If you’ve strolled down Main Street in Manayunk lately, you may have noticed a new spot that’s already turning heads—and tempting taste buds. Meet Hen Solo, the brainchild of local chef Dean Leevongcharoen, where crispy chicken, global flavors, and playful Star Wars-inspired creativity come together in one unforgettable takeout experience.
A Chicken Shop Like No Other
Hen Solo isn’t your average chicken joint. Sure, you’ll find fried chicken sandwiches, wings, tenders, and wraps, but each dish is a culinary adventure. Chef Dean draws inspiration from Thai, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, Italian, and American cuisines, resulting in a menu that’s as bold as it is fun.
The shop opened with instant classics like the Nashville-style hot chicken sandwich, Italian-inspired Vodka Pesto Cutlets, and Japanese Katsu Force wraps. But the menu keeps evolving, with new favorites like the 12 Parsecs Kale Caesar, The Vodka Pesto Rebel, and the R2-Rabe Sandwich joining the lineup.
What’s New on the Menu?
Hen Solo’s menu is always on the move, and recent additions are making waves:
- The Flavor Awakens: Crispy chicken tenders, Nashville hot oil, chipotle mayo, coleslaw, pickles, and a five-spice blend—served on a seeded roll. Choose your spice level for a custom kick!
- The Caprese Rebellion: A fresh twist with crispy chicken cutlet, bruschetta, mozzarella, arugula, and a balsamic glaze.
- The C-3Pineapple: Chicken, chipotle mayo, grilled pineapple, Cooper Sharp cheese, spinach, pickled onions, and smoky chipotle chili sauce on a brioche bun.
- Obi-One Wrap: Chicken tenders, kale Caesar salad, parmesan, sweet red peppers, and creamy Caesar dressing in a warm tortilla. (Eggplant available for vegetarians!)
- Ani-Kan Wrap: Chicken tenders with chipotle mayo, roasted red peppers, arugula, and pickled onions.
Vegetarian? No problem—many menu items can be made with eggplant instead of chicken.
Meet the Chef: Dean Leevongcharoen
Chef Dean’s journey is as unique as Hen Solo’s menu. Raised in his family’s Thai restaurant, trained by a Japanese ramen master, and a veteran of Philly’s food scene, Dean brings serious culinary chops to every dish. When the pandemic hit, a Star Wars rewatch inspired him to launch something new—and Hen Solo was born.
But don’t let the playful names fool you. Every dish is crafted with care, from the perfect crunch of the chicken to the bold, balanced seasonings. As Chef Dean puts it, “Star Wars is about adventure, unexpected heroes, and epic journeys. That’s what I want each Hen Solo dish to feel like—an unforgettable, craveable adventure on your plate.”
Why You Should Try Hen Solo
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a fun dinner, or a takeout feast to share with friends, Hen Solo is ready to deliver. The portions are generous, the prices are smart, and the menu is always changing—so there’s always something new to discover.
Plus, with the shop’s expanded hours, grabbing your favorite sandwich or wrap is easier than ever.
Visit Hen Solo
You can check out the full menu, order online, or follow along for updates on hours and specials on the website and on Instagram @hensolophilly.
Whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan or just love great food, Hen Solo is quickly becoming a must-try spot in Manayunk. Give it a shot—your taste buds will thank you!
