The chefs at Tenkatori are masters of karaage, Michelangelos of the chicken-fry arts. The Costa Mesa location is new to OC, opened about a month ago, but the chain landed in Gardena earlier this year with a story that started in Oita, Japan, circa 1962. And though nearly every ramen shop in Costa Mesa already makes excellent karaage as side dishes, Tenkatori's specimens are a different species altogether. Every piece of karaage is cooked to order.
Although I've seen customers order a big box of karaage and eat it plain, the best way to enjoy Tenkatori's karaage is to take advantage of the generously portioned bento boxes, which are immaculately constructed despite the Styrofoam container. For every bento, you choose a main protein from a list of different karaages, teriyaki chicken, or stir-fried strips of beef called “BBQ.” Included are plenty of rice and a miso soup, and then a choice of either two more karaage, two mashed-potato croquettes or a serving of tempura. But the box doesn't end there: There are still two rolls to pick from and a brisk salad or steamed vegetables that features perfectly crisp yet tender broccoli, carrots and baby corn.
They're almost way too much food for the-less-than-$10 price levied. Almost.
The List:
30. Pork Belly Bites at Coastal Kitchen
31. Pizza Omelet at Old Vine Cafe
32. Gorgonzola Bacon Burger at Zov's
33. Falafel Taco at Falasophy
34. $10.95 Lunch Special at Istanbul Grill
35. Aporreadillo at El Picante
36: The Big Mike at C4 Deli
37. Crab Jalapeños from Carmelita's Kitchen
38. Combo Plate at Punjabi Tandoor
39. Crepe Cakes at TeaArias
40. Bacon and Eggs at Break of Dawn
41. Combo Platter from The Halal Guys
42. Sunflower Salad from PIE-NOT
43. Watermelon Salad from Barley Forge Brewing Company
44. Breakfast Burrito from Pedro's Tacos
45. Salmon Toast from Haven Gastropub
46. Croque Madame Sandwich at Café Beau Soleil
47. Dean's Thai Curry Chicken Pizza
48. Aguas Frescas at Mar and Terra
49. Bocatas at Olé! Spain Delishop
50. Pan Con Pollo at El Divino Salvador Del Mundo
51. Tacos al Vapor at Tito's La Especial
52. Knafeh at Knafeh Cafe
53. Yakiudon Nikkei at Aji Limon
54. Yakitori at Electric City Butcher
55. Tsukemen at Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai
56. Ten Zaru Soba at Tanakaya
57. Pink Cloud Sandwich at Alicia's Cookery
58. Homemade Super Nachos at Taqueria Los Santos
59. Strawberry Banana Croissant at Cream Pan
60. Pla Duk Phat Phet at Vientiane Thai Laos Restaurant
61. Risotto Con Burrata at Taverna
62. Pineapple Float at Jollibee
63. Szechuan Fries at Wok N Tandoor
64. Banh Xeo at Quan Mii
65. Chanko Nabe at
66. Hamshuka from Hummus Bowl
67. The Reuben at A Market
68. Everything Cake from Slice Deli And Cakery
69. Spicy Shrimp And Eggplant from Brio Tuscan Grille
70. Crawfish Mac & Cheese from The Wharf
71. Malasadas from Dough Doughs Hawaiian Cafe
72. Salsas from Salsa Bandolera
73. Chorizo Breakfast Bagel at
74. Whole Chicken Combo at
75. Toothpick Lamb at Sichuan Impression
76. Hainan Chicken Rice at
77. Fruit- and Ice Cream-Topped Waffles at Crave
78. Garlic Shrimp Poke at Costco
79. Chimichurri Fries at
80. Torta Cubana at Cancun Juice
81. Adobo Bowl at
82. Garlic Noodles at Krave Asian Fusion
83. Broccolini at SeaSalt WoodFire Grill
84. Spicy Tuna Roll at Yard House
85. Amber Roll at Orange Roll and Sushi
86. Frito Chili Cheeseburger at Burger Parlor
87. Maui Sunrise at The Original Banzai Bowls
88. Meals from The Performance Kitchen
89. Pizza-Sized Quesadilla at Los Sanchez
90. Filipino Brunch at EATS Kitchen And Bar
91. Mexican Chocolate at the Pie Hole
92. Biscuits at
93. Mushroom Flatbread with Kale and Kumquat Salad at Lemonade
94. Mexican-Style Gelatins from Santa Ana's
95. Hot Pastrami Caesar Salad at Bruxie
96. Jalapeño Pupusas at Las Cazuelas
97. Meatball Sliders at Fresh Brothers
98. Buffalo Cauliflower at Mead's Green Door Cafe
99. Raindrop Cake at
100. Doughrito at Surfin' Donuts
Before becoming an award-winning restaurant critic for OC Weekly in 2007, Edwin Goei went by the alias “elmomonster” on his blog Monster Munching, in which he once wrote a whole review in haiku.