Itcho 弌鳥 @ Toranomon

Nagoya is famous for their chicken and a thriving poultry industry. As a result many restaurants specialising in chicken cuisine come from Nagoya.

Nagoya Cochin 名古屋コーチン, along with Akita Hinai-jidori 比内地鶏 and Satsuma Shamo 薩摩鶏, is one of the top three chicken varieties in Japan. The term jidori 地雞 does not correspond to a specific region of Japan. Instead, the term roughly translates to “from the ground.” Jidori chicken refers to a type of mixed-breed domestic free-range chicken known for its robust flavor.

It was born in 1905, and it is a breed made by crossing Chinese chickens called “Baffcochin” 「バフコーチン」and local chickens that have been raised around Nagoya. Nagoya Cochin was certified as the first domestic practical breed and has been active with the development of the poultry industry from the Meiji period to the 30’s Showa period.

In the evening, Itcho 弌鳥 transformed to a high-end yakitori restaurant. But during the lunch hours, they serve affordable set lunches, like this signature Supreme Nagoya Cochin Oyakodon 極上名古屋コーチン親子丼（小鉢・サラダ・汁物・香物付）that comes complete with a small appetiser, a chopped cabbage salad that is typically provided with chicken dishes with a dash of vinaigrette dressing, miso soup (refillable) and konomono (pickles).

The meat quality of Nagoya Cochin is elastic and has robust, rich taste. It is a versatile chicken that goes well with various dishes such as yakitori and miso hot pot. Only the skin of the thigh meat was grilled with charcoal and topped with Nagoya Cochin eggs.

A direct translation of 親子丼 Oyakodon is “parent and child rice bowl”. It’s a poetic nod to the fact that both chicken and egg are the star ingredients of this classic Japanese donburi recipe. The chicken thigh was smokey and delicious, slightly undercook because it can be so for these high quality chicken to enjoy the amazing texture. The rice used is domestic Japanese rice which has a higher starch content and cooked in a clay pot for that perfect doneness.

For a little extra, you can add a side dish. I wanted their chicken wings, but that was sold out, so we settled for the chicken karaage, which was also delicious.

Although I classified this meal as simple, but this restaurant can give more than what we are expecting. Given the quality and flavours of the simple lunch that we had, I would definitely return to try their yakitori and other chicken dishes.

Nagoya Cochin Itcho Toranomon 名古屋コーチン 弌鳥 虎ノ門
東京都港区虎ノ門5-3-3
Tel : +81 (03) 6452-8808

Visited Jan 2025