Secret Menu: Nikkei’s "Dark" Secret Is a Blackened Fried Chicken

(SPOT.ph) Nikkei is known for its fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors—and it translates with dishes like their Pollo Saltado Donburi: charcoal-frilled chicken teriyaki served with sauteed vegerables and runny egg; Seared Tuna with Sea Urchin Risotto: tuna steak, uni, and enoki lying on top of shiitake mushroom risotto; and the newest addition to their menu: the Black Karaage.

For the SPOT.ph x Esquire Secret Menu, a series of off-the-menu dishes from top Makati restaurants and cafés, Nikkei’s Rockwell branch and Nikkei Nama in Legazpi Village introduce a new way to enjoy Japanese karaage but with Peruvian touches.

Also read: The Secret Menu Is Back with More Hidden Eats in Makati City

Nikkei’s (literal) darkest secret is a new chicken karaage

At first glance, Nikkei's new Black Karaage (P480) looks like a deep-fried kitchen experiment gone wrong—like someone left it in the fryer too long and decided to serve it anyway. But rest assured, the blackness of it all is entirely intentional. This crispy chicken dish gets its dramatic color from a batter mixed with activated charcoal. And while charcoal may not bring much in the way of flavor, it certainly delivers in being eye-catching.

But the blackness of it all isn't the only thing that makes Nikkei's Black Karaage Secret Menu-worthy. The thing that sets this karaage apart from all the other Japanese restaurants serving this unassuming dish is that Nikkei uses cage-free chicken—the kind that lives a relatively stress-free life. You know, the kind of existence we all aspire to. Maybe one day.

Before you think this was purely done for animal welfare, there is most definitely a huge difference in taste. The meat is noticeably juicier and more tender, creating a perfect contrast to its crispy coating. Honestly, it’s so good on its own that the accompanying Truffle Aioli feels almost unnecessary, but if you’re a truffle lover, by all means, have at it to the very last drop.

Now, what makes this dish distinctly Peruvian? Nope, it's not the charcoal. Peruvian cuisine is all about bold flavors, which you'll get from the tart aioli dip and the Tokyo Slaw it's served with. There's also heat that mildly sneaks in through a special kind of dried chili, which you might mistake for saffron garnish at first.

As for how to enjoy Nikkei's Black Karaage? You can pair it with an ice-cold beer for a classic bar snack experience, or you can just be very Filipino with it and order it with rice. You can go with a bowl of Chahan or Gohan; either way, expect to wipe your plate clean.

You only have until April 29 to try Nikkei's Black Karaage and other Secret Menu items from participating establishments. Don’t forget to tag us on socials (@spotph), and use the hashtags #SpotTheSecretMenu #EsquireSecretMenu #UnionbankSecretMenu when you post! Read more about the SPOT.ph x Esquire Secret Menu.

Nikkei is at G/F One Rockwell East Tower, Makati City. Nikkei Nama is at Frabelle Business Center, 111 Rada Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City. For more information, check out Nikkei's Facebook page.

UPDATE (April 3, 11:29 a.m.): The branches where the dish is available has been specified.

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