Chicken Bazaar: A Butcher Shop of Mixed Blessings in Bankstown
Chicken Bazaar, located on North Terrace in Bankstown, NSW, is a butcher shop generating a noticeable buzz – though not always a positive one. With a rating of 3.3 out of 5, the shop’s reputation reveals a tale of fluctuating quality and concerning customer experiences. Open six days a week (excluding Wednesdays), Chicken Bazaar offers accessible facilities, including wheelchair access both for entry and parking, and aims for quick visits. They accept credit and debit card payments and NFC mobile payments. However, the recent wave of customer feedback paints a complex picture, alternating between passionate praise for their fried chicken and serious warnings regarding food quality and security. Let's delve into the details of what people are saying.
The Chicken – A Source of Both Delight and Disappointment
The elephant in the room, undoubtedly, is the chicken. Many reviewers sing the praises of Chicken Bazaar's fried chicken, particularly the thighs and drumsticks. They repeatedly emphasize it’s “yummy,” “the best fried chicken and chips in Sydney for the price,” and even “the best fried chicken!!!!”. Customers highlight the value for money, indicating a clear affection for the flavour and portion sizes.
“Their fried chicken is yummy! It might be underrated, but it's worth trying!”
"Best fried chicken and chips in Sydney for the price love it"
"best fried chicken!!!! they are underrated fr 🙌🏼"
However, this enthusiastic praise is sharply contrasted by a significant number of negative experiences. Several recent customers have reported receiving dangerously undercooked chicken. Mentions of "raw drumsticks and thighs," "chewy chicken meat," and "elastic chicken skin” create an alarming pattern. Even more concerning, one customer reported crumbed chicken thighs being “completely raw inside" with only the skin being cooked - a serious safety hazard. Considering the popularity of the fried chicken, these concerns demand immediate attention from the establishment. It appears the quality control has been inconsistent, leading to unpredictable results. It’s worth noting the heterogeneous quality, with some reviewers consistently enjoying the product while others experiencing the aforementioned flaws.
Here's a quick summary of opinions on the chicken:
Aspect | Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |
---|---|---|
Overall Taste | Yummy, best in Sydney for the price | Chewy, elastic, undercooked |
Specific Items | Thighs and drumsticks particularly popular | Raw thighs and drumsticks |
Consistency | Generally great | Inconsistent and variable |
Beyond the Bird – Liver Concerns & Other Hot Food Issues
The concerns extend beyond the fried chicken. One customer had a truly distressing experience with the chicken liver. Their account of "green" liver with a foul odour strongly suggests spoilage and the potential for food poisoning. This is perhaps the most concerning review, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to food safety regulations. The strong, assertive language used – "It is the worst liver I’ve ever bought...You could get really poisoned from this food" – underscores the severity of their complaint. This isn't just about a disappointing meal; it’s a potential public health risk.
Further adding to the mixed experience are complaints about the hot food section, specifically the fried rice. One customer stated the fried rice "had started to go off," indicating a lack of freshness and proper storage. While this is a single review, it contributes to the overall perception of inconsistent quality across Chicken Bazaar’s offerings.
Security Concerns and Communication Barriers
Beyond the issues of food quality, several customers have raised significant concerns regarding security and communication. One review alleges the store is a "money laundering store" and claims an unauthorised transaction of $503 was made to their bank account without a physical card. This is a severe accusation requiring urgent investigation by relevant authorities and highlights potential vulnerabilities within the shop’s payment processing system.
Adding to the frustration is the difficulty in communicating with staff. Several customers mention a lack of understanding when attempting to convey issues, hindering their ability to resolve problems. The absence of a published phone number further exacerbates this communication barrier and makes it difficult for customers to lodge complaints or seek clarification. This lack of accessibility and responsiveness creates a disconnect between the business and its customers, fueling negative perceptions.
It’s clear that Chicken Bazaar's reputation is intertwined with areas for significant improvement, particularly concerning food safety, security protocols, and customer communication.