F.A.T. (Fried and Tasty)

F.A.T. owners and first cousins Jonathan Ioannou and Terrence Farrugia are also behind Two Little Pigs on nearby Sydney Road.

The space is dominated by concrete, timber, orange highlights and a graphic of Biggie Smalls holding a drumstick on the back wall. Quotes relevant to the menu are plastered above the kitchen. There’s one from Shrek’s Donkey – “In the morning, I’m making waffles” – for F.A.T’s buttermilk beauties with fried chicken, ice cream and maple syrup. A Kelis quote refers to the Milo, salted caramel, apple crumble and vanilla malt milkshakes that “bring the boys to the yard”. There’s also Melbourne Bitter, Fat Yak and Minimum Chips on tap.

There are six chicken-burger options – mostly fried, one grilled and one with faux meat for vegetarians and vegans. And of course, there’s the chicken. Pick your favourite part of the bird, then add sides such as poutine, potato or chop salad, chips and corn on the cob.

Unlike other fried chicken shops that have popped up in the last couple of years, F.A.T uses a pressure fryer, which is locked up tight during the frying process and pumped with pressure to push more flavour into the MSG-free and RSPCA-approved meat.