10 Must-Eat Karaage Chicken in Japan
Do you know what "karaage" is? Simply put, it's the Japanese version of deep-fried chicken, and it's loved all throughout Japan. It can be enjoyed by itself, but many love it as a side to go along with their meal or even a beer! The taste and cooking methods differ between regions in Japan, so why not try them all while you're here? In this article, we introduce 10 restaurants and eateries across Japan with crispy, juicy karaage chicken!
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1. South Villa (サウスヴィラ) [Hokkaido]
The most popular karaage in Sapporo. What's unique is its large size. There are al a carte orders and set meals. The size of the set meals are customizable, like 2 piece set meals or 6 piece set meals. It's also available for take outs.
HP: tabelog.com/hokkaido/A0101/A010202/1009807/ (Japanese Only)
Address: 12-1-40 Naebocho, Higashi-ku, Sapporo-shi (Google Map)
2. Gotanda Shinanoya (五反田 信濃屋) [Tokyo]
As Gotanda Shinanoya specialises in chicken, the quality of chicken used for karaage is at the highest level. It is located near Gotanda Station and also offers lunch take outs (obento) . During the lunch hour, office workers make a long line in want of it. Enjoying a karaage bento at your hotel might also make a delightful lunch time.
HP: www.torinikuya.com/index.html (Japanese Only)
Address: 1-13-1 Nishi Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku (Google Map)
3. Torisho Urawa Honten (鶏笑 浦和本店) [Saitama]
The owner has eaten karaage from all over Japan to find the best taste that is now offered at Torisho. The crispy crust is its specialty. It has been covered by the media a couple of times and is always full of people. Cold beer and the karaage, hot out of the oven, is a great match.
HP: r.gnavi.co.jp/m6xhv9xx0000/ (Japanese Only)
Address: 6-15 Higashinakacho, Urawa-ku, Saitama-shi (Google Map)
4. Nagomi-tei なごみ亭 [Shizuoka]
The most famous karaage in the town of eels, Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture. Nagomi-tei has won the golden award for the All Japan Karaage Grand Prix in 2014. It's famous for the volumy karaage on a bowl of rice. There are a wide variety of sauces to enjoy with the karaage, from light flavour to rich taste. Mishima is not just eels; how about a karaage here?
HP: hitosara.com/0002084175/ (Japanese Only)
Address: 3-21 Ichibancho, Mishima-shi (Google Map)
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5. Sekai no Yamachan Honten 世界の山ちゃん 本店 [Aichi]
Famous for its chicken wings, Sekai no Yamachan's branches are all over Japan and can also be found in Hong Kong and Thailand too. It' popular for its "Phantasmal Chicken Wings". Crispy fried chicken wings are dipped in a hot and sweet sauce. Combined with beer, it makes a delightful meal to wash away your your troubles for the day. If you're in Nagoya, it's definitely a must visit !
Address: 4-9-6 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi (Behind Nagoya Tokyu Hotel) (Google Map)
6. Torikai Sohonke Meieki Nishi-guchi (鳥開 総本家 名駅西口店) [Aichi]
A famous restaurant in Nagoya for its karaage, Torikai Sohonken has been chosen as the Grand Prix for a contest hosted by the Japan Karrage Association. The prominent Nagoya Cochin chicken wings are a delight and is definitely a must-eat dish. The crispy chicken matches well with a jug of beer.
HP: www.tori-kai.com (Japanese Only)
Address: 1-7-15 Noritake, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi（Google Map）
7. Johnny no Karaage Tenman (ジョニーのから揚げ 天満店) [Osaka]
Johnny no Karaage is unique for providing karaage with many different parts of the chicken. On the dish in the photo are chicken legs and chicken wings. There are also karaage made from chicken breast and chicken neck too. Try out these variety with a jug of beer in your hand.
HP: www.oitakaraage.com (Japanese Only)
Address: 4-12-16 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi (Google Map)
8. Shinjiro (新次郎) [Osaka]
Shinjiro is a specialized restaurant in chicken. The photo is of a 35 day old chick karaage. The meat is very soft and the thin crust makes a crispy, scrumptious karaage. There are also a wide variety of chicken dishes other than karaage, so why not take a challenge and try them out?
HP: gurunavi.com/en/ka8h100/rst/
HP: gurunavi.com/zh-hant/ka8h100/rst/ (中文)
HP: r.gnavi.co.jp/ka8h100/ (Japanese Only)
Address: 1-18-20 Higashi Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi (Google Map)
9. Karaageya Karijyu (からあげや カリッジュ) [Ehime]
Karaageya Karijyu is the prominent winner of the Karaage Summit held in 2014. The karaage is surprisingly juicy and its crust is crispy because it is fried in lard oil. It is mainly for take-out but you can also eat within the shop. It is on the route of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, so drop by during your travels.
HP: kariju.jp (Japanese Only)
Address: 2-1-14 Nishinodoicho, NIihama-shi (Google Map)
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10. Yamatoya (大和家) [Fukuoka]
Yamatoya is famous for its Karaage Don, a heap of karaage on a bowl of rice. The garlic soy sauce flavoured karaages are always freshly fried and matches well with rice. If you think that portion of meals in Japan are a little small, visit Yamatoya and try eating this Karaage Don!
HP: tabelog.com/fukuoka/A4001/A400202/40003810/ (Japanese Only)
Address: 2-2-1 Nishikatae, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi (Google Map)
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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