KFC Australia announces surprise new direction no fans saw coming

KFC Australia has made the surprise announcement that it is hosting an exclusive high tea event in Sydney this Mother’s Day – but with a spicy twist.

The world-first Habanero High Tea experience will see traditional high tea finger sandwiches ditched in favour of KFC classic items like Popcorn Chicken, nuggets, chips and the new limited-edition Habanero Hot & Crispy Boneless chicken.

The fast-food brand’s take on a Mother’s Day high tea will be held on Sunday 11 May 2025 at iconic Sydney venue, Watson’s Bay Hotel. 

Mums can look forward to a fun adults-only afternoon, where they will be treated to a tasty KFC spread as well as flowing drinks while a DJ spins their favourite tunes.

The inspiration for the event came about after new research from KFC Australia found that 59 per cent of mums agreed that enjoying a delicious feed was their number one Mother’s Day activity.

It was also developed in response to another statistic finding that one in five mums wound up organising their own Mother’s Day celebration every year.

KFC Australia Group Marketing Director Sally Spriggs said nabbing a ticket to this limited-ticket event was a unique and original way to celebrate the mum in your life.

‘[W]e thought it was high time to flip the script and give mums a fun, unforgettable experience,’ Sally said.

KFC Australia are hosting a world-first Habanero High Tea ticketed-event in Sydney for Mother’s Day

‘The Habanero High Tea is our spicy spin on the classic high tea – bold, lively, and totally unexpected. It’s their turn to relax, have some fun, and enjoy a celebration that’s all about them.’

KFC’s Habanero High Tea will take place on Sunday 11 May at Sydney’s Watsons Bay Hotel, with limited tickets going on sale from Tuesday 6 May at 9am AEST. 

Tickets are priced at $50 each (plus a booking fee) and must be purchased in pairs. 

The link to purchase tickets to the KFC Australia Habanero High Tea event can be found HERE.

Profits from ticket sales will support Aussie youth’s mental health and wellbeing through the KFC Youth Foundation and its charity partners: Black Dog Institute and ReachOut Australia.

If you’re not based in Sydney and want to score a ticket to the Habanero High Tea, the fast food giant are also giving five lucky Aussies the chance to win an exclusive invite.

The competition winners along with their plus ones will get a chance to win an exclusive stay at the Habanero Hotel with flights included. The full competition details are listed on KFC’s social channels.

The Mother’s Day event comes on the back of KFC releasing a limited-edition Habanero sauce version of their popular Hot & Crispy Boneless chicken.

The upgraded menu item sees the classic crispy golden coated chicken served with a drizzle of blazing hot Habanero sauce.

Habanero Hot & Crispy is available at KFC restaurants nationwide until June 2.

It is available as a three or six-piece snack, or as part of a combo with chips and a drink. It is also included in a Habanero Hot & Crispy Boneless Variety Feast, which includes six-pieces of Habanero Hot & Crispy, four Original Tenders, six Nuggets, Potato & Gravy, regular corn, large chips, and a drink.

Habaneros are a variety of chili peppers renowned as one of the hottest in the world.

It has a very high score on the spice index, rated between 150,000 – 300,000 Scoville heat units. This can be compared to standard bell peppers, which have 0 Scoville heat units. Jalapenos on the other hand have 3500 to 8000 Scoville heat units.

Spicy food connoisseurs regard habanero as a superior pepper thanks to its combination of spiciness and vibrant flavours, combining fruity and floral taste with a fiery heat.

Habanero is often included in hot sauces and salsas – with those condiments commonly added onto Mexican foods.

Despite containing a strong chili kick, habanero hot sauce isn’t uncomfortable to consume, unlike other spicy sauces.

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