KFC Japan is just as delicious as any other branch around the world with their 11 secret herbs and spices, but they also have unique items!
At first glance it looks like a typical KFC menu, but a closer inspection will reveal a range of unique menu items which are exclusive to KFC Japan!
From special sauces to unique flavors of fried chicken and an abundance of dessert options, KFC Japan may be worth putting on the itinerary as an experience in and of itself!
Red Hot Fried Chicken
During my visit to KFC in Tokyo around the autumn season of October, the store was promoting “Red Hot” fried chicken which claimed to set your mouth on fire.
Realistically, it truly wasn’t very spicy at all, albeit the Japanese are not big fans of spice in the same way as Korea and Thailand.
That being said, it was still crispier and slightly more flavorful than your typical original recipe chicken, so I’d call it a win!
The fries are no different from any other KFC around the world with the exception of KFC Australia which uses chicken salt instead of plain salt (one of the few things I miss about home).
Cheddar Cheese Sauce & Salsa Burger
One of the cool things about KFC Japan is their variety of sauces that you can customize any burger with.
For burgers, you can choose to add cheddar cheese sauce, hot chili sauce, or original mayo.
For twister wraps, you can choose pepper mayo, teriyaki sauce, or lemon and basil sauce (that’s three sauces we don’t have at KFC Australia!).
I tried the “Karihoku” burger which came with thick creamy cheddar cheese sauce and tangy red salsa which creates a brilliant exotic flavor dynamic.
Teriyaki Chicken Fillet
Speaking of exotic, you can go one step further with this teriyaki chicken burger which changes the game entirely.
Rather than using the standard KFC original recipe chicken fillets, it comprises a Japanese-style teriyaki chicken patty that is soft, tender, and succulent.
I’d highly recommend the teriyaki chicken burger for something unique that you won’t get in your hometown (especially if you’re from a non-Asian country).
Biscuit With Honey Maple Syrup
I usually don’t associate KFC with dessert, after all, they don’t have the same luxurious ice cream and frappé machines like McDonald’s does.
However, at KFC Japan your burger and chicken meal will come with a biscuit and honey maple syrup dessert item to create a complete set!
In addition to this unique dessert item (again, not available in the west), they also offer choco pies, melon soda, and iced coffee!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!