After 14 years in the hospitality industry both as a chef, a manager and a venue owner (having run Mollie’s Boutique Hotel and previously owning Ponsonby’s Boy & Bird), Aari Puri decided that his next venture would be something simple and impactful, and Brew’d Hawt was born.
A few years ago, Puri opened his first Brew’d Hawt outlet in Manukau, with a vision for offering fried chicken that was bold, inventive and high quality. “It’s been the culmination of a life-long passion for me,” Puri tells us, who explains how Brew’d Hawt’s free-range fried chicken has been meticulously tested and crafted to retain its flavour and crunch, even when picked up as a takeaway and eaten 20 minutes later. “My idea was to create a nice, clean place to eat flavoursome fried chicken,” Puri says, “where people can find chilled vibes and good food and drinks, whether they want to dine-in or takeaway.” He continues, “as we say, friend chicken is a new religion.”
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Indeed, fried chicken in its myriad forms is at the heart of Brew’d Hawt’s delicious menu, which, when combined with the vast array of spices and sauces, makes for a surprisingly diverse offering. There, you’ll find epic classics like chicken wings in buffalo, Korean and Brew’d Hawt’s ‘OG’ (which we’re told is a fresh take on Nashville) flavouring, alongside more unusual combinations like Szechuan pepper, lemon pepper and Thai Thai (a sticky, sweet combo lashed with coriander, kaffir lime and lemongrass).
In the burgers, the classics are joined by the likes of the Bombay G (a flavour sensation of Indian spices), the Truff’d (a fried chicken burger finished with truffle honey, truffle aioli and smoked cheddar) and a veggie offering that packs a serious punch.
All of the fried chicken and burgers can be ordered with a level of spice that works for you, whether it be none at all or the ‘Hawt Hawt’, with three other options in between.
As for sides, hungry punters can order dishes like sweet and spicy fried pickles, jalapeño cheese rolls, cucumber marinated in chilli, garlic, ginger and soy, a line-up of lettuce wedges (served with a range of toppings) and a variety of fries, whether you like them crinkle cut, shoestring or loaded. One particular highlight, however, is the mac n’ cheese, where an indulgent béchamel sauce is topped with a baked breadcrumb crust and a drizzle of chilli oil. This can either be ordered as a side, or, as Puri tells us, is a part of Brew’d Hawt’s ‘Secret Menu’, where he divulges that those in the know can order the ‘OG Mac’ — which is the OG burger with a hefty helping of mac n’ cheese added in.
This ‘Secret Menu’ can be found as an extra tab on Brew’d Hawt’s ordering screens, with Puri explaining that it will be constantly changing with various specials and tasty treats.
Those wanting some kind of libation with their fried chicken can choose from Estrella Damm on tap, a range of Fortune Flavour craft beer, Spy Valley wines, Catinella Sounds, Moet Chandon and an Italian Prosecco. Of course there is also an array of soft drinks served in vintage glassware (if dining in) and kombucha, too.
And if you harbour a sweet tooth, Brew’d Hawt’s desserts are sure to hit the spot, including a Whittaker’s chocolate brownie with salted caramel sauce and peanut butter and chocolate cheesecake, with an Oreo cookie base, Whittaker’s milk chocolate and a peanut praline.
Shaping up to become a new go-to for a quick, delicious bite, or when a fried chicken craving comes on, Brew’d Hawt should definitely be added to your dining agenda.
Opening Hours: Monday — Friday, 11:30am to 9pm
Brew'd Hawt
151 Victoria Street West
Auckland CBD
1010 Auckland
