Karaage is Japanese fried chicken. It comes in many different shapes, sizes, and forms.

It is now being served at Karayama in Little Tokyo, at the first and only location of the Japanese chain in the United States.

The popular franchise brought the traditional dishes and distinct menu straight from Japan to Los Angeles.

“Our signature sauces, marinades, are also imported straight from Japan. It is the same experience you would get there,” said Sky Whitehead, CEO of Karayama USA.

It all started in Tokyo and expanded to 60 locations all over Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Whitehead was happy to test it right here in Los Angeles.

“L.A. is at the forefront of a lot of what’s happening in the U.S., in terms of the food scene. It’s a melting pot, a mixing bowl as it were,” said Whitehead.

Whitehead is no stranger to Japanese culture. Back in high school he was an exchange student and even studied at a Japanese college.

Karayama is something mostly everyone can relate to. Whitehead says its fried chicken.

“Besides vegetarians I feel like fried chicken is a universal item that almost everybody loves,” says Whitehead.

Karayama offers different styles of karaage from bowls to wings and more.

Karayama

136 S Central Ave.

Los Angeles, CA. 90012