Karaage is Japanese fried chicken: bite-size thigh pieces marinated in soy, ginger, garlic and sake, dusted in potato starch, and fried until shatteringly crisp. Served with a wedge of lemon and a dab of mayonnaise — the king of izakaya and bento.
What it means
Light, juicy and made for sharing, karaage is comfort food the whole country agrees on. Every region and home has its own marinade; tebasaki (Nagoya-style glazed wings) are a famous cousin.
Why it's wonderful
The starch coating fries up lacy and crackly while the marinade keeps the meat dripping. A squeeze of lemon and an ice-cold beer is one of Japan's great simple pleasures.
Is Karaage vegetarian, vegan, halal or gluten-free?
Chicken marinated in soy (wheat) and sometimes sake — not gluten-free unless made with tamari or rice flour.
💬Recipes and preparation vary by restaurant, so this is a general guide. If you're ever unsure, please confirm directly with the venue before you order — they'll appreciate the heads-up.
Where to try it — and book a table
Editor-picked spots for this dish. Each opens the listing we verified it against — hours, photos and how to get in touch.
A Sri Lankan-Muslim owner's wholly halal-certified ramen shop where collagen-rich chicken broth meets a fiery soy-sauce kick, steps from Assalaam Mosque.
