Karaage – Japanese Fried Chicken
Fried Chicken in Japan comes in a variety of forms so going to many different restaurants will often give you a unique taste experience at each one.
Good Karaage should be fairly lightly fried so as not to taste too overly oily, and be juicy on the inside. This popular snack can be found in most convenience stores next to the cashier (a favorite of “When Japan” is Fami-Chiki). It can also be found at most festival booths and as a set meal or side dish at many restaurants.
“When Japan” recommends Miyazaki-Sanchi, which is a small store in Aso, Kumamoto. You will need a car to get there but the taste is worth the trip. They purposefully strip the chicken skin off the meet so it fries separately, and then salt generously after deep frying. This produces a perfect balance of salt and fat that keep the chicken light, but delicious. Hire a car and go visit it when in Aso.
