Charcoal chicken is a time-honoured practice, a craft that you'll find in almost every corner of the world. While flavours may vary from region to region, the smoky golden crisped exterior and succulent meat inside that results from spinning across the coals and flamed has established the roast chook as a pinnacle of dining.
In Melbourne, several different operators have honed their expertise in charcoal chicken—from Middle-Eastern flavourings and accompaniments to your classic corner store chicken shop with large chips and extra chicken salt.
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Here's where to find charcoal chicken in Melbourne for 2024:
El Jannah
Various Locations
Image credit: El Jannah | supplied
El Jannah first opened in Sydney in the late 90s, establishing itself as a Lebanese-style charcoal chicken chain, that grew in quick succession and with six locations in Melbourne. It's a straightforward affair at El Jannah, with the star of the show being the perfectly cooked charcoal chicken—their secret garlic sauce is a must, as are their Lebanese pickles and bread. And, if you happen to be passing by their Preston and Campbellfield locations, you can pick up your bird via their drive-through.
Super Tasty Rooster
123 Scotchmer Street, Fitzroy North
A staple of Fitzroy North, Super Tasty Rooster on Scotchmer Street is the much-beloved charcoal chicken shop just across the road from Piedemonte's supermarket. Now, with a more expansive store, you'll still find that perfectly seasoned charcoal chicken rotating across the coals, as well as a range of salads. The burger options and chicken fillet roll are also integral and adding a South Melbourne market dim sim to your order is par de course.
Chargrill Charlie's
Malvern | Camberwell | Elsternwick
Image credit: Chargrill Charlies | supplied
Another charcoal chicken dynasty from New South Wales, Chargrill Charlies established immediate clout when they opened in Melbourne. The juggernaut shows no signs of slowing down, snapping up valuable chicken territory in Melbourne's south-east, the most recent of which is an Elsternwick outpost.
Their chargrill chicken rotisserie style has made them widely popular among locals and their expansive options of salads, sides and sauces allow you to change it up every visit. There are also burgers on the go here, from Portuguese-style with Piri Piri to a classic schnitzel option with NYC-style mayo.
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Tasty Rooster
Unit 1/51 Waterfield Street, Coburg
Tasty Rooster (not to be confused with Super Tasty Rooster in Fitzroy) is one of those 'if you know, you know' spots. Coburgers speak of it in revered tones, its chips are second to none, prices are on point and its portions are more than generous. Situated in a car park just near the Victoria Street Mall, if you didn't know what you were looking for, you would miss it. They serve up a selection of hearty salads; greek, coleslaw, seafood, garden etc. monster portions of chips and gravy, and La Ionica chickens spit-roasted to perfection.
Cookshop Rotisserie
392 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North
Not technically a charcoal chicken shop, but Cook Shop on Queens Parade is too bloody good not to mention. Specialising in charcoal cooking with a variety of meats kissed by the open flames, Cook Shop's chicken is imbued with an extra smoky flavour and its skin is caramelised into a perfectly textured and golden exterior.
Cookshop’s menu is filled with seasonally-inspired sides and sauces and their housemade gravy and chips are an absolute must-try.
Sunshine Social
64 Glengala Road, Sunshine West
A haven for a seriously good time, Sunshine Social’s converted industrial space is home to some of Melbourne’s finest charcoal chicken. The part open-air space is typically flooded with the sweet and aromatic smoke coming off the charcoal.
Chickens are brined for 8 hours before being marinated in a special spice mix before being cooked over the charcoal to golden perfection. Best paired with a couple of beers and a raft of different sides including a spanking dill and fennel slaw, barbecued corn, and potato salad—a strong contender for the best charcoal chicken in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
Henrietta
75 Chapel Street, Windsor
Image credit: Henrietta | supplied
Bringing a Middle-Eastern lense to the charcoal chicken Melbourne community, Henrietta is the bold new diner that's opened up shop on the Windsor end of Chapel Street.
Harnessing the flavours and techniques of Lebanese-style charcoal grilling the chicken is succulent, salty and spiced in the best way possible. It's served alongside Toum (garlic dip) with pickles, warmed pita flatbread and either chips or Fattoush (salad)—it's an absolute revelation.
Free Range On Centre Charcoal Chicken
8/271-275 Centre Road, Bentleigh
A true local treasure, Centre Charcoal Chicken is situated amongst the local shops of Centre Road in Bentleigh. It's a lo-fi shopfront just like the kind of charcoal chicken shop we all grew up on—the only difference here is the level of excellence happening on the grill. With a dedicated following of loyal fans, Centre Charcoal has won over its community with its marinated free-range chickens cooked over coal and served up with piping-hot chips. Hot tip—they also do one hell of a souva.
Home To Roost
146 Burke Road, Malvern East
With lines that snake out the door post 5pm onto Burke Road, Home To Roost has established itself with some truly deserving popularity. The hole-in-the-wall charcoal chicken shop does the basics and does them well. Here you’ll find a range of options, from perfectly seasoned roasted chooks, marinated chicken burgers, gourmet salads, and insanely good chippies. The food here is fresh and has a healthy feel—they even offer a range of gluten-free and paleo options.
McManos Chicken Bar
99 Charles St, Seddon
The pride of the West, McManos Chicken Bar is everything you’re looking for in a charcoal chicken shop. The timeless store in Seddon still retains its gleaming yesteryear charm with old menu item imagery splayed across the walls and faux wood panelling. Equally famous for their critically acclaimed crinkle-cut chips, McManos’s also whips up some of the best charcoal chicken in Melbourne. With an ultra-crunchy skin that’s been crusted from the coals, it shelters the chicken providing perfectly juicy and succulently salty flesh underneath. A reliable choice with plenty of legacy.
Image credit: Chargrill Charlies
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