Jacqui Felgate reviews: El Jannah — charcoal chicken worth crossing the city for

Melburnians generally dislike things from Sydney. But for El Jannah I’ll make an exception.

The charcoal chicken franchise started 20 years ago in Granville. There are now 13 outlets across NSW, mostly in Western Sydney.

Last week, the first Victorian store opened at 600 High Street, Preston, at the old Hungry Jack’s site. Thankfully they kept the drive through… on Sunday there was a queue of 30 cars trying to get in.

Press PLAY below to listen to Jacqui’s review in full

Just about every suburb has a great charcoal chicken joint so is El Jannah worth the trip to Preston?

We ordered the Family pack. That’s two charcoal chickens, hot chips, large container of the famous garlic sauce, Lebanese bread (more than enough) tabouli and four cans of drink. It was $52.90. We also got a chicken roll (chicken, lettuce, tomato, garlic sauce, pickles) because research. It cost $11.90.

The chicken here is different to the average chook…it’s flattened out and blackened from the open flame. It’s caramelly and crispy and just on the right side of burnt. It’s moorish, but especially when eaten alongside the beautiful, fresh tabouli and garlic sauce. These cult items are what sets El Jannah apart from your local.

The salad is DELICIOUS. The best I’ve had. So lemony and acidic and it’s not full of wheat. It is SO good. You get enough to feed a family of 8, we had plenty left over. The Lebanese bread is fluffy on the inside and just crunchy on the outside. The garlic sauce is one of those IYKYK (if you know you know) food moments.

Next time you can’t be bothered cooking and thinking of driving through the usual suspects, give Al Jannah a try. You won’t regret it.

Pro tip: Pick your time — queues can get insane. I visited at 4pm on a Tuesday and it was PACKED.

El Jannah
600 High Street, Preston
eljannah.com.au