Kabuto Fried Chicken: Not Your Father’s KFC

This is probably not news to you, but Little Tokyo is one of the most happening cultural districts in all of Los Angeles. Its prime location makes it an ideal stop for tourists, business folk, foodies, and the just plain hungry. As you pass the many storefronts and Japanese restaurants from matcha cafes to ramen bars and everything in between, magical aromas emanate from every doorway tempting you with the tantalization of their delectable fare. Home to the largest Japanese-American population in North America, Little Tokyo has expanded rapidly in the last ten years and there’s a new place to try for dinner opening just about every month now. 

Say you have a hankering for fried chicken with an asian flare and you’re dwelling 1st Street after you’ve met friends for a post-work happy hour, you pull out your phone and look up what’s nearby. You would hope that Google guides you to Kabuto. Kabuto Age has been famous for it’s delicious deep fried chicken for almost 60 years. Originating in Utsunomiya on Japan’s main Honshu island (also known for their gyoza dumplings), Kabuto-Age was created as a hearty and comforting staple. Two pieces of fried chicken breast and a wing are served connected to replicate a traditional Samurai helmet.

Opening in September 2019, Kabuto brought a new life to the block with the promise of high-quality chicken fried in a traditional blend of spices that will make your head spin. Called the Kobe beef of chicken, Jidori chicken rules all at Kabuto. The word “Jidori” means “chicken of the earth”, and when the Asian-fusion culinary boom occurred, quality was a huge conversation with every chef searching for that perfect poultry. Around that time, Jidori originated right here in LA. Their choice of humane, free range, and hormone-free chicken has since become a hot commodity in the culinary world.

Since Kabuto is open for both lunch and dinner, there’s much more of an opportunity for variety. Say you head in on your lunch break and you’re looking to be full until long after your daunting commute home, you could go for any variation of their chicken dishes such as the popular traditional wing and breast combo, or mix it up and go for a Kabuto Sandwich, which debuted just last month. There’s also no shortage of mouth-watering sides and add-ons, such as their beloved curry mac & cheese, and more traditional sides like charred shishito peppers. For something that feels a little more coursed, the Jidori set is a fantastically adventurous run during your dining experience at Kabuto. You get three pieces of regular or spicy chicken, your choice of a side, as well as garlic chicken rice, pickles, and dipping sauce. 

With a no-frills beer menu (and wine on the way), you can enjoy one of the most magical pairings known to man: beer and chicken. Afterwards, you’ll find yourself left with the vitality to hunt down the best karaoke bar within walking distance. Whether you need a spot to refuel during a busy day of sightseeing or you’re a weekend warrior looking for a location to begin your night out, do yourself a favor: go Kabuto.

kabutofriedchicken.com | 323 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Written by Dakota Nate | Photography by Robiee Ziegler