PHOTO: Chicking NZ. SUPPLIED
Chicking Expands to South Island: Christchurch Welcomes Popular Halal Fast-Food Chain
The internationally renowned halal fast-food giant, Chicking, has officially landed in Christchurch, opening its first-ever South Island store in Sydenham. The response has been nothing short of overwhelming, with queues forming daily as eager customers flock to try its famous fried chicken, peri-peri toasties, and burgers.
This Colombo Street hotspot marks Chicking’s 16th location in New Zealand, adding to its already thriving presence in the North Island.
Massive Demand from Christchurch Locals
Owner of the Chicking franchise in New Zealand, Amaldev Jayaprakash, said the community response had exceeded expectations, with Sunday being their busiest day so far—serving between 510 and 525 customers.
“We’ve had an incredibly busy week. The demand has been so high that we’ve had to briefly pause service at times just to manage the rush,” Jayaprakash said.
What’s on the Menu?
Chicking’s menu offers a diverse selection of halal-certified fast food, including:
Crispy fried chicken
Flame-grilled peri-peri chicken
Juicy burgers & wraps
Spicy peri-peri toasties (a fan favourite!)
All chicken is sourced from Brinks, a leading New Zealand halal food supplier with operations in Christchurch.
Location, Parking, and Future Expansion
“We chose Sydenham because it’s a central location with great visibility and accessibility,” Jayaprakash explained.
However, the massive foot traffic has created parking challenges, and the team is working on securing additional parking options nearby.
What’s next for Chicking in New Zealand?
Upcoming locations:
Rotorua (North Island) Two more stores in Christchurch One in Ashburton
By the end of 2024, Chicking will have 20 stores across New Zealand, strengthening its foothold in the country’s fast-food market.
A Global Brand with Local Popularity
Founded in Dubai in 2000, Chicking now operates in over 30 countries, including Australia, Malaysia, India, and the UK.
In New Zealand, it initially gained traction in Auckland, where its affordable and halal-friendly menu quickly became a favourite among locals.
The Christchurch store is expected to be a game-changer for halal fast food in the South Island, giving locals more dining options and putting Sydenham on the map as a foodie hotspot.
“We’re expecting even bigger crowds this weekend,” Jayaprakash added.
With plans for further expansion and growing demand, Chicking’s Christchurch launch proves that New Zealanders can’t get enough of premium halal fast food.
SOURCE: THE PRESS