Doubled Down on D.E.I. What Went Wrong? A decade and a quarter of a billion dollars later, students and faculty are more frustrated than ever. By Nicholas Confessore Doug Mills/The New York Times Trump Faces Tough Questions From Hispanic Voters, but Largely Defends or Dodges In a town hall that Univision broadcast on Wednesday night, Donald J. Trump did not directly answer many frank questions on climate change, immigration, abortion rights and other topics. By Michael Gold and Jazmine Ulloa Martina Tuaty for The New York Times Marking the Spot Where Desi Arnaz of 'I Love Lucy' Played the Conga A new historical marker in Miami Beach pays tribute to his younger years, before Hollywood, when as a Cuban émigré he performed at a nightclub. By Johnny Diaz Bettmann Archive, via Getty Images Warren Wilson, Pioneering Los Angeles TV Reporter, Dies at 90 In addition to covering the 1992 riots and other historically significant events, he helped facilitate the surrenders of 22 fugitives. By Richard Sandomir Jenn Ackerman for The New York Times Substitute Teacher Reenacted George Floyd Murder at Minnesota High School Students said the teacher, who claimed to be a police officer, also said "police brutality isn't real." By Hank Sanders and Annie Correal Invite your friends. Invite someone to subscribe to the Race/Related newsletter. Or email your thoughts and suggestions to racerelated@nytimes.com. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Race/Related from The New York Times. To stop receiving Race/Related, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018