What’s your favorite Japanese food?
Whenever I ask my international friends, their most common answer is karaage—Japanese-style fried chicken. And honestly, I get it. Karaage is comforting, flavorful, and has that home-cooked nostalgia we all love. But… have you tried its next-level cousin?
Let me introduce you to Chicken Namban (チキン南蛮)—a legendary dish that takes fried chicken to a whole new world of flavor. It’s juicy, tangy, sweet, creamy… and just ridiculously good.
🥢 What Is Chicken Namban?
Chicken Namban originated in Miyazaki Prefecture, located in the southern region of Kyushu, Japan. The word “Namban (南蛮)” historically referred to the Portuguese and Spanish traders who arrived in Japan in the 17th century. Along with goods and Christianity, they brought in new culinary techniques, like deep-frying and marinating food with sweet-and-sour sauces.
That’s where “Namban-zuke” comes from—zuke means "to soak or marinate," so it literally means “Western-style marinade”. This sauce was first used for fish, but eventually someone had the brilliant idea of using it on fried chicken… and the rest is delicious history.
Today, Chicken Namban is loved by people of all ages in Japan—and once you taste it with creamy tartar sauce, you'll understand why. Don't overthink it—just enjoy!
🍽 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
Main:
- Chicken thigh (boneless): 300g
- Salt & pepper: to taste
- Flour: 50g
- Egg: 1
- Water: 10ml
- Oil for frying
(A) Tartar Sauce:
- Boiled egg: 1
- Onion (finely chopped): 1/4
- Mayonnaise: 3 tbsp (Kewpie recommended!)
- Sugar: a pinch
- Optional: a dash of vinegar or chopped pickles for extra zing
(B) Namban Sauce:
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
- Sugar: 2 tbsp
- Vinegar: 2 tbsp
👩🍳 How to Make Chicken Namban
1. Prep the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces (around 4cm), season with salt and pepper, and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Make the Tartar Sauce
Mix the finely chopped onion and boiled egg. Stir in mayonnaise, a pinch of sugar, and vinegar if desired. I highly recommend using Kewpie mayo for that authentic Japanese flavor.
3. Fry the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together flour, egg, and water to create a batter. Heat oil to 180°C (350°F). Coat the chicken pieces in the batter and deep-fry until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Set aside on paper towels.
4. Prepare the Namban Sauce
In a frying pan, combine soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Heat until it starts to bubble and slightly thickens. Add the fried chicken and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
5. Plate and Serve
Top the chicken with a generous spoonful of tartar sauce. Pair with rice, salad, or just eat it as-is—it’s absolutely satisfying either way.
😋 Final Thoughts
If you're already a fan of karaage, Chicken Namban is going to blow your mind. It’s crispy, juicy, tangy, creamy, and sweet all at once—a flavor bomb in every bite.
Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a surprise dish for friends who love Japanese cuisine.
Meshiagare (Bon Appétit)!
