🏆 Top 5 Restaurants to Enjoy Chicken Rice (Keihan) in Amami
Chicken rice, or “keihan”, is a beloved local dish in Amami, known for its delicate yet flavorful chicken broth, fresh toppings, and comforting taste. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, here are five top spots to savor this local specialty:
🥇 Keihan Hisakura – Tatsugo Town
The Legendary Original
When it comes to chicken rice, Hisakura is often said to be the originator. This long-established favorite delivers a perfect balance of rich chicken flavor and beautifully presented toppings. The ingredients are carefully prepared, and the soup is so good, you might ask for a refill—and yes, you can!
The restaurant is clean and spacious, with both tatami and table seating, making it ideal for families and tourists. Beyond keihan, the menu includes local side dishes, so you can try a variety of island flavors. Take-home chicken rice packs are also available as souvenirs.
📍 Location: Machiyairi, Tatsugo Town
🕒 Hours: 11:00–15:00 (Closes when sold out – go early!)
💴 Budget: ¥1,000–1,500
🥈 Local Cuisine Kazumi – Naze, Amami City
A Taste of Everyday Amami
Kazumi offers a simple yet delicious version of chicken rice that’s popular among locals. This spot has more of a down-to-earth, homestyle vibe than a touristy restaurant—perfect if you’re looking for an authentic experience.
Set menus include other regional dishes like miso tofu and tonkotsu stew, letting you sample a full plate of Amami home cooking. At night, the restaurant transforms into an izakaya where you can pair local dishes with brown sugar shochu.
📍 Location: Kanehisa-cho, Naze, Amami City
🕒 Hours: 11:00–14:00 / 18:00–21:00
💴 Budget: From ¥1,000
🥉 Restaurant Funangyo (Bashayamamura Resort) – Tatsugo Town
Chicken Rice with a View
Dine in resort elegance at Funangyo, located in the scenic Bashayamamura seaside resort. The dish is thoughtfully plated, and the calming atmosphere adds a special touch to your meal. The ocean view and open terrace seating make it a memorable lunch or even a romantic anniversary spot.
This is chicken rice with an island resort twist—great for travelers looking to slow down and soak in the scenery while enjoying a local favorite.
📍 Location: Akaogi, Tatsugo Town
🕒 Hours: 11:00–14:00 / 17:30–20:00
💴 Budget: Around ¥1,500
🏅 Joyfull (Amami Airport Restaurant) – Kasari Town
Your Last Chance at Chicken Rice
Located on the second floor of Amami Airport, Joyfull is a convenient stop for travelers wanting one final taste of keihan before flying out. Don’t be fooled by the casual setup—the flavor is authentic and satisfying.
Whether you missed it during your trip or just want to enjoy it one last time, this spot is a smart and tasty choice before departure.
📍 Location: Inside Amami Airport Terminal, Kasari Town
🕒 Hours: 9:00–18:00
💴 Budget: ¥900–1,200
✅ Quick Map Summary
| 🏠 Restaurant | 📍 Area | ✨ Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Hisakura | Tatsugo Town | The original. Rich soup and perfect balance. |
| Kazumi | Naze City | Local vibe, homestyle dishes, izakaya at night |
| Funangyo | Tatsugo Town | Resort dining with sea views |
| Joyfull Airport | Kasari Town | Perfect pre-flight meal, casual yet delicious |
🍲 Make “Keihan” at Home – Our Family’s Favorite Comfort Food from Amami
I absolutely love Keihan (奄美鶏飯)—so much so that I used to make it regularly even while living abroad! Now, it’s a staple in our home. Of course, it’s hard to beat the flavors of the restaurant versions, but this homemade version is still truly satisfying. If you’d like to try it yourself, here’s our simple and delicious family recipe.
🧺 Ingredients (Serves about 4 people for 2 days or more!)
- Chicken (any part – we usually use breast meat) … about 500g or more
The more the merrier! If you can get chicken bones, definitely use them for extra flavor. You can simmer the meat and bones together. - Water … 2–3 liters (use a large pot!)
- Salt … to taste
- Soy sauce (optional) … just a dash if available and affordable
- Eggs … 4–5 (we love topping it generously with eggs!)
- 〇 Green onion (finely chopped)
- 〇 Grated tangerine peel (or yuzu peel, if available)
- 〇 Seasoned seaweed (nori)
🔸 Ingredients marked with a 〇 are optional but highly recommended if you can find them—they really bring out the Amami flavor!
👩🍳 How to Make It
- Bring water to a boil in a large pot.
- Add the chicken (and bones, if using) once boiling. Bring it back to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 1–2 hours until the broth smells rich and savory.
- While it simmers, make a thin omelet (as thin as paper), then slice it into fine strips.
(We usually don’t season the egg, but feel free to add a pinch of salt if you like.) - Cook rice in your usual way.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and the soup is fragrant, season the broth with salt to taste. Add a dash of soy sauce if you have it.
- Remove the chicken and bones from the pot. Discard bones, and place the meat in a bowl.
- Shred the chicken using a fork.
- In a large serving bowl, assemble your Keihan:
- Place a scoop of steamed rice
- Top with shredded chicken
- Add julienned omelet
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and grated tangerine peel
- Add some cut nori if available
- Pour the hot soup generously over everything
- Enjoy!
💡 Notes
Even if you don’t have soy sauce or nori, this dish still turns out great. The soul of Keihan lies in its gentle chicken broth and the harmony of simple toppings. It’s cozy, flavorful, and endlessly comforting.
Please give it a try—and make it your own! 💛
