Namkeen Hot Chicken to open Central Jersey flagship

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Namkeen Hot Chicken, a Morris County-born halal hot chicken spot, is adding a flagship location in Central Jersey.

Scheduled to open Oct. 1, the new eatery at 410 Main St. in Metuchen will offer the fast casual chain’s first dine-in experience, giving customers a place to savor the popular cult street food and Pakistani artwork adorning the restaurant’s walls.

Known for a menu that blends Nashville hot chicken with the taste of Pakistani flavors, the brand’s signature items include chicken tikka mac & cheese, Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, and a unique twist on chicken & waffles made with hot fried chicken, jalapeno and cheddar Belgian waffles.

There’s also smash burgers, masala fries, spicy wings and tenders, and grilled cheese.

Founded three years in Chatham by husband-wife team Usman Chaudhry and Amena Chaudhri, Namkeen Hot Chicken went on to open a location in Brooklyn, N.Y., before launching the Metuchen flagship.

The couple was inspired to start their own venture after being introduced to high-quality halal hot chicken during a trip to Los Angeles, wanting to bring the offering to the East Coast.

“The free time that the pandemic gave us made our vision come to life – and quickly,” Chaudhry commented.

“Our journey to Metuchen has been three years in the making,” he said. “We’re thrilled to finally open our doors to the community that’s been patiently waiting.”

Following the grand opening, Namkeen Hot Chicken in Metuchen will be open Sunday through Thursday, noon to 11 p.m., and noon to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

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