Fast food juggernauts beat out homegrown takeaway shops to be named best spot to buy chips in Bendigo.

Pall Mall eatery Schnitz was a clear winner with 255 votes.

Burger restaurant Grill’d was second, with 160 nods. 

Schnitz Bendigo franchisee Daniel de Vries said he was excited to claim top spot in the poll.

His store only opened in January but already earned a legion of chip-loving customers.

Asked about the ingredients that set his crispy chips apart from the rest,  Mr de Vries was tight-lipped.

“Tom’s seasoning”, named after one of three family members who founded the 70-store schnitzel chain, was a heavily guarded secret.

“I believe there's a handful of people in the world who know,” he said.  

“We asked him once, and it was a labour of love for him, a long time to get the taste.”

Local businesses did not miss out on a mention in the poll.

Arcade bar Flight claimed third spot (120 votes), while suburban fish and chip shops Lyttleton Terrace Takeaway, Mick’s Fish and Peter’s Fish Shop came in at numbers four, five and six respectively.  

The full list of shortlisted eateries is below.