Find American-style fried chicken and Aussie-style roast chook at Chook in Cremorne.
Quincy Malesovas
Fourteen years ago, Fonda shook up Melbourne’s fast-casual Mexican dining. Now, its co-founder Tim McDonald is ready “to modernise the charcoal chicken offering and give people what they want in 2025” with his new venture, Chook. That translates to a choice of fried or roasted chicken served in wraps, bowls and sandwiches (the American term for chicken burgers).
The fried chicken – pressure-fried so it stays juicy and absorbs less oil – borrows a technique from popular US fast-food chain Chick-fil-A. Roast chook nods to classic Aussie styles. Available whole, halved or quartered, it’s salt-brined and finished in a combi oven, which allows the bird to steam while it cooks, avoiding dryness.
Hot tip: For a close Chick-fil-A dupe, order the Proper Chicken Sandwich with fried chicken, buttermilk ranch and pickles, plus a side of waffle fries.
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