Fried chicken is definitely having a moment. Juicy Lucy is a classic Aussie chicken shop in Surry Hills with a South East Asian twist; the latest venture by the guys from Sugarcane, who definitely know a thing or two satisfying our hungry bellies.
From the outside, Juicy Lucy looks like a pretty nondescript fast food eatery due to its location just westside of Central Station. For those not in the know, it feels like the sort of place you might rock up say, the wrong side of lock out. But do not be deceived. This chicken is gooooood. Real good…
Owners Milan Strbac and Griff Pamment grew up in the cultural melting pot of Sydney’s western suburbs. The idea for Juicy Lucy was formed from memories of eating takeaway from the local chicken shop one night, then curries and noodles from the neighbouring Thai restaurant the next night – a uniquely Australian experience. With Juicy Lucy, Strbac and Pamment are taking the South East Asian flavours of Sugarcane that they’re so well known for and mashing them with classic Aussie chicken shop offerings.
Aunt Lucy’s succulent, slow roasted whole birds are spiced overnight in a brine of Sichuan pepper, cloves, cassia bark and coriander seeds, then stuffed with garlic rice. Served in a 1/4 or quarter with rice and chips, the flavours are an unexpected combination and simply divine. Tai Gai Yang is butterflied and prepped with garlic, coriander, white pepper and fresh turmeric before going into the rotisserie.
Burgers and wraps include the Jackie Chan (wrap, rice, Malay chicken, pickles and herbs) and the Lil Kim (burger, slaw, kimchi and Korean BBQ). To further fuel Sydney’s love of fried chicken, Strbac and Pamment have created an Asian-style tapioca batter that gives the fried drumettes and chicken tenders a crispness and flavour like no other.
We got to wrap our chops around the Juicy Lucy burger, which is sure to become a classic. Melt in your mouth chicken with simple flavours and a kick of Sriracha mayonnaise. A signature burger that will become their go-to, in my opinion.
Salads change daily so expect to see a rotating line-up of specials including Asian coleslaw, Green Papaya salad and the Asian Caesar; iceberg lettuce, kaffir lime and coconut dressing topped with pork crackling.
Open from 11am til late, Monday to Saturday, chicken lovers can eat in or takeaway.
WHAT: Juicy Lucy
WHERE: 232A Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills
WHEN: Monday to Saturday: 11am til late
FOLLOW: @juicylucychicken
Facebook: www.facebook.com/juicylucychicken
Their chicken is amazing! I love that it’s not your standard fried chicken but that it has that South East Asian flavour twist. I really enjoyed their food.