Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside — shout to the world from a little hill: I want to eat these dreamy fried chicken wings!

▲ The Dreamy Fried Chicken Wings from Yamachan of the World look both crispy and juicy.

Text and photos by Nine-Five Nagging Wife (九五恶妻)

During a recent trip to Tokyo, a friend learned that I have a weakness for fried foods and highly recommended that Ivisit “Yamachan of the World” (世界の山ちゃん)to try their signature Dreamy Fried Chicken Wings. My friend said the wings are crispy outside, tender inside, and have a unique flavor that will definitely have you coming back for more.

Operated as an izakaya-style restaurant, Yamachan of the World originated from its flagship store in Nagoya and has been in business for over 30 years since 1981. As the business grew, the chain expanded continuously, and now, in addition to Japan, it also has branches in Hong Kong and Thailand, totaling 73 locations. This allows visitors from all over to enjoy the flavors of Nagoya without having to travel there.

I visited the store located in Ameyoko near Ueno Station. As an izakaya, Yamachan of the World offers a wide range of menu items, including salads, stir-fries, and deep-fried dishes — all perfect as small plates to be ordered alongside alcoholic beverages. Among them, the most iconic dish is the “Dreamy Fried Chicken Wings,” which my friend strongly recommended.

▲ The darker ones are marinated black chicken wings, sold at 360 yen for three pieces.

The Dreamy Fried Chicken Wings come in a serving of five pieces. When they first arrive, they’re steaming hot, giving off intense aromas of spices, sauces, and fats. Starting with the plumper end, the first bite brings a golden, crispy skin — salty with a hint of spice and a slight peppery kick that tingles both the nose and taste buds. The chicken meat is juicy and tender, with a clear texture and a subtle sweetness. As for the thinner end where there’s less meat, you can slowly savor the flavor of the skin and pepper, making you want to chew a bit more before washing it down with a big swig of beer — so satisfying!(Excessive drinking is harmful to health.)

However, compared to the fan-favorite Dreamy Fried Chicken Wings, I actually prefer the “Black Chicken Wings” from the same restaurant. The black chicken wings are marinated before being deep-fried, resulting in a dark brown color. The marination process gives the skin and meat a savory, sauce-infused flavor that is bolder than the Dreamy Fried Chicken Wings, making it very appetizing. Although the black chicken wings are about 50% more expensive than the Dreamy Fried Chicken Wings, it’s still worth ordering a serving to add some variety to your meal.

Compared to fried chicken wings in Taiwan, the Dreamy Fried Chicken Wings here are juicier, with thin and fragrant skin. The flavor of the pepper is also slightly different, giving an overall sensation similar to a mix between New Orleans-style roast chicken wings and traditional fried chicken. Additionally, aside from the fried chicken wings, Yamachan of the World also offers many traditional Nagoya izakaya snacks. For example, there's “Dote-ni” — pork intestines simmered in miso sauce — which is great when served over rice and is a common staple at Nagoya izakayas. Other various side dishes and stir-fries are also worth trying, offering a fun experience of Japanese pub culture.

%The Dreamy Fried Chicken Wings of the World.%