Karaage

Karaage is bite-size chicken, usually thigh, marinated in soy, sake, ginger, and garlic, dusted in potato starch, and deep-fried so the crust is thin, craggy, and very crisp. It is everywhere — izakaya, bento, convenience stores, home dinners. 'Karaage' can technically mean anything floured and fried, but chicken is the default. Regional twists include Oita's Nakatsu style and Hokkaido's more heavily seasoned 'zangi'.

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IZAKAYA SNACKS

Karaage thumbnail
Karaage¥200〜¥500
CommonIZAKAYA SNACKS

ABOUT

Karaage is bite-size chicken, usually thigh, marinated in soy, sake, ginger, and garlic, dusted in potato starch, and deep-fried so the crust is thin, craggy, and very crisp. It is everywhere — izakaya, bento, convenience stores, home dinners. 'Karaage' can technically mean anything floured and fried, but chicken is the default. Regional twists include Oita's Nakatsu style and Hokkaido's more heavily seasoned 'zangi'.

DIETARY NOTES

VegetarianVEGETARIAN
Not vegetarianMarinated fried chicken. The marinade contains soy sauce and sake; the coating sometimes contains egg.
PorkPORK
No pork in the standard version.
AlcoholALCOHOL
Cooked with mirin and/or sake. Most of the alcohol cooks off, but not all of it.
AllergensCOMMON ALLERGENS
SoyWheat / glutenEgg

General guidance for the standard version of this dish. Recipes vary by shop and region — always confirm with the restaurant if you have an allergy or a religious dietary requirement.

COOKING CLASSES & EXPERIENCES

Hands-on classes and food tours featuring Karaage, booked through GetYourGuide (free cancellation up to 24h before on most).

DETAILS

OriginORIGIN
Chinese-style frying methods were adapted in the early-to-mid 20th century; karaage became a nationwide staple in the postwar decades as cooking oil and chicken got cheaper.
How to EatHOW TO EAT
Eaten with chopsticks or fingers, with a squeeze of lemon and sometimes mayonnaise. A common izakaya starter and a reliable choice for anyone wary of unfamiliar food.
FrequencyFREQUENCY
Common — Found everywhere
PricePRICE
¥200〜¥500