The details
In the five years since Momo Chicken & Beer brought its signature take on Korean-style fried chicken to Runcorn, it has gradually grown into one of the most popular choices for anyone seeking sizeable servings of crispy golden goodness. The latest stage of its evolution not only saw the Momo team expand its Brisbane City footprint, but also overhaul the menu and update the brand itself to reflect Momo’s maturation process since its inception. That being said, it will understandably be Momo Chicken’s relocation that will have most tongues wagging. The crew closed the old 150-sqm space on Albert Street and moved to a brand-new 400-sqm location on Elizabeth Street, which opened in early June after some extensive renovations. Tucked away next door to the newly open FudoDori hub, Momo Chicken’s bright-red facade is an eye-catching beacon amongst the concrete-dominated palette of the strip – helping to cement Elizabeth Street as a Brisbane City culinary precinct on the rise.
The space
From first observation, it’s hard to grasp the true size of Momo Chicken’s Elizabeth Street venue, but once you’re over the threshold it becomes apparent that the team aren’t clucking around. A significant fit-out has been undertaken to overhaul the space (which is more than double the size of the former Albert Street location), boasting a street-facing deck area, a cavernous first-floor portion and a moody downstairs level at the rear. A warm industrial aesthetic has been applied across the venue, but where the exposed brick and artwork gives the first floor a casual and inviting atmosphere, the dim lighting and darker-toned portion downstairs is better suited for more rambunctious late-night party vibes and lively private affairs. Both levels include bar and kitchen facilities, but a food elevator has also been installed to better service hungry diners downstairs.
The food and drink
As one would expect from a place called Momo Chicken, chook is king. However, Momo’s culinary wizards have boosted the menu with some new items that are sure to be instant classics. It still all starts with the chicken, though – 12 options are on offer, ranging from full or half serves of classic fried, soy or spicy chicken to boneless bites of honey chicken, buffalo, sweet and spicy, cheese and very, very hot. Five kinds of burgers are now available, including the special Momo Burger, crispy or grilled chicken, beef, and Aussie burgers. Rounding out the menu is a selection of Korean and Japanese dishes – some brand-new to the Momo experience. Diners can supplement their chicken dinner with dishes such as chicken udon, kimchi chicken stew, yakitori skewers, giant chicken cutlets, hot-stone bibimbap, Korean bento boxes, calamari, seafood okonomiyaki and Korean pancakes. The bar is equipped with three beer taps pouring a combination of Orion, Ashai and Hite, with a forthcoming Momo signature beer to feature soon. Beyond the ales, Momo diners can also sip on soju, Korean rice wine, iced teas and more.
Momo Chicken & Beer is open on Elizabeth Street now. For opening hours and contact details, head over to the Stumble Guide.
