Tori Nanban from Okan

For some reason, the recent warm weather had me craving Tori Nanban off all things. Not sure why? So, on one of the days when I needed to go to Nijiya later than usual, I decided to stop in at Okan for lunch. Man, it had been over 4-1/2 years since I had dined in at Okan! I did do a bunch of takeout over the couple of years, but the Tori Nanban, basically chicken karaage with a pseudo tartar-ish sauce, would not, in my mind, hold up to-go, especially since the karaage didn't do well as takeout. So, I decided the time was right to grab lunch at Okan.

It was interesting, the place was empty when I arrived at 11am, though it did start to fill up as I left.

I did know what I wanted, so it was quite easy ordering.

While the Tori Nanban lunch special had gone up $3 since the last time I'd had it, for some reason $14 seemed fairly reasonable to me.

I was quite interested too see what the Chicken Nanban version 2024 was going to be like, at one time it was my favorite version in San Diego. Soon enough it arrived.

    First thing I hit was the miso soup. I was happy to note that it was flavorful and not watered down.

What was "watered down" were the side dishes. I thought that Okan, which was once known for their wonderful Kozara Ryori and sides really jumped the shark when they started giving out seaweed salad with their lunches. And on this day; it was like a teaspoon of it. Like why bother?

 But that was the only downside to this lunch as the very generous portion of rice was hot and fluffy.

And the karaage was crisp, slightly lacquered, moist, and decently seasoned. The tartar sauce, which at times had been too mayo heavy, was nicely balanced, just enough sour tones, creamy, not overly rich, and, I know this might sound strange, somewhat refreshing.

What was refreshing was how much I enjoyed this meal. I really need to start "doing the rounds again". I need to revisit places like Izakaya Masa and Yorimichi!

I also need to thank "FOY" KerriK who send me an email a while back documenting her hunt for some good Izakaya grinds. This got me thinking about all those places I missed. Thanks for inspiring me Kerri!

Wa Dining Okan
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
Lunch Served between 11am – 2pm Daily

And we'd like to wish everyone a fun and safe 4th of July! Keep cool during this heatwave!