Japanese fried chicken is a quiet powerhouse in the fried chickens community. Infact, other fried chickens are in need of pulling their socks up after taking a bite of this crispy, echoey, airily coated bird. What is the secret behind Japans favorite pub chicken’s success?

Firstly, we  are not frying-up entire limbs and fillets of breast. Instead, pieces are cut smaller, rolled in to flour and then fried. In other words – more surface area for that golden coating – after all, isn’t that what makes us weak at the knees!

Secondly, the marinade is sweet genius. Some soy sauce, zingin’ ginger and garlic, a touch of sugar and a hit of vinegar. These flavor components really find a way to push through the meat quickly without hours of marinating time. It also makes the flesh very succulent and full of flavor.

In Japan, this dish is served in pubs and goes amazingly with beer – but  my sense is that you probably had this part covered. Serve with a wedge of lemon and some coarse salt heaped to the side – or throw some hot sauce in to mayo – perhaps a touristy touch, but who’s to judge when it tastes so good.