Recommended Lunch in Kitsuki: Savor Oita’s Iconic Tori-Ten Set Meal at Yokokutei!

When it comes to Oita’s signature dishes, “Toriten” (chicken tempura) is a must-try! This dish features juicy chicken wrapped in a light, crispy tempura batter, served with ponzu, soy sauce, or tempura dipping sauce, often accompanied by mustard as a condiment. Although it resembles fried chicken, toriten is unique due to its tempura-style coating, giving it a delightfully light and crispy texture. I recently had the chance to enjoy this Oita specialty at Yokokutei Kitsuki, a local favorite.

Yokokutei: A Beloved Local Ramen Restaurant Serving Oita’s Famous Toriten

Located in Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture, Yokokutei Kitsuki is a cozy ramen restaurant loved by locals. In addition to ramen, they offer a variety of dishes, including champon (a noodle soup dish), fried foods, and stir-fried set meals. After moving to Oita, I realized I had yet to try its famous local cuisine, so I decided to order their highly-rated Toriten Set Meal. With its generous portions and satisfying flavors, this dish did not disappoint. In this article, I’ll share my firsthand experience at Yokokutei.

Interestingly, Yokokutei also has a branch in Hiji Town, Oita Prefecture. The owner of the Kitsuki location originally trained at the Hiji branch before opening this restaurant as a norenwake (a traditional business split-off). While both locations share similarities in menu and flavors, the Kitsuki branch has developed its own unique character.

A Standout Restaurant Offering Great Food at Affordable Prices

Since Kitsuki’s castle town area is a popular tourist destination, many restaurants in the area cater to visitors with higher price points. However, Yokokutei Kitsuki is slightly outside the main tourist zone, offering delicious food at budget-friendly prices, making it a go-to spot for locals.

When I visited during lunchtime, I noticed that the owner manages the restaurant single-handedly, yet the atmosphere remained warm and welcoming. According to online reviews and Google ratings, the restaurant tends to get crowded around noon, so I decided to arrive a little earlier, just before 12:00 PM, to avoid the rush.

Upon entering, I found a ticket vending machine where I placed my order and paid in cash. While all the menu items looked tempting, I opted for the Toriten Set Meal (900 yen). The machine issued a meal ticket along with a receipt containing my order number. I handed over my ticket, took a seat, and helped myself to self-service water.

The Impressive Volume and Flavor of the Toriten Set Meal

The first thing that caught my attention was the generous portion size! The Toriten Set Meal (900 yen) features an ample serving of Oita’s famous toriten, made with tender chicken thigh meat. The exterior is crispy, while the inside remains juicy and flavorful. One unique preparation technique involves soaking the chicken in water and massaging it before marinating, which helps achieve its tender texture. With such a substantial serving, this meal is incredibly satisfying.

Additionally, Yokokutei provides self-service water, rice, and soup, allowing diners to enjoy their meal at their own pace. Since refills are not available, it’s best to serve yourself a generous portion from the start.

A Popular Restaurant Worth the Wait!

Yokokutei is a popular spot, especially during lunchtime when it can get crowded, so I recommend visiting during earlier hours. When I went, I arrived before lunch, and was able to enjoy my meal with little to no wait. After handing in my ticket, the Tori-Ten set meal was served in about 10 minutes, and I was ready to dig in. By the time I finished my meal, about 10 other customers had entered the restaurant. I was impressed when the owner kindly informed the new arrivals that there might be a delay in service. This thoughtful communication with customers is a hallmark of such a popular place.

On weekdays, the restaurant gets extremely busy after 12:00 PM, so visiting around 11:00 AM or during dinner hours is the best way to avoid long waits.

Restaurant Information

Conclusion

At Yokokutei Kitsuki, you can savor the authentic flavors of Oita’s famous toriten, with its crispy texture and rich, juicy taste. This affordable, locally beloved restaurant is a solid choice for a meal in Kitsuki. While lunchtime can get busy, the wait is well worth it! Given the great reputation of their ramen and champon, I’m already looking forward to trying their noodle dishes on my next visit. If you’re in Kitsuki, don’t miss the chance to dine at Yokokutei!