TJ's Kitchen (Invercargill)

About TJ's Kitchen (Invercargill)

TJ's Kitchen has been proudly serving the Southland community since 2017. Inspired by their beloved dog, TJ Friendly, the family-run eatery has evolved from a passionate dream into a cherished local favourite across the region, offering hearty comfort food made with care, quality ingredients, and welcoming service.

Known for their freshly assembled gourmet burgers, traditional fish and chips, and piled-high loaded fries, TJ's Kitchen showcases regional produce like Southland beef, lamb, venison, and local blue cod. Whether picking up takeaway on the go or visiting the counter, diners are treated to a menu full of inventive house recipes and kiwi takeaway classics.

TJ's Kitchen: Southland's Home for Hearty Burgers and Crispy Fish & Chips

Since opening its doors in 2017, TJ's Kitchen has carved out a loyal following across Southland with an unapologetic focus on generous, flavour-packed comfort food. Named in honour of the family's beloved dog, TJ Friendly, the business started with a straightforward dream: bring people together over quality meals prepared with genuine local pride. Over the years, that vision has blossomed into a trusted culinary staple for Invercargill residents, serving everything from towering specialty burgers to classic coastal fish and chips.

At the heart of the kitchen is an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients that reflect the rich agricultural heritage of the Southland region. The team prides itself on handling every order with meticulous care, whether you are picking up a quick midday bite or feeding the whole household on a busy weekend evening. That community-first mindset has kept locals coming back week after week.

Big Flavours and Regional Ingredients

The burger line-up at TJ's Kitchen stands out for its creative flavour profiles and celebration of regional meats. Diners can sink their teeth into the Hunter's Pride, which features a Southland venison patty accompanied by farm-style plum chutney and avocado ranch, or opt for the Southland Pride crafted with tender lamb, caramelised onions, hummus, and mint sauce. For meat lovers seeking maximum indulgence, the TJ's Smash stacks three Southland beef patties with triple cheese, pickles, fried onions, and signature sauces.

Poultry and seafood fans are equally well catered for. The namesake TJ's Signature burger features double dipped crispy fried chicken smothered in spicy buffalo sauce and cooling buttermilk ranch, while the Bombay Times introduces spice-rubbed grilled chicken complemented by mango chutney and fried onions. Those craving seafood can order the Crispy Cod burger, built around beer-battered blue cod, pickles, a fried egg, and house tartare.

Beyond Burgers: Fish & Chips and Loaded Fries

No Southland takeaway would be complete without seafood, and TJ's Kitchen delivers with traditional blue cod and catch-of-the-day fillets cooked until golden and paired with hot chips. Customers can tailor their sides with a choice of TJ's salt, chicken salt, plain salt, or aromatic masala seasoning. A full array of takeaway counter classics—including battered sausages, curry rolls, beef spring rolls, kumara wedges, and cinnamon sugar pineapple rings—ensures everyone leaves satisfied.

For something even more decadent, the loaded fries range brings together inventive combinations over crisp potato chips. Options span from the Chopped Beef, laden with crumbled Southland beef patty, bacon, and coleslaw, to the Vege Fries topped with spiced onion bhajis, tamarind sauce, and avocado ranch. Every visit to the Andrew Street location offers warm hospitality, generous portions, and the hearty flavours that define modern Southland comfort food.

Signature items

• TJ's Signature
• Fish of the Day with Chips
• Hunter's Pride
• Blue Cod with Chips
• Onion Bhaji
• TJ's Smash

