Enjoying a local specialty of central Shikoku: the giant fried chicken leg at Iyo Banri

Self-Guided 10 Days, 9 Nights Road Trip in Shikoku: Evening of Day 2.After spending the afternoon playing and taking photos at Chichibugahama Beach, we were ready to settle in for the night at Hotel Route-Inn in Ehime Prefecture. Not far from the hotel is the famous Iyo Banri – Kawanoe Main Store (伊予万里　川之江本店) in Shikokuchuo City, known for its specialty: giant fried chicken legs. The drive from Chichibugahama Beach took about 30 minutes. Luckily, the restaurant has a spacious parking lot, so we parked the car and walked to the entrance.

It was dinner time, so we waited outside for a table. Soon, the staff guided us to a private tatami room. After taking off our shoes, we were able to enjoy a comfortable dining experience. Plates, wet towels, and small appetizers were thoughtfully prepared for us.

After browsing the menu, we decided to order fried chicken, chicken legs, and an offal hotpot. However, we skipped alcoholic drinks like beer since we planned to drive afterward—no drinking and driving for us!

Once we ordered, cold water was served, and the first dish arrived quickly: a Caesar salad with crispy potatoes and bacon. It was delicious, and since it’s rare to find many vegetables in Japan, this dish was a must-have for us. Soon after, fried tofu was served. The tofu, immersed in a flavorful broth, had a rich and distinctly Japanese taste.

Of course, rice and side dishes like pickled mustard greens were essential parts of the meal. Before long, the restaurant’s most famous dishes—the fried chicken and bone-in chicken wings—were served. Paired with drinks, they were perfect.

Finally, the star of the meal arrived: the giant fried chicken leg, also known as the “Agedashi Chicken,” the signature dish of Iyo Banri – Kawanoe Main Store. It was enormous! Are the chickens here just naturally bigger? Our family of three slowly enjoyed the massive chicken leg.

Despite all the food, we were still a little hungry. So, we ordered the offal hotpot, which included tofu, cabbage, bean sprouts, garlic chives, and garlic. After finishing this hearty dish, our cravings were fully satisfied for the day.