Restaurant Toyoken

This Chinese restaurant boasts a history of nearly 100 years and remains a beloved dining spot in Oita. On both weekends and weekdays, it draws large crowds, often filling up as soon as it opens.

The restaurant’s first head chef, Shiro Miyamoto, was a highly skilled craftsman who once served as an imperial chef for the Emperor of Japan. He is also credited with creating "Toriten" shortly after the restaurant was founded, earning him legendary status.

The original Toriten recipe involves slicing high-quality domestic chicken thigh into thin pieces, marinating it in a special blend of seasonings, coating it in a batter with egg, and deep-frying it at precisely 165–170°C. While the process may seem simple, it masterfully combines the frying techniques of classic Chinese-style karaage with the light, crispy texture of Japanese tempura. The result is a uniquely flavorful dish that is crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside—a sensation that quickly became a hit.

As the birthplace of Toriten, the restaurant has earned nationwide recognition. Many chefs who trained here have gone on to open their own establishments, further spreading the dish’s popularity. Today, Toriten is deeply rooted in Oita’s culinary culture and is cherished as a soul food of the region.

Toriten is seasoned perfectly on its own, but it can also be enjoyed with a squeeze of locally grown kabosu citrus or dipped in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar and mustard for an added burst of flavor.