Karayama’s Japanese-style Kara-age Fried Chicken in DTLA

Karayama, famous for its specially prepared kara-age Japanese-style fried chicken opened its first location US location in Little Tokyo in DTLA.   The signature fried chicken “the kara-age of Legend” is known all over Japan.  The served in a fast casual dining experience.

An a la carte version of kara-age 

The restaurant’s proprietary technique starts with Karayama kitchen’s signature marinade, using a low-temperature fermentation to impart a unique umami flavor profile. An extremely fine, proprietary potato starch first coats the chicken, which then rests for 4-6 hours before frying to make it tender, juicy, and crispy.

Karayama’s kara-age chicken is offered in several Dishes.  One is in a Donburi bowl over rice;  prepared in a Nabe or Japanese-style hot pot, wa teishoku made into a set meal, or ordered as a stir-fry. (the photo is above; dishes are below).

The popular kara-age sandwich served between two slices of shokupan, Japanese white bread.  The idea is reminiscent of the white bread still associated with great American BBQ.

karage sandwich style in shokupan (Japanese white bread)

The story of Karayama and its famous kara-age begins in a tiny 100-square-foot takeout-only storefront in Asakusa, Japan, in 2014. The popular shop—originally called Yukari, a name used for the first few locations—sold out of its entire daily quantities of kara-age to locals and visitors.

The shop was also recognized for its Shokuhin sampuru (wax food replicas) showcasing the most popular menu items.  Other identifying features were the simple Japanese décor, natural lighting and Karayama chicken supergraphic.

Guests place their order at the counter, taking in the mural of the famed Karayama chicken while waiting for their take-out, or choosing a seat at the bar-height communal table in the center of the space.

GokuDare Sauce

Guests can select from a variety of kara-age dishes.  Specialties include Donburi, described as, “extreme umami” sauce bowls over rice;  Wa teishoku, complete dinner sets available from 5 p.m. to close, are designed to feed two or more people;  Nabe Japanese-style hot pots with curry and other sauces and stir-fries.Entrées: $6.99-$12.99 Dinner Sets for 2-3: $18.99-$27.99 A La Carte: $1.29-$18.99 Side Dishes: $1.99.

A variety of a la carte dishes include wings, kara-age, or fried shrimp.

Karage fried shrimp

Karayama sauces, made and imported from Japan, include Goku-Dare sauce and Shio-Goku-Dare Sauce, which are umami-based sauces; Wasabi Mayo, Red Hot Sauce, and Sweet Chili Sauce.

For the purist, lemon wedges are also available.

Lemon wedges for the purist

Menu highlights also include:  The solo Karayama Set – Karayama’s signature set meal, including four pieces of the famous kara-age served with shredded cabbage salad, miso soup, rice, and choice of two dipping sauces, ($8.99)

Goku-Dare Fried Chicken Sandwich Set – Crispy fried chicken thigh served on shokupan with lettuce, shredded cabbage, and Extreme Umami Garlic Sesame Sauce, including fries and salad (also available in a Red Hot Fried version, dredged in Spicy Chili Sauce), $9.99

Kara-Tama Don – Butterflied and deep-fried chicken thigh simmered with egg and onion in a light soy broth, and served over rice, including miso soup, $6.99

Goku-Dare Don – Karayama’s signature kara-age served over rice with shredded cabbage and daikon, topped with Extreme Umami Garlic Sesame Sauce, including miso soup, $6.99

Crunchy Wing and Kara-age Set – Two pieces of signature kara-age and two crispy wings served with shredded cabbage salad, miso soup, and rice with choice of two dipping sauces, $8.99

Crunchy Wing and Kara-age Set

A bar is planned for Karayama will be a selection of sake, shōchū, and domestic and imported bottled beers

Hours: Monday-Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., a Total capacity of 48 with 34 seats inside and 8 on the patio; dine-in and take-out available. Public parking located in adjacent lot; ample street parking