Keihei Chicken
MondayClosed.
Tuesday11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 4:00 – 9:00 pm.
Wednesday11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 4:00 – 9:00 pm.
Thursday11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 4:00 – 9:00 pm.
Friday11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 4:00 – 9:00 pm.
Saturday11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 4:00 – 9:00 pm.
SundayClosed.
A bright, bold splash of yellow on Fergusson Drive, Keihei Chicken brings more than just warmth and colour to this otherwise grey corner of Upper Hutt.
The quintessential neighbourhood takeaway, this compact shop has turned into a popular spot where regulars bump into each other while picking up their latest batch of Korean fried chicken. A simple yellow-and-white colour scheme inside keeps things simple, while neat photo frames on the wall give an insight into owner and chef Eric Lee’s culinary journey and his homeland, South Korea. A completely open kitchen lets you see the lean, efficient team hard at work, doing what they do best: frying up varieties of Korean fried chicken and assembling some of the chunkiest burgers you’ll find in Upper Hutt. Although primarily a takeaway outfit, wraparound seating along the walls offer a spot to sit down and peruse the decor while you tuck into your meal.
Like the fitout, the menu is deceptively compact but full of surprises. For the original Korean fried chicken experience, grab a pack of either Double S (sweet and sticky) or Triple S (sweet, sticky, and spicy) chicken. The burgers here have also become renowned across the Hutt, and there are three to choose from, each of them hefty, dripping with sauce, and served with pickled radish for that extra Korean flair. A range of rice bowls, along with an impressive lineup of sides (try the loaded wedges with popcorn chicken), will likely keep you coming back for more.
Homely family businesses will always have a place in the community, and Keihei Chicken has been warmly welcomed by Upper Hutt locals - no surprise really, when delicious, authentic Korean chicken is now within the community’s reach.
Words by John Son & Photography by Anna Briggs
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Location
450 Fergusson Drive, Heretaunga, Upper Hutt
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Upper Hutt
Upper Hutt can perhaps be best described as a harmonious juxtaposition. While much of it can have a gritty, industrial feel, largely due to its history, it’s also a real breath of fresh air and home to some of the best natural places to explore in the country. The city has embraced both of these qualities over the years to turn itself into an immensely popular place to visit.
From the sprawling Kaitoke Regional Park, with its swimming holes, walking tracks, and its own little slice of Middle Earth, to the ever-popular Staglands Wildlife Reserve, there are plenty of spots to explore for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Venture towards the heart of the city centre and you’ll encounter Brewtown, a beer craft connoisseur and foodie’s paradise that also doubles as an entertainment hub.
Sprinkled elsewhere throughout the city you’ll find art galleries, cosy cafes, and all manner of eateries from chicken shops to sandwich bars to keep you nourished.
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