Crispy wings are a permanent fixture on any self-respecting UK high street. With that in mind, we can say with some certainty that Wilbraham Road in Chorlton has self-respect by the deep fat fryer-load. After all, Zaxxfried serves up some of the best marinated poultry you’re likely to find in Manchester right now, moving well beyond the chicken shop stereotypes with a focus on homemade originality and handpicked ingredients. Flavours leap out and make themselves known.
The menu is expansive but focused — and by that we mean there’s a lot of bird on offer, in an impressive array of forms. Zaxxfried is known for making excellent burgers, and that rep isn’t for nought. The Black BBQ, for example, features chicken with ranch and black BBQ dressing, alongside fresh salad. Honey Butter, meanwhile, swaps out those sauces for, well, honey butter. And we absolutely love the Sweet Pomegranate, which tops the meat with in-house slaw, pomegranate sauce and seeds. The Korean Fried and Mango Habanero, which do what they say on the tin, are also fantastic. Each offers a choice of breast or thigh.
Elsewhere, things take further bold steps towards new taste sensations, including a chicken and a shrimp bao. Or head to the Other Fried section of the menu to find wings smothered in sauces, and the aptly-titled Bang Bang Shrimp (one of the exotic spice lovers), not to mention (drum roll, please) Fried Oreos. The latter has become something of a trademark here and at the sister location up in Ardwick and we shouldn’t need to explain why. Confidence continues through to the condiments, too, with sauces all made on site and, just like that half savoury sweet treat, like little you’ll find out there. Well above standard takeaway notions, then, it’s no wonder Zaxxfried is an expanding business growing to match its increasing market share.