Hakatatoyokaratei Hakomatsuten

At Hakatatoyokaratei Hakomatsuten, it is easy to match the number of karaage pieces in your bento to your appetite. The signature ganko karaage bento is available in several sizes: 3 pieces for 520 yen, 4 pieces for 620 yen and 5 pieces for 720 yen. For a heartier meal, there is also a Mega-Serving Bento with 7 pieces (900 yen). The menu says the chicken is marinated in the shop’s own sauce for at least 24 hours, then fried twice after an order is placed. The result is described as crisp on the outside and juicy inside. Each bento comes with potato salad and pickled daikon; a large serving of rice costs an extra 70 yen. It is a straightforward way to enjoy the karaage.

For a change of flavour, try the Chicken Teriyaki-Mayo Bento, made with the same ganko karaage. It is finished with the shop’s original teriyaki sauce, mayonnaise and shredded nori. The 3-piece version costs 570 yen, while the 4-piece one is 680 yen. Karaage can also be ordered on its own, from 1 pieces, making it an option as a side dish at home rather than a boxed meal.

Hakomatsuten is a take-away-only branch, with no dine-in service. The listed payment information says cash only. It is best treated as a place to pick up a bento or individual items, rather than somewhere to sit down for a meal.