Got a hankering for finger lickin’ fried chicken? Resist the fast food urge and discover more-ish fried chicken that’s a cut above. Here’s where to get stuck in to the best in town.
Sonny’s at John Curtin Bandroom
In the unlikely environs of the John Curtin Bandroom you’ll find Sonny’s Fried Chicken. Specialising in 24-hour brined chicken, pressure fried and crispy as you like, this American-style outfit has classic cold (slaw, potato salad) and hot (mac and cheese, biscuits and gravy) sides to accompany the main event.
Fried chicken comes in all forms at Sonny’s
Hot Star Large Fried Chicken
At Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken the portions are oversize, tender and crispy. With its original Taipei outlet acclaimed as the most popular snack at the famous Shi-Lin Night Market, this Taiwanese sensation also deep fries mushrooms, sweet potato and curly fries.
Sam Sam
Sure Sam Sam offers a range of bulgogi and fried rice dishes, but to be honest we’re just here for the chicken and beer. Sometimes it’s fried chicken, other times we’re all about spicy wings or grilled whole chicken. Served with special SamSam sauce, rocket, green apple and walnuts.
Gami Chicken and Beer
It’s KFC – Korean Fried Chicken – and ice cold beer. Gami specialise in crispy, spicy chicken and it comes in three flavours: original, sweet chili or soy garlic. Don’t miss ‘Potato Heaven’ – three layers with creamy mash, cheese and wedges are in layered harmony. Cut through the layers with piquant pickled radish.
Fried chicken and potato heaven is real at Gami
Chick-In
Their motto is ‘All you need is chicken’, which is okay with us. Another Korean fried chicken hot spot, Chick-In offers sweet chili or soy sauces, and the kimchi loaded fries are legendary.
Korean fried Chicken and sides at Chick-In
4Fingers
All hands on deck at 4Fingers, a Singaporean take on crispy fried wings and legs with soy garlic, spicy or mixed sauces. Elsewhere the black charcoal burger buns are a bit of a showstopper, and there’s a hint of greenery with the option of a chicken katsu salad and kimchi coleslaw side.
Belles Hot Chicken
Hot chicken is a Nashville thang imported to Melbourne by Belles Hot Chicken. Find them in Collins Square and on Elizabeth Street in the Galleria. Their menu offers a range of spicy heat levels and sauces. Try classic sides and variations like chicken sandwiches and chicken with waffles. And for drinks, a range of natural wines. Good time tunes are always pumping at Belles.
Spicy wings at Belles
Izakaya Den
All about the small sharing plates, the fried chicken karaage-style paired with a Japanese mayo dip at Izakaya Den goes down a treat with pickles and sweet corn. Try it with sake or a cold beer.
Butchers Diner
Butchers Diner source premium meats, most of which are destined for the owners’ other city restaurants. Rest assured your Japanese fried chicken, served with a daikon pickle, is sourced from quality producers. Open 24 hours and cash only.
Karaage style chicken at Butchers Diner. Pic by Grace Petrou.
More finger lickin’ fried chicken
- Peaches: If their four happy hours a day didn’t get you, then the fried-chicken sambos served until 3am will. Knock one down with a pickle back shot for extra umami.
- Pelicana: Fresh from the Korean foodie scene this famous fried chicken spot offers seasonings like wasabi, honey butter, white cheese, soy, hot smoky chili and more.
- Yuzu: Fried chicken fiends of frugal means can go hard on the good stuff here, with karaage coming in at under $10.
- Globe Alley: Whether you want the vegan version or meaty strips served in a fat burger stack, this late night music spot in the former Belleville site has you sorted.
Fried chicken at Peaches