5 Fried Chicken Alternatives in Christchurch

Foundation fried cauliflower.

Vegetarians rejoice, we’ve found the best fried chicken alternatives in Christchurch, so you can enjoy the finger-lickin’ goodness sans cluck. No chicken, no problem.

Words by: Ashlyn Oswalt

Photography by Neat Places & supplied 

So whether you’re a vegetarian or looking to broaden your fried chicken horizons, Christchurch is chock-full of options to tickle your fancy. We've rounded up our top 5 best alteratives to sample. 

Cauliflower deep fried from Bacon Bros.

Bacon Brothers

181 High Street, Christchurch

Okay, hear us out on this one - deep fried cauliflower drizzled with maple syrup is delicious, possibly even life changing. Would you expect anything different coming from the Bacon Brothers team, though? Delicious, golden, and crispy, the cauliflower provides the perfect salt to the maple syrup’s sweet and makes for an irresistible combo. 

Civil and Naval

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16 London St, Lyttelton

We crowned Civil and Naval’s fried chicken as one of our top picks for the best fried chicken in Christchurch, so we’re excited to announce they have a hearty meat-free alternative. Their Zany Zeus halloumi and falafel dish is served with preserved lemon mayo and it tastes so good we recommend ordering seconds from the get-go.

Evil Genius

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1091 Ferry Rd, Ferrymead, Christchurch

Another contender for our original list of best fried chicken spots in Christchurch, Evil Genius makes another appearance. This time, it’s their Evil Fried Tofu served with vegan mayo and bibimbap sauce that takes the cake. If you’re not sold on tofu, go for the classic Evil Fried Cauliflower, which is served with oriental slaw, spiced caramel sauce, and vegan mayo. Any way you slice it, we think Evil Genius might have the market cornered.

Foundation Café

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60 Cathedral Square Christchurch Central City Christchurch, Christchurch Central City, Canterbury

Tūranga’s Foundation Cafe may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of fried veggies, but it should be. Tucked away between the books and magazines is the cafe’s art deco inspired space - and their caraway fried cauliflower florets. Deliciously flavoured florets are battered and fried to create a delicious combo not normally found at your local library. Aren’t we lucky?

SUPER

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5 Norwich Quay, Lyttelton

SUPER lives up to its name once again by providing, well, a super alternative to fried chicken. With a funky, Asian-fusion menu, it’s no wonder their fried cauliflower is served with ankake sauce and mayo, creating a dreamy mixture of salty and sweet. Park yourself in their cosy Lyttelton space and watch the port at work while you bask in the deliciousness of the food in front of you.

Neat Christchurch & Canterbury Places

The Mayfair

A dark grey and white bedroom inside The Mayfair Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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For the discerning modern traveller, The Mayfair is a rare and precious find in the typically heritage-focused city of Christchurch.

Shopology

Exterior of retail shop Shopology.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Calling Riverside Lane home, Shopology is the place to go in Christchurch when you need something special or a nice dose of retail therapy.

Kinji

The Chef of Kinji Japanese restaurant standing in the middle of the restaurant smiling.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with Irasshaimase, a traditional Japanese welcome, and immediately feel transported to another continent. If you’re after an authentic Japanese dining experience with truly exceptional cuisine then you need to book a table at Kinji and do it soon.

Smoke Restaurant, Ashburton

The large bar area inside Smoke restaurant in Ashburton.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Ashburton's Smoke restaurant is a carnivore's haven specialising in American low and slow barbeque.