Zangi

Zangi is another famous dish served in Hokkaido. At first glance, it looks just like chicken karaage (fried chicken), but the definition of zangi actually differs from region to region. Torimatsu is the name of a restaurant in Suehiro where zangi is said to have originated. The zangi available in Hokkaido is mostly boneless chicken meat, but the original zangi was chunks of bone-in chicken meat. Kushiro zangi is normally dipped in a special sauce and then eaten. The sauce served at Torimatsu is a secret blend similar to Worcestershire sauce that the restaurant has used since it was founded. The sauce that draws out the flavor of the crunchy zangi pairs perfectly with sake. Although the word zangi does not conjour up images of food, the word was created from the Chinese word jaji, or zagi, with the pronunciation “n” of good luck or happiness (koun) added to it. As the name indicates, you’ll be very happy if you eat this delicious dish.