Finding the best chips in Canberra

photo of golden VinAus chips on wax paper

Grading Criteria

Photo of woman eating chip on campus

Taste

When it comes to chips, the key component of the taste is the level of saltiness. Although many places add their own unique spices and flavours to their chips.

Woman holding up to camera chip that has been cut in half

Texture

The perfect chip has been described as fluffy on the inside and crisp and crunchy on the outside. The texture separates the 'blah' chip from a chip made with love. I've had soggy chips that have ruined my week.

interior of Hungry Jacks burger restaurant

Environment

When I travelled around Canberra on my chip journey, I visited many different locations. Some had beautiful decor and others really let their food do the talking. A nice natural light or a comfortable seat can really enhance the dining experience.

Photo of an Australian 5 dollar note

Value for Money

Arguably the most important criteria. No matter how impressive a bowl of chips is, no one is willing to splash out for them. Especially for students, cost efficiency is top of mind.

photo of a woman looking bored and sitting at a table outside

Wait Time

When ordering chips, you are not expected to wait more than a few minutes. Time is money after all.

Photo of chips in a styrofoam box

Presentation

Golden, crispy, and not too greasy. Truly an underrated aspect of any food. Chips should strive for consistency. How they are packaged comes under this category as well.

OPORTO

Photo of the dining area of an Oporto. There is a black wall with writing that says "OH PORTO"

Oporto is an Australian-made, Portuguese Style, chicken-focused fast food chain restaurant. I visited the one in Dickson that opened earlier this year. It prides itself on the quality of its product despite the cheap price.

As soon as you enter an Oporto, you know exactly where you are. The striking patterns on the walls and the soft lighting set it apart from other fast-food locations. It is clear that this particular Oporto puts special effort into the space. In an intimate, welcoming room, you are immediately transported to dinner in a close friend's apartment. The plants hanging from shelves are a lovely touch.

Environment Score: 9/10

I waited 6 minutes for small chips. Very reasonable. Factors to consider are: the restaurant was empty and I had made it clear that I was writing about their chips.

Wait Time Score: 7/10

I paid $5 for my small chips.

Value for Money Score: 6/10

My chips came in a shallow cup, which was overflowing. I ate in-house, but if I had wanted to have my chips to go, it would not have been easy to keep them all secure.

Presentation Score: 4/10

The best chips of the bunch were fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Perfect. Mixed in were a couple of duds, some were a little bit stringy. But you get the odd bad chip in every batch.

Texture Score: 7/10

Oporto flavours its chips with vegetable powder and assorted spices. This allows the chips to be interesting enough to stand alone. They have a distinct tangy flavour. Unfortunately, they went a little heavy-handed on the salt on this particular occasion.

Taste Score: 7/10

Photo of Oporto bag with chips in a small container in front.
Photo of Oporto chips in small container in front of bag
Bird's eye view photo of Oporto chips in circular container

DOMINO'S

Domino's front counter

The worker in Dickson Domino's was surprised when I ordered small chips. I'm not sure she knew they were on the menu. 99 out of 100 customers would opt for a more classic pizza side like garlic bread. I seemed to catch them off guard.

The inside of a Domino's is not nice. But it doesn’t pretend to be, it also doesn't need to be. It's built for efficiency, people are not meant to sit down in there. There is a screen that tells you when your order will be ready. Five plus landline phones are ringing constantly. There is one table and an empty frame in the waiting area. This was a factory-level environment.

Environment Score: 2/10

With the wait times displayed on the aforementioned screen, I was ready to score this category then and there. But then five minutes had gone by, and then 10 minutes. I think they might have thrown out my chips, probably because they weren't up to standard. I waited for 12 minutes.

Wait Time Score: 2/10

$5 is, reasonable, however, they could have filled the box a bit more.

Value for Money Score: 6/10

My chips came in a transport-friendly lidded container. A couple of the chips seem to have been torn in half, this is unacceptable and ruins the aesthetic appeal. However bonus point for the lid.

Presentation Score: 3/10

When you are biting into a chip, the last thing you want to be reminded of is a raw potato. Unfortunately, it was clear that these chips came straight from the freezer and spent insufficient time in a not-very-good oven. They were soggy on the outside and crunchy on the inside. Offensive.

Texture Score: 1/10

The tangy seasoning they used was not terrible, but they used it sparingly. Only a few of the chips were properly covered. Most of the chips were bland and tasteless.

Taste Score: 3/10

Photo of frozen chips sitting in on tray ontop of cooking area
Photo of white domino's box with writing that says "Bring in the D'Lish"
Photo of domino's chips in cardboard box

VINAUS Take Away

Photo of VINAUS counter with chalkboard menu above it

This is the Vietnamese Australian takeaway at the Lyneham shops. But it may as well be any takeaway at any local shop anywhere in Australia, it's familiar and nostalgic. Importantly, their most desired menu item is a large chips to share. High schoolers park their bikes outside, sit around a small plastic table and eat as many chips as they can. This is their first experience of social eating with friends.

