Bangkok is the UN of fried chicken, and a new breed of the crispy bird has recently hatched, joining a flock populated by the likes of KFC, Korean fried chicken, buffalo wings, gai tod Hat Yai and karaage. The latest entry to the hallowed deep-fried fraternity is Sekai No Yamachan, which is famous for its tebasaki, or Nagoya-style fried chicken wings. With a half-man, half-chicken kinda-kawaii mascot statue out front, you can't miss this new izakaya (a Japanese term for a casual after-work drinking and dining establishment). Its dark wooden interior is inviting enough, but don't get too excited — nothing about the decor will knock your socks off. An industrial-style pendant hangs above each table, providing adequate lighting for your most salivatory food porn moments. There are two smaller rooms as well, should you want more privacy. Regular diners comprise about a 50-50 split of Japanese expats and Thais.
Sekai No Yamachan
Japanese
The Manor, 32/1 Sukhumvit Soi 39
5:30pm-12:30am (last order midnight)
02-662-5541, 061-647-3778
http://goo.gl/HVYpQ0
THE MENU
Maboroshino tebasaki (B120++ per five pieces), original fried chicken wings, may look like they've been rolled in dust, but boy do they taste good. Despite the peppery and salty taste of the crispy skin, the juicy meat prevails. At the risk of sounding technical, only wingette and tip parts of chicken wings are used, but we're sure no one will be thinking about anatomy while chowing down. Salmon salad (B210) has a light, slightly acidic dressing that should please your palate. Miso uzura tamago fry (B90) is essentially quail eggs coated with sweet and salty miso. Shiodare yakisoba (B170) looks cleaner — and tastes different — than your average yakisoba. Bucking the trend of sauce before soba, the soft noodle dish is sensibly enhanced with a salty flavour and garnished with thin pork slices. Another dish that should please miso fans is Doteni (B130). Pork intestine is marinated in red miso, eliminating any potential icky odours. The intestine itself is tender and tasty, while small cubes of konjac absorb the flavours of salty and sweet soup, and burst with flavour. Cha-han (B130) was the most predictable dish we tried. The Japanese sausage fried rice is simple and tasty, although it's nothing to write home about. Aisuru oimo chan (B190) is a dessert with duality. Hot slices of sweet potato are deliciously paired with cold, creamy milk ice cream. Also available is an extensive list of alcoholic drinks, ranging from beer, wine and cocktails to chu-hai.
INSIDER TIP
Bangkok's Yamachan is the 67th branch of the franchise, 65 of which are in Japan (plus one in Hong Kong). There are games on paper you can play if you're bored, or use to assess if you're too drunk to go home alone. Connecting 17 dots to form a picture of a chicken wing is much harder to accomplish under the influence of alcohol. Believe us.
SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTS
Snap a picture of a mountain of fried chicken wings and you'll have your friends and followers drooling. A picture after you've devoured the entire plate is optional.
VALUE & VERDICT
Fried chicken and izakaya fans should give Sekai No Yamachan a try. With a menu offering much more than tasty chicken wings, it's a good option for a reasonably rowdy meal after work, especially if you're in the area.
