Introducing Karaage Zenko Uto Branch

Hello, fellow travelers!

It barely feels like the end of the year,
but here’s SaruKuma writer Binako reporting in!

Today, I’m taking you to
Matsuyama-machi, Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture,
to check out “Karaage Zenko Uto Branch” — a must-visit spot for fried chicken lovers.

The shop opened on December 10.
The name is pronounced “Karaage Zenko” in Japanese.

The ultimate karaage is born here.
A tagline that any Japanese fried chicken fan will love!

Parking is available right in front of the shop.
Look for the blocks marked with the shop’s name —
those are the designated parking spaces.

Inside, the space is open and spacious.
With separate windows for ordering and pickup,
the whole experience flows smoothly! ♪

You’ll also find vending machines inside,
so you can grab a refreshing drink to pair with your karaage —
the perfect combo!

And here’s the big news —
Karaage Zenko was awarded the
Highest Gold Prize
at the Karaage Grand Prix hosted by the Japan Karaage Association!

Every piece is crafted with care and dedication —
only Karaage Zenko could create karaage like this!

Recommended Menu at Karaage Zenko Uto Branch

Here’s the menu lineup:

Boneless Thigh (soy sauce or salt) 100g — 290 yen
(↑ The soy sauce version won the Gold Prize)
Boneless Breast (soy sauce or salt) 100g — 260 yen
Chicken Wing — 140 yen each
Genkotsu (knuckle cartilage) 100g — 330 yen
Sunazuri (gizzard) 100g — 330 yen
Chicken Skin — 330 yen per pack

Want to enjoy both thigh and breast meat? Try the
Zenko Mix 100g — 270 yen

And bigger than your face —
the famous Da Ji Pai (Taiwanese giant fried chicken)
Half 350 yen / Whole 600 yen

The Da Ji Pai was tempting,
but this time I went with the Zenko Mix 200g.

True confession — on the way home in the car,
I couldn’t resist and ate one already! lol
This is the breast meat.

Each piece is seriously generous.
A size that leaves you fully satisfied!

Light and refreshing in texture,
the breast meat is wonderfully moist — never dry —
wrapped in an irresistibly crispy coating.
As a breast meat fan, I was over the moon!

And here it is — the Gold Prize-winning
thigh meat.

The sheer size and volume are
simply incredible.

Honestly,
this one will knock you off your feet.

That crispy outer crust meets impossibly juicy meat —
yet it’s never greasy, just light and refreshing.
The plump, tender chicken is honestly mind-blowing.

Seriously, if you love Japanese fried chicken, you have to try this.
It’s incredibly delicious.
The thin, crackling crust plays its role so perfectly that you’ll keep wanting more.

This karaage is so jaw-droppingly good —
please, give it a try when you visit Kumamoto!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※ Information was current at the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.