The decor is very generic. Metalic kitchen and counter, white walls, floor and ceiling with blue highlights. Potato scallops and other products are displayed below the counter, where they make your Banh Mi in front of you. The chalkboard menu and children’s art on the walls give a simple, local vibe. The tables and chairs are plastic and free to be moved around the inside and outside.

Environment Score: 6/10

I waited seven minutes. There was only one person working.

Wait Time Score: 5/10

I paid $7 for a "small" chips. Small is probably the wrong word, there was enough for a small family.

Value for Money Score: 7/10

Like every other takeaway in the entire world, VINAUS uses wax paper to package absolutely everything. This serves as a built-in plate that keeps the grease in. As for the chips, they were stunning. It was like a cartoon where they open the chest, and the treasure is glowing. These chips were golden and crispy. They were consistent in size and char. The salt was visible and perfectly spread between the chips. I was in love.

Presentation Score: 10/10

They followed the model of fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Maybe there were a couple of them that were slightly greasier than I would have preferred. Overall, these chips had impressive texture. They were fried for the perfect amount of time which resulted in their exquisite golden glow.

Texture Score: 9/10

In places like this one, on any order, they will ask you for "regular salt or chicken salt". Your answer should be chicken salt. It is an Australian staple, it's garlicky flavour was originally intended for rotisserie chickens, but is now used on everything from a takeaway. It has been described as umami, rich and explosive with flavour. It brings a side like chips to the forefront of any meal.

Taste Score: 9/10

Photo of VINAUS kitchen, mainly focusing on fryer
Photo of VINAUS chalkboard menu
Photo of fried produce in the VINAUS window including, spring rolls, kebabs, chicken nuggets
photo of wax paper package of chips on top of brick ledge.
photo of golden VINAUS chips on wax paper

McDonald's

photo of interior of McDonalds. There is a white table in the foreground, self serve machines in front of the counter.

In the world of fast food, there is none more iconic as Maccas, Mickey D's, or the golden arches as it's often better known by. It is a 191 billion dollar company. Everyone knows it, everyone loves it. It is probably the favourite go-to for students.

I visited the McDonald's in the city near the bus depot. The one where they play classical music out the front to discourage teenagers from loitering. It takes up an entire corner of the block, its large windows let in a good amount of natural light and it has plenty of dining area. Although, the tables don’t seem to cleared very often. When I was eating I was surrounded by empty chip boxes and old straws. The dining area had a black and green colour scheme that didn’t really match the rest of the restaurant and the wallpaper was peeling off the wall.

Environment Score: 5/10

You don't make 191 billion dollars from people waiting around for 10 minutes. It seemed like as soon as my order went through, my chips were ready. I didn’t even have time to look at my phone. Realistically it was about 20 seconds.

Wait Time Score: 10/10

My small chips were $2.85.

Value for Money Score: 8/10

The small chips come in a little paper pouch. But if you were to get medium or large chips, they would come in a compact, closable, cardboard container. McDonald's chips are known for their unique shape. Long and thinly cut in a wood chipper-like machine.

Presentation Score: 6/10

Because these chips are particularly thin, they manage to avoid any issues with texture. There is less distinction between inside and outside. But McDonald's doesn’t follow the standard chip model, it tries something different. Less crunch, but you aren’t meant to eat one at a time. To get the finest experience you need to utilise a three-finger grab and have several in one bite.

Texture Score: 6/10

McDonald's adds what they call a "natural beef flavour" during the frying process. This is what provides the iconic meaty taste. But the headliners of how they make the chips are salt, sugar and fat. This trio of ingredients is known as the 'bliss point'. Over many years, my taste buds have been manipulated into loving these chips.

Taste Score: 9/10

Photo of white wall with large yellow M on it.
Photo of McDonalds entrance. There are glass doors and a red sign above them that says "Mcdonalds"
Photo of McDonalds counter with menu above and a worker frying chips.
Photo of black and green wall with peeling wallpaper from inside Mcdonalds
Photo of McDonalds chips in a small McDonalds paper pouch

KFC

Photo of the outside the front of a KFC.

If McDonalds is the king of fast food, KFC is certainly the prince. It is the second most popular fast-food franchise in Australia. It dominates the chicken side of things.

The KFC in Garema Place I visited was small and had a total of four tables to sit at. It was cramped and when you were seated you were uncomfortably close to the other customers queuing to order. This particular location is relatively new, it seems they put thought into making it look modern. The walls were light wood combined with black and white tiles. There were pictures lining the walls, including a life-size, full-body portrait of the colonel himself. Reminding you of the illustrious history of KFC. Unfortunately, someone left the Christmas decorations up.

Environment Score: 7/10

I only waited about two minutes plus they had a wait time display.

