Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2012

Craving chicken karaage but requiring more quality and quantity than the ubiquitous KFC? Visit Zangi (4-12-7 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku; http://meturl.com/zangi) a small tachinomi (all-standing izakaya) that serves zangi, Hokkaido’s generic term for deep-fried food. Chicken (¥280/3pcs; ¥550/6pcs), wings (¥280/2pcs), cartilage (¥300) etc. are as crispy and juicy as they can get. You’ll find your greasy fingers reaching quickly out for drinks, all economically priced at about ¥300. The place is always packed out, but shove your way in for some fried goodness.