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.
Food & Wine
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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
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
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
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.
The servings are generously proportioned, making this a great value meal for the whole family.
130 Valetta Rd, Fulham Gardens
Happy Birds
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.
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
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