🍗 Speaking of Miyazaki… It’s Chicken Nanban!
You can’t talk about Miyazaki without mentioning Chicken Nanban—it’s our soul food and an absolute must-try when you visit!
Crispy fried chicken, dipped in a sweet-and-sour nanban sauce, then topped with creamy tartar…
It’s the kind of dish that makes you say “just one more bite” before you even realize it.
Of course, I highly recommend the long-established restaurants that have been serving this classic since I was a child.
But what’s exciting is that nowadays you can also find modern takes on the dish—cafés and newer eateries offering lighter versions or creative twists.
Whether you prefer the nostalgic original or a stylish update, there’s a Chicken Nanban spot for every taste.
For now, let me introduce a few of my personal favorites—each with its own charm and a flavor that captures the heart of Miyazaki.
🍴 The Original Taste at Ogura – The Birthplace of Chicken Nanban
When it comes to chicken nanban in Miyazaki, you can’t leave out Ogura—the long-established chain said to be the very birthplace of this beloved dish.
Opinions about Ogura’s chicken nanban may be a bit mixed these days, but if you ask me, you should absolutely start with the original.
This is where it all began, and the first bite makes you think: “Ah, this is the taste!”
The flavor is rich and satisfying, so be sure to come hungry!
I personally love the Western-style set, served with a knife and fork for that classic restaurant feel.
If you prefer an easier bite, the Japanese-style set comes with the chicken already cut into pieces so you can enjoy it with chopsticks—perfect if you want a more casual experience.
For anyone worried about finishing a full plate of this flavorful dish, Ogura also offers variety sets with smaller portions of nanban alongside hamburger steak, fried shrimp, and other sides.
It’s a great way to taste a little bit of everything without missing the star of the show.
🍴 My Totally Biased Pick – Craighton House
When it comes to nostalgic memories, nothing beats Ogura’s Chicken Nanban for me.
But over the decades—and through many travels—I’ve discovered that Chicken Nanban now comes in countless delicious varieties.
I even live in Hokkaido these days, the complete opposite end of Japan from Miyazaki, and I still come across Chicken Nanban wherever I go.
It has truly become a nationwide favorite.
Yet, in the end, Miyazaki’s version is still unbeatable!
That’s why I had to introduce Ogura first.
But on my recent return to Miyazaki—my first in over a decade—I was surprised to find many new restaurants that didn’t exist when I was younger.
Among them, Clayton House absolutely stole my heart.
It’s the kind of place that feels like it has everything you could ever want—almost like heaven for a foodie.
Of course, their Chicken Nanban is outstanding, offering a different flavor from Ogura that’s equally worth trying.
But what really makes Clayton House shine is its wide range of menu options.
It’s perfect if you’re visiting with friends or family who might want something other than nanban, and the variety of side dishes and mains means everyone leaves happy.
And don’t skip the desserts—they capture a modern, stylish twist on Miyazaki’s sweet side.
If your time in Miyazaki is limited, Clayton House is a fantastic one-stop spot to enjoy not only Chicken Nanban but a variety of other local flavors all in one visit.
