St Kilda's Matcha Mylkbar Has Launched Vegan Fried Chicken Because KFC Moved In Next Door

Despite what its name suggests, St Kilda's Matcha Mylkbar isn't just obsessed with green tea powder. The eatery is fiercely plant-based across all of its offerings — and its middle finger-shaped neon logo pointing towards the McDonald's across the street is proof.

Now that a KFC branch has opened next door, the venue is taking its anti-fast food chain stance to the next level by rolling out vegan fried chicken — and it's hoping to be just as convincing as Matcha Mylkbar's famed oozy vegan poached eggs.

The 'chicken' is made from organic green jackfruit that's been steeped in a smoky broth, coconut oil and kombu dashi. It's then coated in a not-so-secret ten herb and spice mix —panko, chipotle, cayenne pepper, black pepper, native Australian pepper berries, cumin, lemon zest, crushed garlic, onion and pink salt — and deep fried till golden.

To celebrate the new feed, the venue is opening for dinner for one night a week, launching Fried Chicken Fridays for a limited time from July 12. The "hipster family feasts" (their words) feature mac 'n' cheese waffles topped with popcorn 'chicken', along with $9 espresso martinis — and that's just the start.

Match Mylkbar will also be giving out prizes to those who find a golden nugget hidden in their serve of vegan fried chicken throughout July, August and September. Over-the-top prizes include 52 breakfast vouchers for two, a six-month supply of sweet potato fries and, for one lucky winner, a trip to Japan.

Find Matcha Mylkbar at 72A Acland Street, St Kilda. Fried Chicken Fridays will run for a limited time from Friday, July 12. Bookings start at 6.3opm and can be made by emailing [email protected].