Tori-ten
A beloved local specialty from Oita, known for its high chicken consumption

About Tori-ten

Tori-ten (とり天, Tori-ten) is a traditional dish cherished in Oita Prefecture. It features tender chicken, carefully marinated in a ponzu or soy sauce-based seasoning, then lightly battered and fried tempura-style. The dish is typically served with a special dipping sauce unique to each restaurant.

It is said that Tori-ten originated at Toyoken, the first Western-style restaurant in Beppu City. In the early Showa period, the restaurant adapted their bone-in fried chicken to create this dish, considering that boneless cuts of chicken thigh would be easier for women to enjoy. The smaller, bite-sized pieces were coated in a crispy, light batter and fried to perfection. This quick-to-cook and flavorful dish quickly gained popularity, inspiring eateries across the region to start serving their own versions of Tori-ten. Its crisp yet tender texture has made it a local favorite ever since.

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