Chicken Nanban Day (Chikin Nanban no Hi)

What Is Chicken Nanban Day?

July 8 is "Chicken Nanban Day," celebrating the beloved dish of fried chicken coated in sweet vinegar sauce and topped with tartar sauce.

The History of Chicken Nanban

Chicken nanban is said to have originated in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture, where it was created at a Western-style restaurant before spreading nationwide as a staple of home cooking and school lunches.

• Place of origin: Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture
• What it is: Fried chicken coated in sweet vinegar sauce and topped with tartar sauce
• How it spread: Became a fixture of school lunch menus and set meals nationwide

Trivia About Chicken Nanban

• Tartar sauce: Often made by mixing mayonnaise with chopped hard-boiled egg, pickles, and onion.
• School lunch favorite: Chicken nanban is popular with both kids and adults, and frequently ranks near the top in surveys of favorite school lunch dishes.
• Local specialty: In Miyazaki Prefecture, many specialty restaurants serve chicken nanban as a celebrated local dish.

How to Enjoy This Day

July 8 is the day to satisfy your appetite with a hearty serving of chicken nanban. If making it at home, try generously topping freshly fried chicken with sweet vinegar sauce and plenty of tartar sauce.