Tokyo’s wagyu burger chain Shogun Burger has pivoted to poultry, rebranding its store inside Hiroo’s Eat Play Works complex as Shogun Fried. The store specialises in perfectly crispy fried chicken and potato fries, and it doesn’t disappoint.
On the menu, you’ll find two types of fried chicken: Saku Saku chicken thigh (¥210 per piece) and Gari Gari chicken breast (¥200 per piece). What separates the two is more than just the different cuts of meat. While the Gari Gari is more like a standard, if oversized piece of karaage, the Saku Saku has tenkasu tempura flakes mixed into the batter to give it an extra crunchy texture. Can’t decide? Go for a Combi meal, which gives you a few pieces of both kinds to try, plus dipping sauce. The four-piece set is just ¥980, the eight-piece is ¥1,880, and the heroically sized 12-piece set is ¥2,780.
Whatever you order, be sure to try Shogun Fried’s special dipping sauces (from ¥200 each). The eight flavours include usual suspects like teriyaki and barbecue, plus fancier options such as truffle cream and our favourite: black garlic and olive oil.
Don’t forget to add a side of fries to your meal. The chips also come in different shapes and sizes here, including waffle fries, crinkle cut, shoestring, potato wedges and smiley faces (¥350 each). Despite the rebrand, you’ll still find burgers on offer, too – pick up an A Set (¥1,480) or B Set (¥1,380) to get a freshly made burger filled with Saku Saku chicken, plus the fries of your choice and a drink.