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Brooklyn Park locals have wasted no time getting their chicken rice fix, with Ricky’s Chicken Rice welcoming its first diners to its new western suburbs restaurant.
The doors officially opened for a soft launch on Wednesday, November 4, revealing a relaxed new dining space with warm timber tones, fresh white interiors and a menu of comforting Asian favourites.
Co-owners Allen and Anne have kept things simple with the new venue, creating a casual neighbourhood eatery that’s slightly more spacious than their North Adelaide location, with plenty of room to settle in for a quick lunch or casual dinner.
And while Ricky’s signature chicken rice is already proving to be the crowd favourite, the team is excited to introduce diners to a few lesser-known dishes from Taiwan.
Unlike the North Adelaide restaurant, where stir-fried favourites have long been part of the offering, the Brooklyn Park kitchen has taken a slightly different direction.
Alongside the signature chicken rice and laksa, diners can tuck into Taiwanese-style beef noodles and braised pork dishes, bringing a little more variety to the table.
And for sweet tooths, there’s something in the works for you too.
Allen says the team is planning to introduce traditional Taiwanese pineapple tarts, a biscuit-style treat filled with pineapple, giving diners another taste of Taiwanese food culture.
For those who haven’t experienced Ricky’s signature chicken rice, the beauty of the dish lies in its simplicity.
“We try to make it simple and clean,” Allen said, with the team focusing on creating something satisfying without making the meal too heavy.
But that doesn’t mean there’s any shortage of flavour.
Diners can customise their chicken rice with a choice of sauces, including a tropical chilli sauce and a fragrant green sauce made with spring onion and ginger.
“If they cannot take their chilli, then a lot of people actually prefer the spring onion.”
There are currently around 20 seats, with plans to increase capacity to approximately 40 once additional furniture arrives, including the introduction of outdoor dining.
And for anyone who’s tried to navigate North Adelaide during the lunch rush, the new location comes with another welcome bonus, with Allen saying there is a lot more parking available, making it easier for customers to stop in for a meal or pick up dinner on the way home.
The Brooklyn Park location is also attracting a slightly different crowd from the original restaurant.
While North Adelaide has a steady stream of office workers and hospital staff, the new eatery is surrounded by residential neighbourhoods, with Allen already noticing more activity during the evening.
It’s also a handy stop for anyone travelling between the city, airport and western beaches, particularly those who previously found the North Adelaide restaurant a little too far from home.
Allen hopes the new location encourages customers to branch out from their regular orders and discover more of the Taiwanese dishes on offer. With the first customers already through the doors, the team is continuing to settle into the new kitchen and prepare for the next additions to the restaurant.
A grand opening celebration is still being considered, with further details expected to be shared on Ricky’s social media. For now, the bowls are steaming, the sauces are ready, and Brooklyn Park has a new spot for a comforting dinner.
Ricky’s Chicken Rice
Where: Shop 1, 261–263 Henley Beach Road, Brooklyn Park
When: Open now
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