Images by Sarah Bahbah via Butter Sydney
There is a special day for every damn date on the calendar. Did you know that it was National Insurance Awareness Day back on June 28?
While we fully endorse securing your financial coverage services, who in the actual fuck makes this stuff up? Other weird ones include National Candied Orange Peel Day on May 4, while we can’t wait for National LED Light Day on October 7. Among all the chaos, one day that we can definitely get behind is National Fried Chicken Day – which just happens to be today! Despite this being an American celebration, there’s been no shortage of Yank-inspired eateries lining the streets of Sydney – so we’ve decided to name some of our favourite local fried chicken spots.
While we’re pretty loyal to Colonel Sanders – we’d never turn down a three piece feed with an additional tub of potato and gravy – we like to switch it up every now and again. Get to one of the restaurants below, and celebrate National Fried Chicken Day with lots of lip-smackin’ goodness:
THIRSTY BIRD
While King’s Cross isn’t the thriving nightlife spot it once was, Thirsty Bird is one of the new arrivals to Bayswater Road that does have us excited. Sam Horowitz, the chef behind Oxford Street’s moreish and delicious pork specialist Mr. Crackles, has now expanded to include chickens inside his culinary offerings. Thirsty Bird offers thick batter and buttermilk-based chicken from its intimate store, which seats a handful of customers but thrives on takeaway. Bonus points: Thirsty Bird lies in very close proximity to Bada Bing Nightspot.
3/2-14 Bayswater Rd, Potts Point
ARISUN
Arisun Soy Fried Chicken @arisunrestaurant #arisun #arisunrestaurant #koreanfriedchicken #arisunchinatown #kfc A photo posted by #arisun #arisunrestaurant (@arisunrestaurant) on
Chinatown spot Arisun has become one of our favourite pre-drinking spots with its miniature beer kegs, which come in handy when washing down their generous baskets of fried chicken. The soy coating is what dreams are made of, while there are also boneless options for those feeling especially lazy. Eating Korean cuisine means that you can team the chicken with rice and kim chi, and use your chopsticks to shovel it all in your mouth as fast as possible. May we also suggest a mussel soup and a spicy hot pot if you’re feeling fancy? With karaoke bars and Plan B Small Club just a heartbeat away, Arisun is a surefire way to get any night kick-started early in tasty fashion.
35/1 Dixon St, Sydney
BUTTER SYDNEY
Butter have managed to stir up plenty of attention from their flashy Surry Hills headquarters, with rap royalty including Talib Kweli and Wu-Tang dining there while on tour. With Jordans and Air Max lining the front window, the chicken spot also acts as a sneaker consignment store – and they take the concept even further with the ‘Size 13’, which consists of 13 pieces of chicken served in a shoe box. The miso buttered corn is also juicy, while the watermelon slushie can cool the tongue if you choose a more fiery sauce. Also, in celebration of National Fried Chicken Day, they’ve created a password – say ‘Not For General Consumption’ at the counter for a secret addition to your meal. It’s ~mysterious~ and probably also delicious.
6 Hunt St, Surry Hills
BELLE’S HOT CHICKEN
Hey good lookin’. ? #belleschickenandwaffles #thatwithchicken #bellshotchicken #bellesrichmond #bellesfitzroy ? cred @johnjunglee A photo posted by Belles Hot Chicken (@belleshotchicken) on
For those who can handle their spice, Belle’s Hot Chicken has been a Godsend. While Melbourne has been treated to their mouth-watering creations since 2014, a Belle’s pop-up at Barangaroo caused a huge stir when it opened up last year. The pop-up was so successful that Belle’s now has a permanent Sydney location, while other guest spots has seen them serve up fried chicken everywhere from Icebergs to Harpoon Harry’s. Choose your level of spice wisely, get some crinkle-cut fries and waffles on the side, and prepare your stomach for a nice time.
Wulugul Walk, Barangaroo
MARY’S
Mary’s might be known for their kick-ass burgers, but don’t overlook their fried chicken offerings either! By now, we don’t have to convince you – this is a cult Sydney location with a rustic setting, plenty of flowing beers and a high chance of hearing heavy riffs blare over the speakers. Chicken is available as a half-bird or whole bird, and if you’re extra hungry, tackle the latter on your lonesome and give yourself a stern pat on the back for being a culinary legend. A Larry Bird consists of two chickens and double deliciousness, so grab that if you’re bringing a mate.
6 Mary St, Newtown
