Japanese cuisine offers many dishes that may be difficult for people from abroad to accept or even believe. One such dish that surprised and perplexed those around me during my time abroad was “Torisashi“ – Chicken Sashimi. In this articles, I’d like to introduce this wonderful Japanese delicacy, including some points to be aware of. This is a must-try for alcohol enthusiasts!
What is Torisashi?
Torisashi is raw chicken meat, precisely sliced and served as is. Known as a regional specialty in southern Kyushu region, it can now be found in restaurants in Tokyo and other cities as well. I even heard that supermarkets in southern Kyushu sell it, which was quite surprising! Besides serving it raw, there’s also a similar dish called “tataki,” where only the surface of the meat is briefly seared with hot water or fire.
Which Parts to Eat and How to Enjoy?
Alongside the commonly used chicken breast and thigh, you can enjoy various other parts like gizzard and liver. Each part offers distinct flavors and textures to relish. It’s often accompanied by Kyushu’s famous sweet soy sauce, and you can customize the taste by adding grated garlic, Yuzu pepper, and wasabi, among other condiments. With a variety of flavors to choose from, you’ll never get tired of it!
Where to eat?
You can enjoy Torisashi at various restaurants across Japan. For example, Yakitori restaurants that specialize in chicken dishes often offer torisashi as well. Additionally, it’s commonly found in Kyushu cuisine restaurants. When making reservations, don’t forget to inquire whether they serve torisashi. When searching for restaurants, be sure to use Tabelog!
Tabelog : Best Dining Guide in Japan
Recommendation
Chicken Sashimi is delicious on its own, but if you enjoy alcoholic beverages, I highly recommend trying it with Shochu! There are various types of Shochu, but southern Kyushu is particularly famous for Imo Shochu (we pronounce it “Imo Jochu”), made from sweet potatoes.
Important Note
However, it’s crucial to be cautious as chicken meat may carry a bacterium known as Campylobacter, which can be harmful if not properly managed and processed. It goes without saying that you should never eat raw chicken that hasn’t been handled with the utmost care. In Japanese restaurants, Torisashi is served with strict management and safety measures. So, please refrain from trying to eat supermarket-bought chicken intended for cooking!
++
While Chicken Sashimi may not be easily embraced by everyone from abroad, those who are adventurous with their food choices or enjoy fish sashimi should give it a try!
Meanwhile, if you are interested in Japanese preference in chicken meat, click below link!
Thank you for reading this article!