Wait Time Score: 8/10

I think in an effort to match McDonald's price, the chips were also $2.85. However, I got slightly more for my buck.

Value for Money Score: 9/10

The chips came in the iconic red and white striped box that was closable. The box was mobile and compact, perfect for students on the go. The chips were pretty good-looking as well.

Presentation Score: 8/10

The texture was a bit too soggy, and the grease was collected on the side of the box. They were unpleasant to touch. But apart from that, the texture was average and expected from a two-minute wait time.

Texture Score: 3/10

KFC chips have been known to be wildly inconsistent with their seasoning. I've had chips from KFC with enough salt for the ocean. On this occasion, the issue was on the other end. There was hardly any salt or seasoning. Each bite was more blander than the last. It was as if I were eating plastic straws.

Taste Score: 2/10

Photo of KFC counter with drinks fridge behind it.
Photo of wooden wall with a black and white photo of colonel sanders mounted on it.
photo of Christmas tinsel wrapping around a pillar in KFC.
photo of KFC box with chips poking out the top.
Photo of KFC chips visible in open paper box

Hungry Jack's

Photo of Hungry Jack's sign outside the drive through

Hungry Jack's is Australia's answer to America's Burger King. But they want to set themselves apart. Coming off a lengthy legal battle with their monarchic burger counterpart, they are the bad boys of the fast food industry.

This Belconnen location that I went to was built like a church. It stood alone on the street, it had a high roof and a large sign encouraging cars into the drive-through. There were more than enough seating options. Booths, tables, high tables, it was a bit cluttered. They should have left the leftover chairs and tables in the back. On the other hand, they put some outside, which I appreciated. Windows where on every side, so as I ate my chips I enjoyed lovely panoramic views.

Environment Score: 7/10

I waited 3 minutes. Cars were coming through the drive-through and they are the priority.

Wait Time Score: 7/10

$2.60. The cheapest chips I bought. Also clearly had the least amount in the bag.

Value for Money Score: 8/10

As I said, there was a noticeable lack of chips. Perhaps it was because the worker didn't like me, though I'm quite certain I said "please" and "thank you". The ones that were there came in a small paper pouch. Insufficient mobility. The chips themselves were a nice colour and a good size.

Presentation Score: 4/10

These chips were a great combination of crunchy and soft. If you were to bite through to see the cross-section, you would be able to see the divide between the skin and the middle.

Texture Score: 8/10

If I had let's say, ten chips in there, I had enough salt for fifteen. The ratio was just slightly off, but when you only have a few chips, you notice. Hungry Jack's doesn't attempt anything crazy with their flavouring. But when it works, it works well.

Taste Score: 5/10

photo of the outside of a Hungry Jack's entrance. There is a glass sliding doors with a sign above.
Photo of Hungry Jack's counter with menu and workers behind it.
Photo of the inside seating of a Hungry Jack's
Photo of the outside seating at a Hungry Jack's
Photo of Hungry Jack's chips in small paper pouch

Power Rankings

So what chip is best? Well, it depends on what you're looking for.

If you are looking to sit across from a loved one. take in the atmosphere and really enjoy the moment:

Environment Rankings:

1. Oporto

2. Hungry Jack's

3. KFC

4. VINAUS

5. McDonalds

6. Domino’s

If you're late for class and you haven’t eaten anything all day than here's what you want:

Wait Time Rankings:

1. McDonalds

2. KFC

3. Hungry Jack's

4. Oporto

5. VINAUS

6. Domino's

If you are saving for something or you've been talked into buying for a friend, these are the chips to buy:

Value for Money Rankings:

1. KFC

2. McDonalds

3. Hungry Jack's

(T) 4. Domino's

(T) 4. Oporto

5. VINAUS

If you are planning on posting your chips, these are most aesthetically pleasing:

Presentation Rankings:

1. VINAUS

2. KFC

3. McDonalds

4. Oporto

5. Hungry Jack's

6. Domino's

If you hate anything with a gross texture, perhaps consider:

Texture Rankings:

1. VINAUS

2. Hungry Jack's

3. Oporto

4. McDonalds

5. KFC

6. Domino's

If you are just in it for the enjoyment of delicious flavours, these are your best options:

Taste Rankings:

1. VINAUS

2. McDonalds

3. Oporto

4. Hungry Jack's

5. Domino's

6. KFC

Overall Rankings

It is important to remember that this is my own personal preference. Additionally, environment, wait time and many other variables will change if you choose to carry out this research yourself. I don't recommend it, I'll never eat chips again.

I've marked out of a possible score of 60 (10 for each criteria).

Overall Rankings:

1. VINAUS (46/60)

2. McDonalds (44/60)

3. Oporto (40/60)

4. Hungry Jack's (39/60)

5. KFC (37/60)

6. Domino's (17/60)

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Produced by Journalism and Sports Media students;
Published by the Faculty of Arts and Design, University of Canberra