Now Open: Tokyo Fried Chicken Co. in Monterey Park

Just when you thought the Southern restaurant trend had jumped the shark, someone comes up with a Southern-Japanese hybrid fried chicken joint and everything seems right with the world once more. Tokyo Fried Chicken Co. had its soft opening recently in Monterey Park, and will be holding its grand opening over Labor Day weekend.

The restaurant's namesake dish, the fried chicken, is similar to Japanese karaage chicken, flavored with soy, ginger and garlic, but is also Southern-inspired in its style of batter and fry, as well as being served with honey. It's served as a chicken dinner set for $12.50 per person, with one side, chicken rice and house-pickled ginger cabbage.

Many of the sides also riff on the Southern-Japanese theme, like curry creamed corn, and collards braised in dashi. There are others that just sound plain fun, like miso ratatouille. And, of course, there's mac and cheese.

The restaurant serves a number of local and craft beers, and for the grand opening weekend they'll be serving drink specials: $5 large Asahis, $5 Fresh Fruit Shochu cocktails and $5 off 720ml of Mu Sake.

The interior of Tokyo Fried Chicken Co.; Credit: Courtesy Tokyo Fried Chicken Co.

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