Hokkaido is home to a lot of delicious gourmet foods, one of which is Zangi.

Zangi, which is popular among children and adults alike, is often found on local dining tables.

This time, we will explain the characteristics and origins of Zangi, a popular local dish from Hokkaido, as well as how to eat it deliciously.

What is Hokkaido Zangi?

Zangi is one of the beloved local dishes of Hokkaido. It generally refers to a fried dish made with chicken, and is characterized by its strong flavor compared to fried chicken.

Zangi is often made as a side dish at home and is often served at ceremonies and events. In Hokkaido, there are two types: bone-in and boneless, and recently many restaurants have been serving boneless zangi.

Its greatest appeal is the crispy batter and the plump, juicy chicken, and it is not only popular on restaurant menus, but also as a popular item in bento boxes and as a take-out item.

Origin and History of Zangi

Zangi was created around 1955.
It is said that it started at a chicken restaurant in the entertainment district of Kushiro City, where they cut up a whole chicken into chunks and deep-fried it.

There are various theories about the origin of the name, including that in Chinese cuisine, fried chicken is called "za chi" (zha gi), and that the letter "n" was added in between the words to bring good luck, resulting in the name "zangi."

Zangi is said to have originated in Kushiro City, Hokkaido, and is often found at food fairs and festival stalls.

How to make Zangi

It is said that the way Zangi is made is similar to fried chicken, but the flavor changes depending on each restaurant's unique preparation methods and seasoning combinations, making it a dish that allows you to enjoy a wide variety of delicious flavors.

The dish is characterized by the fact that chicken cut into bite-sized pieces is marinated in soy sauce, sake, ginger, garlic, etc. and left for over an hour to allow the flavors to soak in. The seasoned chicken is then evenly coated with flour or potato starch and deep-fried until golden brown.

Some restaurants may deep fry the food twice or three times at different oil temperatures, or add egg to the batter to make it fluffy.

How to eat Zangi deliciously

The large zangi are as big as a fist and are so delicious you'll want to bite into them. At the original store, they are served with a spicy special sauce called zantare.

It goes well with alcoholic beverages, and depending on the restaurant, you can choose from sweet sauces with pepper, soy sauce, salt, tartar sauce, cheese, or even non-chicken dishes like whale zangi and octopus zangi. There is also a luxurious lunch menu with several types of zangi, including chicken thighs, chicken breasts, and chicken wings, so if you visit Hokkaido, be sure to find your favorite dish.

If you're taking it out, you can restore the crispy coating by heating it in the toaster or oven for about 2 minutes.

Tourist spots in Kushiro, Hokkaido

After eating Zangi, why not join us for some sightseeing?

Kushiro City, located in the eastern part of Hokkaido, is a thriving port town with delicious seafood. There are two national parks, "Kushiro Marsh" and "Akan Mashu", where you can encounter precious flora and fauna, including the special monuments "Red-crowned Crane" and "Lake Akan's Marimo".

We've picked out some recommended tourist spots that are packed with the charm of Kushiro, so be sure to check them out.

"Kushiro Marsh"

The Kushiro Marsh boasts an area of 28,788 hectares and is said to be the largest marsh in Japan.

Registered under the Ramsar Convention, this is a precious spot where you can see a unique ecosystem. Its main feature is that you can see endangered animals such as the Japanese Crane, a special natural monument, the northern salamander, the Hucho, and the Ezo Kaoshiro Damselfly. The Kushiro City Marsh Observatory has a 2.5km walking trail around it, which is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

From the rooftop observation deck, you can see a magnificent panorama of the vibrant green marshland and the city of Kushiro, a view that really gives you a sense of the grandeur of nature.

"Lake Akan Ainu Kotan"

Kotan is an Ainu word meaning "village."
Ainu people still live in Lake Akan Ainu Kotan today. There are facilities such as "Ikor (Lake Akan Ainu Theater)" where you can see Ainu traditional dance, which is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and "Ainu Life Memorial Hall Onnecise" where Ainu daily utensils and folk tools are exhibited.

You can fully experience the lifestyle and culture of the Ainu people, purchase traditional crafts at souvenir shops, and enjoy authentic Ainu cuisine.

"Kushiro City Red-crowned Crane Nature Park"

Kushiro City Red-crowned Crane Nature Park is the world's first natural park for red-crowned cranes, and was the site of the world's first successful artificial hatching of red-crowned cranes in 1970.

In addition to being able to observe the cranes being raised in conditions close to nature, you can also observe the precious process of raising their young, which sometimes occurs between April and June. Wild cranes also arrive between December and April, and their adorable calls to each other and frolicking with their wings spread out will make you want to take pictures.

It is conveniently located about a 10-minute drive from Tancho Kushiro Airport, and we also recommend traveling by rental car.

Access to Hokkaido

When traveling to Hokkaido, the vast northern land, we recommend first flying to the airport closest to your destination.

Hokkaido has over 10 airports, and you can travel by Shinkansen or car after arriving. It takes about an hour and a half from Haneda Airport to Tancho Kushiro Airport, and about four hours by train from Sapporo.

One of the attractions of traveling to Hokkaido is that you can choose your travel plan and travel around while enjoying the surrounding scenery. Enjoy your trip to Hokkaido with Zangi.

Location of Kushiro City, Hokkaido

summary

This time we introduced the local Hokkaido gourmet dish "Zangi".
Zangi is a heartwarming dish that is indispensable to the Hokkaido dining table, and can be enjoyed in any way you like, such as by topping the juicy, satisfying fried chicken with a special sauce or your favorite seasonings.

Be sure to try the specialty dishes offered at izakayas and specialty restaurants.

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