TORITEN / All-Oita

Oita Prefecture is well–known nationally for its particularly high chicken consumption, with toriten, a kind of tempura–style fried chicken, being a beloved local cuisine enjoyed daily in many households. The bite–sized pieces of chicken are seasoned with soy sauce and garlic, coated in tempura batter, and deep fried. Freshly fried toriten is best enjoyed quickly in its plain–state to savour the juiciness of the chicken. Alternatively, you can increase the umami of the dish by serving it with seasonings such as kabosu (Oita’s speciality citrus), Japanese mustard, vinegared soy sauce, ponzu, or yuzu kosho (yuzu citrus pepper) etc. The fluffy, light and crisp texture is decidedly moreish.

While Oita is known for its national food, karaage (Japanese fried chicken), locals cherish toriten (tempura chicken) with the same regard, and consider it a soul food. It is a must–have at family meals, but also enjoyed in restaurants and izakaya (Japanese–style pubs) in the prefecture, as well as being widely used in the bento boxes sold at stations and supermarkets, representing a true ‘taste of home’ for locals.