0. Intrigued? Come taste a giant Japanese-style fried chicken that’s as bold as it is unforgettable.
Welcome to a bold and flavorful introduction to Sanzoku-yaki — a garlic-packed, heavily seasoned Japanese fried chicken born in Matsumoto, the city famed for its national treasure, Matsumoto Castle, and as the birthplace of avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama.
This unapologetically garlicky dish pairs perfectly with rice and beer. You’re meant to bite into it with gusto — just like a bandit would!
If this vivid description has whetted your appetite, why not give this one-of-a-kind local specialty a try? As your local guides, we’re thrilled to introduce you to a truly unforgettable side of Japanese cuisine.
1. Does This Intrigue You?
If you’re already familiar with globally beloved fried chicken, here’s a brief yet flavorful introduction to the fascinating world of Sanzoku-yaki — a Japanese fried chicken with a bold cooking method and unforgettable flavor.
And if this doesn’t quite resonate yet, no worries — feel free to skip ahead to Chapter Two, where you’ll decide whether to dive into the B-Gourmet world in person.
1.1 Hearty Japanese-style fried chicken?
- This is Sanzoku-yaki, a bold Japanese fried chicken from Matsumoto. You could call it a giant Japanese-style fried chicken or a chicken steak. It’s made using a whole chicken thigh or breast meat and is spectacular because it’s deep-fried whole. You might understand why it’s so unique when you try it on site.
1.2 Fried chicken that hooks your body and soul?
- This is a fried chicken with a unique cooking method and flavor. First, it is marinated in a special soy sauce-based sauce with grated garlic and ginger. Next, the chicken is coated with potato starch and deep-fried, resulting in a crispy outside and juicy inside. Be careful—you might get so addicted that you’ll become a Sanzoku-yaki fan inside and out!
２．Do the following messages convince you?
If the previous section didn’t quite capture your interest, don’t worry — we’ve gone deeper into each theme. If any of the ideas below spark your curiosity, why not give Sanzoku-yaki another look?
2.1 Architecture and Craftsmanship
👉Can a famous building turn B-grade food into A-grade?
- Originally, this is a dish for the common people, known as B-Gourmet in the Japanese culinary ranks, not the high-class A-Gourmet. In the past, it was mainly served at izakayas (Japanese-style pubs), but its recent popularity has led to it being featured in high-class restaurants as well, featuring traditionally crafted architecture and interior. This unusual, mismatched atmosphere—simple comfort food served in an elegant setting—might even appeal to architecture lovers interested in contrasting aesthetics.
2.2 Fashion
👉Can You Captivate Viewers Like a Bandit?
- The dish’s name, Sanzoku-yaki, literally translates to ‘Bandit Dish.’ This is a clever pun in Japanese: the word for ‘bandit’ (sanzoku) is typically connected to the verb ‘tori-ageru,’ which means both ‘to steal/take away’ and ‘to fry chicken.’ Speaking of outlaws, their stories always need compelling heroes and heroines! A shot of you enjoying this boldly named, enormous dish might just be so captivating that it literally ‘takes away’ your followers’ attention on social media.
2.3 Art
👉Yayoi Kusama-esque Avant-Garde Art Cuisine?
- In Matsumoto, where you can enjoy the historical atmosphere of Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure, you can also experience the contemporary art of Yayoi Kusama, a world-renowned artist who hails from the city. In this sense, Sanzoku-yaki could also be called a contemporary art piece produced by Matsumoto. It shares the same avant-garde spirit as her masterpieces—bold, impactful, and defying common sense in its appearance, taste, and even its naming. Just like Kusama’s work, the dish demands your full attention.
2.4 Food
👉Can Even Gourmets Savor It Elegantly?
- The strongly garlic-flavored, heavily seasoned Sanzoku-yaki goes perfectly with rice and beer. You can certainly bite into it boldly, like a true bandit! But for gourmets, we also recommend savoring it elegantly: cut it into bite-size pieces and pair it with red wine, using the shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and lemon as garnish. This is how a true bandit boss enjoys their meal.
2.5 The Japanese
👉A Soul Food with a Name That’s Just Right?
- Among the many soul foods found throughout Japan, the naming of Sanzoku-yaki plays a major role. While the pun relates to the verb ‘tori-ageru,’ which means both ‘to steal/take away’ and ‘to fry chicken,’ the name ‘Bandit’ fits the context perfectly. Since Matsumoto is nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, no other name—like ‘Pirate’ or ‘Gangster’—would have captured the nuance. You may be convinced of this name when you actually come to Matsumoto, as even the masters and staff of the restaurants that serve Sanzoku-yaki seem to embody the spirit of the ‘Sanzoku’ (Bandit), meaning you can’t help but order it!
Thank you & Afterwards
Thank you very much for reading to the end of this issue. If you have any comments or requests, please feel free to contact us at the Help Desk.🔶Gold🔶R71004.v.4b.4b.3a/+
