Kendal Seafoods is a small, family-run fish and chips takeaway tucked into the corner of Kendal Avenue in Burnside, Christchurch. Everything is fried fresh to order in 100% vegetable oil, from the fish and chips to burgers built fresh on request.
The shop has built a strong local following, holding a 4.5-star rating from 220 Google reviews. Regulars praise the fresh, lightly battered fish, generous portion sizes, and friendly, fast service, with potato fritters and the classic fish and chips combo getting particular mentions.
Beyond the fish and chips staples, Kendal Seafoods serves a full range of fried chicken, snacks, hamburgers, family meal combos, and a few sweet treats to finish, all made to order at the counter.
Tucked into a corner of Kendal Avenue in Burnside, Christchurch, Kendal Seafoods is the kind of family-run chippy that keeps a neighbourhood coming back. It's a small operation with a simple promise: every fillet is battered to order, every burger is built fresh, and everything is fried in 100% vegetable oil.
That straightforward approach has earned the shop a loyal following. With a 4.5-star rating across 220 Google reviews, Kendal Seafoods has built a reputation for fresh, well-executed classics rather than anything flashy. One reviewer described the fish as "brilliant" with "the batter nice and light," while another called the whole experience "impeccable," praising both the food and the service.
The menu covers the full range of a classic Kiwi takeaway. Fish & Chips sits at the core, with options including plain fish, chips in one or two scoops, kumara chips, and fish bites, plus a rotating "Today's Special" — Hoki was on offer at time of writing, available by asking in store.
Beyond the fish, there's a wide Snacks & Sides selection covering sausages, hot dogs, spring rolls, curry rolls, squid rings, mussels, chicken nuggets, and potato fritters — the last of which came up specifically in customer reviews as a standout. The Chicken section offers pieces from one through to five, plus a whole BBQ chicken for bigger groups.
For those after something more substantial, the Meals section bundles combos like two pieces of fish with chips and salad, or chicken with potato, peas, and gravy — built for sharing or a proper feed after a long day. Hamburgers round out the savoury side with Kiwi classics like a bacon and egg burger, a fish burger, and a mushroom burger, while Sweets offers a simple finish with plain and chocolate donuts or a jam wrap.
Customer feedback paints a consistent picture: friendly, fast service and generous portions at a fair price. One reviewer noted that a set with two pieces of fried fish, two servings of chips, and a salad was "only $16" and left them "so full." Not every item lands perfectly for every customer — one reviewer mentioned the spring roll pastry was tougher than they'd like — but the overall sentiment across reviews is strongly positive, particularly around the fish, chips, and potato fritters.
Kendal Seafoods is open every day from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, giving Burnside locals a reliable dinner option seven nights a week. The shop can be reached directly by phone for orders, and given that menu items and prices are noted as subject to change, calling ahead is a good idea — especially for larger orders or to check on the day's special catch.
For a straightforward, well-loved local chippy that leans into doing the basics properly rather than chasing trends, Kendal Seafoods has clearly found its footing in Burnside.