For our dedicated readers, you’ll know I’m always hunting for foreign foods, but one area that I really haven’t had much luck with is the coveted western style Christmas dinner. Of course I could always go with fried chicken, as Japanese often do, but I come from a family who had roasted turkey, honey baked ham and a full spread of stuffings and side dishes. If you want that in Japan, you’ll need to learn to cook. But, if you want to eat out, chicken dishes can be a decent alternative. There are obviously hundreds of good eateries who serve chicken, but these are a few I think are good options.
Matsue
If you want a plethora of chicken options, Hiro- Chicken with Bone in Matsue is a great place to go boasting a menu of chicken dishes from roasted to fried, soups to and other fair. One recommendation is the young chicken with bone (Honetsukidori waka) which I’d liken to a roasted chicken, perfect for take out.
Izumo
If you want a few different types of chicken, one fantastic alternative to the normal fast food joints is a little yellow hut called Kiiroiomise which is marketed as a chicken and lemonade stand. They only offer takeout, but have some of the tastiest fried chicken breast (munekara) I’ve had in Izumo. They also offer special sauces to match your tastes. On December 24th and 25th they will be offering their Christmas chicken box, so make sure to preorder yours.
Masuda
When you’re on the hunt for Christmas dinner, you don’t tend to think someone is going to recommend a Chinese restaurant, I understand. But if you’re looking for chicken, Senkyuu Chinese Restaurant in Masuda has a great offering of deep-fried chicken, which pairs well with their Tianjin rice set.
Unnan
When you talk chicken, tandoori seems to fly under the radar. But Ganesha Indian Cuisine in Unnan brings the spice serving up their roasted chicken marinated in yogurt and spices. They also serve up fried chicken, chicken tikka, chicken chowmien, and several chicken curries, including my favorite, the butter chicken.