It’s beginning to look a lot like a KFC Christmas~! We’re now a month away from the holiday season, and as you’ve probably heard, KFC is a pretty big deal around here during the wintertime. It’s still a whole 48 days before Christmas Eve and they’ve already started taking reservations. And at the start of last month, KFC opened up a lottery-style invitation to a Christmas party at their HQ in Yokohama to members of both the Colonel Club mailing list and the Chicken Mile point card. By the time that Christmas comes around, you’ll be hard-pressed to get your hands on some of that mouthwateringly juicy and deliciously spicy Colonel’s chicken. The menu hasn’t even changed much over the years but it’s still popular. It’s THAT big of a thing here.
Maybe you’ve tried it before or maybe it’s your first time in Japan and you want to try it. Let me tell you right now, it’s probably not worth it. I mean, ¥4,100 for 8 pieces of bone-in chicken, a small serving of salad, a small chocolate cake, AND a commemorative plate? That’s sounds like a lot trouble for an underwhelming payoff…
Now, that’s not saying it’s not good food. It’s got the same great 11 secret herbs and spices-fueled taste you know and love, but man, is that expensive. But if that’s your poison, then by all means grab a bucket and let the holidays roll on by in a haze of Kentucky goodness. If you’re looking for something new or something different, however, I’ve got you covered.
Here are five alternatives to KFC for that same chicken-y Christmas you’re craving.
McDonald’s Yoru Mac
Starting off this list is another American staple. Whereas KFC might not be one to wait for you to get your act together, you can count on good ‘ol Mickey D’s to reward you for holding off on your cravings. The holiday season is all about comfort and what’s more comforting than being all bundled up in your toasty home just waiting for food to arrive? You’ve worked hard this year and it’s time for a bit of self-care and indulgence.
McDonald’s Yoru Mac is a nightly promo (starting at 5pm) that drops 30~% off certain items, including two chicken nugget and fry combos. You could get a 10 piece nugget and large fries set for ¥500 (normally ¥730), or share a 15 piece nugget and two large fries set for ¥800 (normally ¥1240) with your special someone.
Korean Chicken
There’s nothing quite like a nice bit of heat to keep your blood flowing during the cold winter months. If that’s more your speed, then walk yourself down to Shin-Okubo and grab yourself some Korean chicken. The area has enough restaurants to keep you busy for days. Chicken leg platters with a fun-due of mixed cheeses (coz who doesn’t like cheese), bite-sized boneless chicken bits glazed with spicy Korean sauces, and that’s just along the main street.
For a more casual feel, I highly recommend swinging by 33Pop on the main street, about a 5 minute walk from the station, to get some of their sweet and spicy boneless chicken. They serve three sizes: a small for ¥330, a medium for ¥540, and a large for ¥650. The medium makes a nice meal on its own but obviously the large will give you the best bang for your cluck.
L Chicken from Lawson
Easily the best of the konbini chickens, L Chicken beats all the rest without breaking a sweat. Yes, that includes Family Mart’s beefcake pro-wrestler of a chicken mascot. Something weird is definitely going on in their R&D department.
It has a better texture and flavor, especially the umakara, or spicy variant. You can clearly tell L Chicken is real chicken with its irregularly shape satisfyingly crispy and crunchy coating. At ¥180 a pop, you’re sure to get your money’s worth. And while you’re at Lawson, why not give their tiny custard buns a try? It’s a good way to balance out the heat from the chicken.
Life Supermarket
If you want something closer to mom’s homemade chicken kind of chicken Christmas, the supermarket will have a better fit for your holiday feast. I personally recommend picking some up from your nearest Life Supermarket.
With two great options, you really can’t go wrong. Their サクサクチキン (sakusaku chicken) is ¥321.84 for a three-piece pack. It’s nice and juicy, even thrown into a microwave oven. It’s not heavy on spice but extremely flavorful. You might also want to buy some shichimi (a Japanese chili blend) to add some heat and flavor to your crispy chicken meal.
Their 12種スパイスのフライドチキン (12 spice fried chicken) is ¥192.24 per piece, on the other hand, and could give KFC a run for their money. It’s cheaper but just as flavorful and addictive.
Souzai Ichifuji
Tucked away in the old neighborhood of Yanaka in Taito-ku is a street packed with little shops selling traditional Japanese fare like taiyaki, manju, and yakitori. Of course these are all available elsewhere but walking through this section of the area, called Yanaka Ginza, feels like a step back in time. Many of the shops have evidently changed very little, if at all, since they first opened.
Along this road is a stall called 惣菜いちふじ (souzai ichifuji) that sells yakitori for about ¥44 each. If your type of chicken Christmas is more Japanese barbeque-flavored, definitely give this place a visit. With all the money you save, you’ll have more to spend on an actual cake.
Yanaka Ginza is a straight line from JR Nippori Station. Take the West Exit and turn left. When you reach the fork, take the right side and you’ll arrive at the top a tall staircase affectionately named Yuyake Dandan, after the beautiful view of sunset you get from the top step.
What did you think of our Top 5 KFC Alternatives? Have you tried any of these places before? Let us know in the comments below or share your own Top Pick list.
