I decided to try Sanzokuyaki at Matsumoto Karaage Center (松本からあげセンター) before leaving Matsumoto. It’s a karaage restaurant located on the 4th floor of the MIDORI Matsumoto building, which is connected to JR Matsumoto Station. Sanzokuyaki is a local specialty from the Matsumoto area and central Nagano. They are open throughout the day, and I arrived just after 4 p.m.
They offer set meals all day long, all of which feature their signature karaage.
Another set option.
They also offer a free-flow alcoholic drink option for 980 yen (60 minutes). If you have three or more drinks, it’s definitely worth it.
For “to go”, you can enjoy the same delicious food.
Of course, I ordered Sanzokuyaki. It’s a large, deep-fried domestic chicken marinated in soy sauce. The size of the chicken is almost as big as my face! It’s a hearty meal. I also wanted to try the toriwasa (sliced raw chicken), but I couldn’t because the Sanzokuyaki was so filling. I was completely stuffed.
Needless to say, Sanzokuyaki goes perfectly with beer. They serve Premium Malt’s draft beer.
The meat wasn’t thick, but it was tender, and the outside was crisp. The garlic seasoning was just right. So, you might want to avoid bringing it on the train!
They provide a variety of condiments: mayonnaise, shichimi pepper, vinegared mustard, lemon juice, sauce, and soy sauce. I tried them all, and while everything was delicious, mayonnaise was my favorite.
By the way, the pot on the left contains vinegared soybean sprouts. It’s refreshing and a great palate cleanser between bites of chicken, though it can be quite sour.
They serve only one type of Japanese sake, Daisekkei (大雪渓), which is a well-known sake from Nagano. It’s light and pairs nicely with the chicken. Beer, soybean sprouts, and sake—all perfectly suited to complement karaage. If you’re in the mood for rice, they also offer a Sanzokuyaki set with rice for 1,200 yen.
About
Name Matsumoto Karaage Center (松本からあげセンター)
Open Day through night
Reservation Available (Hotpepper)
Credit card Available
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