Taiwanese fried chicken so big you could cover your face with it. Yokohama Chinatown's popular restaurant "Yokohama Zhaji Pai"

We visited the Yokohama Zha Ji Pai Yokohama Chinatown Main Branch. Although it opened relatively recently in 2019, it has already become one of the specialties of Yokohama Chinatown.

Pioneer of Taiwanese fried chicken in Yokohama Chinatown

The restaurant is located along a street called "Nanmon Silk Road," about a 3-4 minute walk from "Motomachi-Chukagai Station." It is also near "Suzakumon" in the southeastern part of Yokohama Chinatown. The landmarks are red signs and flags, and it is not uncommon to see a line of people waiting to get in.

The "zhajipai" in the restaurant's name refers to Taiwanese fried chicken, which has become popular in Japan in recent years. It is a standard food stall at local night markets and is characterized by its large size and fragrant flavor.

Taiwanese fried chicken is now common in Yokohama Chinatown, but this restaurant is a pioneer. The owner has always loved fried chicken, and when he visited Taiwan, he encountered Zhaji Pai and was impressed by its deliciousness. He learned the authentic cooking methods and seasonings in Taiwan, and opened his first store in April 2019.

Although this shop specializes in take-out, you can also eat in at the high tables lined up in front of the store. The delicious aroma of fried food wafts from the kitchen, stimulating your appetite.

Let's start with the specialty "Fried Chicken Pai" (600 yen including tax). It must be over 15cm in diameter. Those who see it for the first time will be surprised at its size, which almost covers your face. This is because the chicken is opened in the thickest part and the size of one piece is expanded. In the kitchen in the store, the preparation is done and all excess fat is removed by hand, and it is served freshly fried for each order.

The ingredients used are domestic chicken breast meat, with the cuticle thoroughly removed. Another key point is to carefully open the meat so that there are no uneven spots on the surface. The meat is then marinated in a secret seasoning sauce for a day. The seasoning is made with 18 types of spices and herbs, so it is also highly fragrant.

The batter is made with tapioca flour, giving it a crispy texture. The lean breast meat is prepared in advance to keep it moist, and the batter is designed not to absorb too much of the fried oil, so you won't get tired of eating it until the very end, and you can enjoy the crispy taste even when it has cooled down.

The taste is based on salt and pepper, with a sweet flavor reminiscent of five-spice powder. The finishing spices are only on one side, so the taste you experience will change depending on which side you place on your tongue. Please try both sides.

In addition to fried chicken, there are many other delicious dishes on the menu.

Zhajipai offers a variety of menu items, including the bite-sized Taiwanese fried chicken (M 580 yen, L 780 yen, both tax included), which is perfect for sharing.

For example, "Taiwan Tempura" (580 yen including tax) is a deep-fried fish paste similar to satsumaage, and has a chewy texture. It comes in stick form and is easy to eat, making it perfect for eating on the go. "Taiwan Potato" (450 yen including tax), seasoned with a secret spicy seasoning, is also popular.

For those looking for a more impactful flavor, we recommend the sauce-covered fried chicken. There is the "Jiangjiang Chicken Pai" based on Taiwanese sweet and spicy soy sauce, and the "Yangnyeom Chicken Pai" with a Korean-style spicy sauce, both of which are available in bite-sized portions. If you are visiting in a group, it is a good idea to order several different dishes and compare them.

The visual impact of this dish is dynamic and photogenic. This restaurant is a new face of Yokohama Chinatown cuisine and is definitely one to remember.

Yokohama Fried Chicken, Yokohama Chinatown Main Branch

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