Menu

Burgers

• Classic Beef — Southland beef patty, cheese, streaky bacon, lettuce mix, tomato, caramelised onions, pickles, tomato relish, fried egg, TJ's sauce.
• Classic Chicken — Marinated and crumbed chicken, cheese, lettuce mix, tomato, red onion, beetroot relish, TJ's aioli. Option to make it Hawaiian.
• Southland Pride — Lamb patty, cheese, lettuce mix, tomato, caramelised onions, hummus, mint sauce.
• Crispy Cod — Beer battered blue cod, lettuce mix, tomato, red onion, pickles, fried egg, TJ's tartare.
• Bulls Eye — Southland steak, streaky bacon, cheese, lettuce mix, tomato, sautéed mushrooms, onion rings, tomato relish, fried egg, BBQ and TJ's sauce.
• Onion Bhaji — House made onion bhaji fritter, cheese, lettuce mix, tomato, sautéed mushrooms, mango chutney, tamarind sauce.
• TJ's Signature — Double dipped crispy fried chicken, cheese, streaky bacon, lettuce mix, tomato, red onions, buffalo and buttermilk ranch sauce.
• Hot Head — Marinated and crumbed chicken, cheese, streaky bacon, lettuce mix, tomato, red onions, roasted red peppers, jalapeños, aioli, buffalo sauce.
• Bombay Times — Spice rubbed grilled chicken, streaky bacon, cheese, lettuce mix, tomato, red onions, fried onions, aioli, mango chutney.
• TJ's Smash — 3x Southland beef patties, 3x cheese, pickles, fried onions, BBQ and TJ's sauce.
• Hunter's Pride — Southland venison patty, farm-style plum chutney, cheese, lettuce mix, tomato, red onion, fried onions, avocado ranch.
• Wee One — Beef patty or crumbed chicken, cheese, lettuce mix, ketchup.

Fish & Chips

• Chips — Served with choice of TJ's salt, plain, chicken or masala seasoning.
• Wedges — Crispy potato wedges served with sour cream.
• Kumara Wedges — Kumara wedges served with aioli.
• Blue Cod with Chips — Fresh blue cod fillet served with chips, with option for an extra fillet.
• Fish of the Day with Chips — Fresh catch of the day served with chips, with option for an extra fillet.
• Crabstick — Classic battered crabstick.
• Hot Dog — Battered hot dog served with tomato sauce.
• Sausage — Sausage served plain or battered.
• TJ's Battered Beef Patty — Deep-fried battered beef patty.
• Crumbed Chicken Tenders — Three crumbed chicken tenders served with aioli.
• Chicken or Corn Nuggets — Six chicken or corn nuggets served with tomato sauce.
• Curry Roll — Deep-fried curry roll.
• Beef Spring Roll — Crispy rolled spring roll filled with beef.
• Onion Rings — Eight crispy fried onion rings.
• Donut — Fresh donut dusted with cinnamon sugar.
• Pineapple Ring — Two battered pineapple rings finished with cinnamon sugar.

Loaded Fries

• Chopped Beef — Crumbled Southland beef patty, grated cheese, coleslaw, streaky bacon, sautéed onions, BBQ and TJ's sauce.
• Chicken, Bacon & Ranch — Marinated grilled chicken, streaky bacon, coleslaw, grated cheese, sautéed onions, ketchup, ranch dressing.
• Vege Fries — Crumbled onion bhajis with masala seasoning, grated cheese, coleslaw, tamarind sauce, avocado ranch.
• Southern Fried Chicken — Double dipped crispy fried chicken, sautéed onions, streaky bacon, grated cheese, coleslaw, buffalo and TJ's sauce.
• Gravy Fries — Panko crumbed chicken, grated cheese, sautéed onions, gravy.

Frequently asked questions

Where is TJ's Kitchen in Invercargill located?

The Invercargill branch is located at 112 Andrew Street, Central Invercargill.

What seasoning options are available for the chips?

Chips can be ordered seasoned with TJ's salt, plain salt, chicken salt, or masala seasoning.

Can dishes be made spicy?

Yes, spicy requests can be accommodated across menu items upon asking.

Are there vegetarian burger options on the menu?

Yes, the Onion Bhaji burger features a house-made onion bhaji fritter with mango chutney, tamarind sauce, cheese, and sautéed mushrooms.

Can you upgrade a burger to a combo?

Yes, any burger can be turned into a combo by adding a scoop of chips and a canned drink.

Tips

• {"body":"When ordering chips, make sure to specify your seasoning—options include TJ's salt, chicken salt, plain salt, or masala.","title":"Choose your chip seasoning"}
• {"body":"Pair any burger order with a scoop of chips and a can of drink to make it a complete meal.","title":"Turn your burger into a combo"}
• {"body":"Sample regional meats by trying the Southland venison patty in the Hunter's Pride or the local lamb in the Southland Pride.","title":"Try local Southland meats"}

Good to know

• {"dietary":"Vegetarian burger, loaded fries, and sides available; spicy modifications on request."}