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 into 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
Nuggets are for kids. 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.
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 chilli 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 chilli 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. Recently opened in Collins Square with an Elizabeth Street outlet on the way, the 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 Den 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.
Wings of Glory
American style buffalo wings might be a sports bar favourite, but Wings of Glory take it to the next level with super creamy ranch, blue cheese and honey mustard dipping sauces. Load up on meaty goodness or even try their vegan wing options for a truly glorious fried ‘chicken’ experience.
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
Warra Warra
When your Korean fried chicken is delivered with a bone bucket, you know they mean business. Warra Warra have a great menu, and the fried chicken is just one of the many reasons to pay this Tivoli Arcade mainstay a visit. Dipping sauces include sticky chilli and wasabi mayo.