Fans of KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) can rejoice at the news that they have the chance to try an exclusive Japanese-inspired menu at its one-day-only omakase pop-up. In celebration of the launch of the brand-new teriyaki burger, KFC is transforming its Waterloo location into a unique and intimate space, embodying the concept of omakase.
Omakase is a traditional Japanese style of dining. The word loosely translates as ‘I’ll leave it up to you’ - meaning that diners entrust their meal entirely to the talented hands of the chef. This is an ethos that has grown in popularity in the UK, and KFC is running with this concept to create its first ever omakase experience for fans to enjoy. An exclusive menu will be served up, hand-curated by the popular Japanese chef, Akito Greenland. Six fun dishes will be on offer, which experiment with both KFC’s crowd-favourite fried chicken and traditional Japanese flavours.
Chef Akito excitedly said: ‘I'm a big fan of KFC, so when they approached me to curate their omakase menu, I just couldn't say no! Getting the chance to fuse their most-loved menu items with authentic Japanese cuisine has been a dream come true and I can’t wait for everyone to try them!’
The playful menu starts with KFC yakitori, featuring teriyaki-glazed popcorn chicken served on a bamboo skewer, and this dish is followed by soy sauce glazed corn on the cob. KFC Karaage pairs boneless fried chicken with ponzu sauce, and the mini chicken fillet asian salad is a lighter dish, accompanied by kyurizuke (pickled cucumber) and a flavourful soy sauce dressing. A larger dish consists of mini chicken fillet nigiri - bite-sized, crispy sushi rice adorned with a slice of KFC mini fillet, glazed with wasabi-infused buttermilk mayo and garnished with spring onions. But the star of the show, the finale, is the teriyaki burger, which is the ideal round-off for this finger lickin’ feast.
The limited omakase menu and experience is available only on Friday August 4. The £11 tickets go on sale from 31 July, and 100% of the proceeds will go towards the KFC Youth Foundation. Those who are able to snag a reservation can enjoy the exclusive transformed restaurant, which will boast a cool Japanese-inspired interior, with elegant high chairs, and a cosy chef’s Colonel’s table, for just one day only.
Fried chicken fans don’t fear! Even if you can’t manage to get a ticket, the teriyaki burger and bites are available in all KFC stores until 3 September.
Fancy some more fried chicken in the capital? Then check out our round-up of the best fried chicken joints in London.