Fried chicken 5 ways
MEXICAN AT MEXICO
Mexico remains the standard-setter in Auckland’s fried chicken scene, a dish so popular there’d be a riot if it was removed from their ever-changing menu. Mexico’s fried chicken ($16) comes in a bowl with two mayos, jalapeno and chipotle, and the trick is to get equal amounts of both in every bite. Across November, they’re also offering a burger called a Fried Chicken Torta ($16). Served in a brioche bun with a layer of salsa, it’s a must-try. mexico.net.nz
AMERICAN AT PEACH’S HOT CHICKEN
This food truck offering, the closest thing to Belle’s, is a southern take on fried chicken with a sandwich ($13) that includes a crispy fried chicken thigh, homemade aioli and pickles on a brioche bun. But they’re also known for their sides and a secret menu that includes fried chicken on top of mac and cheese. Check their website for locations, get there early because they’re known to sell out, and if you want to test your limits, ask for “holy cluck“— the hottest chicken on Peach’s menu. peachshotchicken.com
JAPANESE AT RENKON
Renkon might be a cheap and cheerful Auckland franchise, but its take on fried chicken is underrated. Order the karaage fried chicken as a main ($12.50) and it will land on a bowl filled with rice or noodles, slaw, spring onions and a large dollop of mayonnaise. Make sure you stir the creamy mayo through the dish: if you’ve requested it spicy, it can get hot. renkon.co.nz
KOREAN AT BIRD ON A WIRE
At Ponsonby Central’s Bird on a Wire, a Korean fried bird burger ($16) comes with a chilli fried egg, kimchi, gochujang mayonnaise and slaw. The chicken is crunchy, crispy and delicious, and if you eat it right, the yolk from the egg spills over like a second dollop of mayo. They also do a bowl of buttermilk fried chicken ($15), which comes with two sauces: garlic and sriracha mayo. birdonawire.co.nz
TAIWANESE AT KAI EATERY
You can’t miss Kai Eatery’s bright orange container store near the Auckland Central Library. Show up for lunch and you’ll have to join the queue — it can get busy. It’s easy to see why: their Heihei bao ($8 each) is huge, packed with spicy fried chicken, slaw and a delicious sauce. If you’re really hungry, you can get their speciality, XL fried chicken ($10), a giant slab of chicken packaged in a pouch. Hot