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Five to Try: South Australia’s best hot chips

Fans of crunchy, salty, deep-fried potatoey goodness flock to these Adelaide hotspots to get their hot chip fix. Here are five of the best.

Georgia Zerella and Amber Van Rumpt at Chicken Chef in Blair Athol. Picture: MATT LOXTON
Georgia Zerella and Amber Van Rumpt at Chicken Chef in Blair Athol. Picture: MATT LOXTON

There’s nothing like chunky, hot chips to satisfy an empty stomach on a winter’s day – and South Australia has some of the country’s best. Here’s our top picks.

Chicken Chef

Chicken Chef, Blair Athol. Picture: Lisa Woolford.
Chicken Chef, Blair Athol. Picture: Lisa Woolford.

Very little has changed over the decades at this Adelaide institution – after all, why mess with a good thing? Their Hills potatoes are cut fresh every morning and double cooked to perfection, delivering that ideal crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside texture that melts in the mouth.

Their chips are also covered in their famous chicken salt, a recipe which has been passed down from owner to owner over the years.

It’s a winning combination which earnt this shop the coveted title of Australia’s best hot chips just four years ago.

438 Main North Rd, Blair Athol

Kenny’s on Churchill

Brothers Leon and Kosta Bratis enjoy hot chips from Kenny’s. Picture: Keryn Stevens
Brothers Leon and Kosta Bratis enjoy hot chips from Kenny’s. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Its owners describe their chunky hot chips as “probably the best in the world”, and after a taste test, it’s difficult to argue.

They use Kennebec potatoes, grown by producers in Balhannah, which are cleaned, peeled and freshly cut every day, then double-cooked in beef tallow for that extra flavour.

And it’s all about nutrition and health at Kenny’s, which was originally located in the city, before moving to Kilburn about a year ago.

Everything on the menu is gluten-free and prepared fresh without dairy or seed oils, so no one has to miss out.

400 Churchill Rd, Kilburn

Chicken Cave

Chicken Cave chips for Hot Chips Review. Picture: Supplied
Chicken Cave chips for Hot Chips Review. Picture: Supplied

A staple in Adelaide’s west, the Cave has been serving up their signature chunky yellow chips with extra chicken salt for almost four decades.

Golden and crunchy on the outside, the interior of each chip is fluffy and creamy, providing a tasty treat for potato lovers of all ages. Insider tip: make sure you get the gravy as well.

Chicken Cave. Picture: Supplied
Chicken Cave. Picture: Supplied

The servings are generously proportioned, making this a great value meal for the whole family.

130 Valetta Rd, Fulham Gardens

Happy Birds

Happy Birds, Port Pirie. Picture: Supplied
Happy Birds, Port Pirie. Picture: Supplied

It’s a decent drive to this mid-north town but anyone who has tried their chips will tell you it’s worth it.

These guys hit it out of the park with their fat and chunky chippies, which are hand cut and double-cooked (blanched then fried), delivering the right balance of crunch and softness in every bite.

Their distinctive chicken salt recipe, which remains a closely guarded secret, also provides the ideal level of seasoning for the discerning potato enthusiast.

Happy Birds, Port Pirie. Picture: Supplied
Happy Birds, Port Pirie. Picture: Supplied

If you have a bit of room left over, be sure to try their special Italian scone; a delicious, dough-wrapped, fried pastry filled with chicken, tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.

78 Main Rd, Solomontown, Port Pirie

Chicken Hub

Chicken Hub Aberfoyle Park photos for hot chips reviews. Picture: Antimo Iannella.
Chicken Hub Aberfoyle Park photos for hot chips reviews. Picture: Antimo Iannella.

Fresh oils, high quality potatoes and their homemade chicken salt are the keys behind the allure of these chips, which are highly sought-after in Adelaide’s south.

Deliciously golden brown, the chips feature a crispy coating, balanced nicely with a smooth inside. The chicken salt ticks all the boxes and is distributed evenly across a whole bag, ensuring these are a must-try for fans of the humble hot chip.

The Aberfoyle Hub Shopping Centre, Aberfoyle Park

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/lifestyle/food-wine/five-to-try-south-australias-best-hot-chips/news-story/970931a17d8952c1a1e9a9a067790354