Habibi Chicken co-owner Farhan Rehman and Wagga comedian Dane Simpson launch the chicken restaurant’s new site in Preston, Melbourne last week. Photo: Dane Simpson.
Habibi Chicken may have only opened its first store less than three years ago, but it has already entrenched itself as a major contributor and advocate for the Wagga Wagga community.
After naming wraps after local icons, sponsoring some Wagga talent and doing its darndest to put Wagga on the map, it seemed only a matter of time before it began to share its Middle Eastern spin on charcoal chicken with the rest of the country.
To kick off 2025 the team have done just that, opening their second store in Preston, Melbourne, where they are already seeing people enjoy a little Wagga flavour.
“The first day we opened, it was so busy,” Habibi Chicken co-owner Mariam Rehman said.
“In just a few days our socials jumped by 500 or so followers, we had a bunch of influencers come in and try our food and so many people have asked about our Wagga roots.
“A lot of people have been surprised to see that Habibi Chicken started in Wagga because most people from the city don’t expect something from the country to expand into the city; it’s normally the other way around.
“That’s a really beautiful thing that we can shine a light on what Wagga has to offer. It’s so cool seeing Wagga being blown up in a window in Melbourne.”
Iconic Wagga-themed menu items have also made the transition to the Victorian capital, with the ‘Wagga Roll’ and the ‘Larry Wrap’ already proving to be a hit with Melbournians.
The Larry Wrap is named after Laurence John Skewes, a local homeless larrikin who died in August 2024.
“It’s not Habibi Chicken without them [Wagga Roll and Larry Wrap],” Mariam said.
“Having those items on the menu is a very cool opportunity to tell stories about the Wagga communities in other places of the county.
“People see them and think, ‘Who’s Larry?’ Of course, we know and understand who he was, but people who ask won’t. They might not understand why we think of him as a local celebrity but it’s important to tell that story and give Wagga a bit of identity.”
Habibi is best known for its charcoal chicken. Photo: Facebook.
Mariam and her brother/co-owner of Habibi, Farhan decided to open in Melbourne as it has a sentimental meaning for Farhan, being the location where he grew up.
“Farhan lived in Melbourne for 15 years,” Mariam said.
“I guess there’s a bit of that emotional attachment that he wanted to start the next store there, even though he is living in Wagga now.
“We felt that because of the lack of maybe charcoal chicken options there, it was just the best next option to start the store there. We found a really good opportunity and a good place. So we’re in Preston. It’s good kind of local foot traffic, a nice cultural vibe to the area, and then we went from there.”
Other Wagga icons such as comedian Dane Simpson made the trip to Melbourne for the launch at the new location, promoting the store on social media.
“The people of Wagga have been so supportive and have gone above and beyond,” Mariam said.
“I wish we could do more to show how appreciative we are. Dane [Simpson] especially has done so much.
“He and some other comedians and influencers came in and showed a lot of interest in the new store.”
Mariam said she would love to see other Wagga businesses show off their talents in the big cities.
“Wagga has changed drastically from what it was like 20 years ago,” she said.
“I’d love for people to know what Wagga is actually about. It’s very diverse, it’s very young and youthful, and I think it’s not many people know that about us yet. Hopefully, we can showcase that with the new shop in Preston.”
Be sure to support Mariam, Farhan and the rest of the Habibi Chicken staff by checking out their new site at 1/9 High St, Preston next time you’re in Melbourne.
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