Japan Rankings
If you're a fan of crispy, juicy fried chicken, Japan’s Karayama should be on your radar. With its savory karaage dishes and commitment to high-quality, freshly made meals, Karayama has quickly become a household name in Japan’s fast-casual dining scene. Whether you're traveling to Japan or hunting for authentic Japanese flavors abroad, Karayama’s menu delivers a crunchy, umami-packed experience that keeps fans coming back for more.
In this guide, we’ll introduce Karayama’s background, explain why its menu stands out, and walk you through the Top 10 Karayama menu items that have captured the hearts—and appetites—of Japanese fried chicken lovers.
Karayama is a Japanese restaurant chain founded in 2014 by Arcland Service Holdings, the same group behind the popular tonkatsu chain Katsuya. The concept behind Karayama is simple but powerful: create a fast, affordable, and high-quality dining experience centered around karaage—Japan’s signature style of deep-fried chicken.
Unlike generic fried chicken shops, Karayama uses a garlic- and ginger-free soy-based marinade, giving its chicken a distinct and clean flavor. Its pieces are marinated in-house, coated in a custom flour blend, and deep-fried to a satisfying crunch. The result? Juicy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and packed with umami.
As of 2025, Karayama boasts over 140 locations across Japan, with additional outlets in Taiwan, Thailand, and other countries—bringing this Japanese comfort food staple to an international audience.
The Karayama menu is tailored for both seasoned karaage fans and newcomers. Whether you want a classic fried chicken set, something spicy, or a healthier grilled option, the chain offers a well-balanced lineup. Most meals are served as set menus, including rice, miso soup, shredded cabbage, and pickles—making it a complete and satisfying experience.
Karayama also regularly rotates seasonal specials and limited-time offerings, such as curry karaage or Korean-style spicy chicken, adding variety and excitement to its core lineup.
Official Website: 唐揚げ専門店「からやま」公式サイト
This ranking is based on surveys and votes from Japanese food lovers and Karayama regulars. If you’re visiting for the first time, these are the must-try items:
The #1 bestseller. Featuring four pieces of “Karaage Momo”—crispy fried chicken thigh pieces—this set is the definition of comfort food. The soy-based seasoning shines through each bite, and the crispy shell stays firm even after a drizzle of lemon or sauce.
For those who like it hot! The “Aka-Kara” chicken is slathered in a chili-based sauce and topped with creamy egg. It’s rich, spicy, and addictively bold—perfect for spice lovers.
A Japanese twist on fried chicken with a sweet soy glaze and thick homemade tartar sauce. Crispy, creamy, and sweet all at once—this is southern Japan’s soul food, reimagined.
Same crispy goodness as the four-piece version, but with a slightly lighter portion. Ideal for lunch or smaller appetites.
Fried chicken meets sweet-sour soy-vinegar sauce. Topped with scallions and served with rice, this dish offers a refreshing yet rich alternative to heavier fried options.
Tangy, complex, and slightly sweet, this black vinegar sauce transforms crispy karaage into a more refined flavor profile. A perfect choice for diners who want depth of flavor.
A healthier option that features grated daikon radish and fresh green onion over crispy chicken. Light, zesty, and perfect for hot weather.
Grilled chicken thighs served two ways, topped with green onion and seasoned salt sauce. This oil-light, flavor-heavy dish is great for health-conscious eaters who don’t want to sacrifice taste.
The solo version of the grilled chicken, with the same savory green onion topping. It’s a lean, satisfying break from fried offerings.
A seasonal winter favorite. Crispy chicken simmered in an umami-rich egg broth. It’s hearty, warming, and deeply satisfying on a cold day.
One of Karayama’s key strengths is affordability. Most set meals range from 650 to 950 yen ($5–$7 USD). Given the quality, quantity, and completeness of the meals, it’s excellent value.
Takeout options are also available and popular, with boxed karaage bento starting from around 600 yen. In many urban locations, Karayama also partners with food delivery platforms like Uber Eats and Demae-can.
Karayama is expanding beyond Japan, with locations in Thailand, Taiwan, and more countries on the horizon. As global demand for Japanese cuisine continues to rise, Karayama’s combination of simplicity and flavor is winning over new fans daily.
It’s also gaining attention on social media—on Instagram, hashtags like #karayama and #karaagemenu showcase foodies sharing their crispy creations, sauces, and side dish combos.
Whether you're a long-time lover of Japanese food or just discovering karaage for the first time, Karayama’s menu has something for everyone. With a wide selection of fried and grilled options, bold flavors, and consistently high-quality ingredients, it stands out as a top-tier choice in Japan’s fast-casual scene.
So next time you're near a Karayama—whether in Tokyo or Bangkok—stop in, order a set meal, and see why this humble chicken shop is becoming an international favorite.
