We all love juicy, tender and crispy fried chicken, whether we pick up our favourite fast food or make it at home. Get ready to celebrate all things fried and chicken on Saturday, July 6 for National Fried Chicken Day…we know you want to!
Here are six fun facts and six venues to get your fix of everyone’s fave food:
•Fried chicken was actually invented by the Scottish, who brought the dish with them to America.
•Before World War II, fried chicken was a special occasion or holiday dish.
•Not all chickens are suitable for frying – older birds are tougher and require long cooking at low temperatures.
•Nashville-style hot chicken may be the most unhealthy as it is dunked into a vat of chilli-infused oil after being fried.
•The pressure fryer was the secret to KFC’s success!
•A buttermilk brine is essential for the most tender and moist fried chicken.
Robot Waiters and Fried Chicken
Experience Korean dining in an unconventional and quirky setting at Seoul Chicken and Beer on Langtree Avenue in Mildura. From robot waiters to fun and funky neon signage, this urban restaurant delivers on all fronts; settle in and don’t worry just beer happy and smile because there is chicken on the menu, along with other Korean favourites like bibimbab, bulgolgi and pork kimchi stew.
Chow down on signature crisp and crunchy boneless chicken, coleslaw, pickled radish and fries or salivate over salted caramel boneless chicken with sides of macaroni salad and coleslaw; burger lovers opt for a crispy chicken fillet burger with smoky bacon, tomato and salad leaves, on a soft brioche bun with a side of crunchy fries.
Buttermilk Chicken All the Way
Those looking for a cosy corner café to hang out with a coffee in Holt head to Bunny Beans Café on Hardwick Crescent. Named after owner Bernard’s nickname, this café exudes rustic charm from recycled timber, exposed brick and dark wood table settings; while on balmy Canberra days, take to the alfresco area with your fur baby to people watch.
Kickstart your day with buttermilk crispy fried chicken on a Parmesan waffle with bacon and maple syrup or wrap your hands around Bunny Beans' signature fried chicken burger with chipotle aioli, pickled in-house red cabbage, lettuce and cheese; perhaps a lunch special of crispy chicken and fried rice, topped with a fried egg hits the mark.
Vibrant, Comforting Dishes
Clean, fresh and earthy fare is what has Umina Beach locals and visitors alike returning time and again to Café RONTO on West Street. This Central Coast dining destination has a bright and breezy vibe of polished wood floors, white subway tiles and trailing greenery; while white table settings under market umbrellas beckon for alfresco catch-ups on balmy days.
Photo credit: Chathu Kularathna.
Expect vibrant, comforting dishes full of flavour with a nod to Europe, the Middle East and Asia; kickstart your day the right way with Moroccan bean stew, poached eggs, turmeric-toasted almond flakes, herbs and Turkish soldiers. Join the lively buzz of lunch conversation as you chow down on a Szechuan fried chicken burger with Asian slaw, sweet Beijing-style sauce, wasabi, pickled ginger, kimchi mayo and chips.
Global and Local Flavours
Savour a blend of global and local flavours, sip expertly crafted coffee and bask in a welcoming vibe at new café on the Redfern block, Doran Doran on Regent Street. Every bite tells a story at this trendy café which boasts a minimalistic décor with a full glass frontage letting in an abundance of natural light and bright yellow accents adding a cheery touch; from breakfast to lunch there is something on the carefully crafted menu to suit all tastes.
Stop in to refuel and recharge with a Southern fried chicken sandwich, stacked on a brioche bun with dill pickles, fresh lettuce, tomato, harissa and aioli; or devour waffles topped with fried chicken, crispy streaky bacon, slaw, maple syrup and house pickles, washed down with an iced lychee and peach green tea.
Great Alfresco Dining
Lakeside Café on Ross Smith Boulevard in Oakden boasts glorious natural surroundings and a contemporary interior design, making it the ideal place to relax with family and friends. A parkland setting makes for great alfresco dining, while indoors is light, bright and breezy with white subway tiles, dark wood table settings and cabinets displaying delicious grab-and-go options.
Photo credit: Hana Havana.
Meet friends for brunch over a brew and crispy strips of Southern fried chicken, served with slaw, mash and gravy, or a warm chicken and avocado salad, with bacon, fresh tomato, cucumber, gourmet lettuce and a drizzle of sweet balsamic dressing; pizza lovers can pick up a slice of BBQ chicken with pineapple, onion and cheese.
Satisfy Ravenous Hunger in Leafy Surrounds
Life is always better with a little fun and flamboyance, that’s what you’ll get when dining at The Birdcage on Kingsway in Miranda. Drawing inspiration from its leafy surroundings and a beautiful fig tree which dominates the restaurant precinct playing host to many colourful birds, this café embodies this vibrancy, delivering dishes as pretty on the plate as the palate.
Satisfy ravenous hunger with the crispy chook burger – succulent fried chicken breast, onion, housemade slaw, pickles, mayo and barbeque sauce, served with fries – or delve into a flame-grilled chicken salad, with mixed leaves, carrot, apple, cherry tomato, mixed quinoa, toasted peanuts, coconut crumb, Vietnamese palm sugar dressing and sliced chilli.