Jarryd and Ariel Segal, the team behind the neighbourhood’s popular coffee shop and breakfast eatery, Jarryds, have opened a new takeaway chicken hatch at 162 Main Road. The Chicken Shop is based around the fast-casual concept with speedy, efficient and healthy takeaways. Eat Out critic Nikita Buxton gives it a first taste.

A post shared by Nick Wright (@nickleft) on Mar 8, 2017 at 8:28am PST

Fast facts

Serves: Free-range charcoal rotisserie chicken
Best for: Comforting poultry-themed feasts
Cost: About R70 for chicken and a side
Parking: Parking on Main Road can be tricky, but you might find a spot on a side street
Star rating: Food 4, service 4, ambience 4

Food

Navigating your order at The Chicken Shop is fairly simple: Start on the one end of the counter and make your way to the pay point as you choose your sides. The choices are numerous. Your choice of free-range chicken could come in a roll, roasted on the charcoal, pulled, fried in buttermilk and even crumbed in panko.

A post shared by The Chicken Shop (@the.chickenshop) on Mar 14, 2017 at 5:44am PDT

 

The signature rotisserie chicken is recommended but is already sold out when we visit, so we opt for the Portuguese spatchcock that has been lovingly basted in a lemon-and-herb marinade. It melts in the mouth and is packed with flavour. Absolutely delicious. The Chicken Shop roll is made with cold rotisserie chicken pieces and trimmings of iceberg lettuce, homemade mayo and tomato. It’s a tasty and simple order for lunch, as is the panko-crumbed chicken schnitzel. The real winner, however, is the Portuguese grilled chicken burger. Covered in a luminous homemade peri-peri sauce, the chicken fillet is succulent, tangy and fiery, and sits happily in its floury Portuguese roll. This is definitely going to become a favourite.

A post shared by Tamar Cheerin (@tamarlurie) on Mar 9, 2017 at 12:14pm PST

As for the sides, there is an impressive array of both hot and cold options that change daily. There’s feta and green beans, lentil-and-chickpea salad, and toasty butternut and sweet potato for health nuts, as well as carb-loving mac ’n cheese or cauliflower and cheese sauce for the ultimate takeaway roast dinner. You can also order a portion of golden fries to accompany your chicken of choice. It doesn’t end there: If you’re a sauce fan, there are nifty little containers at the ready, filled with options like pesto, ketchup, garlic aioli and peri-peri sauce. Grab a bunch – free of charge – and make your own flavour combinations.

A selection of sides at The Chicken Shop. Photo supplied.

There are no desserts on the menu for now, so eat your fill of the juicy chicken.

Drinks

Espresso Lab coffee and soft drinks are ready for takeaways. You can also help yourself to water with lemon while you wait for your order.

Service

The fast-casual concept means there’s no table service. You will, however, be taken care of at the counter with welcoming, extremely swift and helpful service. All orders are wrapped up with care and even come in insulated brown bags so that your meal is still warm by the time you get home.

A post shared by Steve Rosenbaum (@steverosey) on Mar 8, 2017 at 3:14am PST

 

Ambience

A big wooden counter takes centre stage in front of the busy rotisserie kitchen. Bright yellow chairs and charcoal walls add a modern and comfortable feel to the stylish space. It can get a bit hot inside, but the foldout doors allow the breeze to circulate.

And…

Keep an eye out for The Chicken Shop’s homemade chicken soup come wintertime.

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Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read our editorial policy here.