Usa Karaage
Usa, the birthplace of Karaage specialty shops!

About Usa Karaage

Usa Karaage (宇佐からあげ) is a beloved fried chicken delicacy from Oita Prefecture, where chicken consumption per capita is among the highest in Japan. Particularly in Usa City and Nakatsu City, the karaage is known for being marinated in a flavorful soy sauce-based blend with garlic and ginger, ensuring a rich, seasoned taste before frying. Each shop prides itself on its own unique, secret recipe for the marinade.

The origin of karaage is said to trace back to a Chinese restaurant called "Rairaiken" in Yokkaichi, Usa City. Shortly after World War II, the Chinese owner began using surplus poultry from nearby chicken farms, which was otherwise discarded. His goal was to create an affordable and filling meal for many people, and thus, he started frying chicken to sell. Later, "Shosuke" became recognized as the first specialty karaage shop, and from Usa, the popularity of karaage specialty shops spread to nearby Nakatsu City.

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