Kagawa Bone-in Chicken (Honetsuki-dori)

The absolute best honetsuki-dori is found at Ikkaku, the restaurant credited with inventing the dish in the 1950s and maintaining the original recipe and preparation methods across three generations. Located in Takamatsu's Kawaramachi district, Ikkaku operates on a first-come, first-served basis and routinely develops queues by 5:30 PM on weekends. Arriving at opening time (5 PM) or visiting on weekdays improves your chances of avoiding long waits. The restaurant's no-frills atmosphere with counter seating and simple wooden tables puts complete focus on the food. Order both oya-dori (mature chicken) and hina-dori (young chicken) to compare the distinctive textures and flavors, with oya-dori offering more chew and intensity while hina-dori provides tenderness. The chicken is grilled to order, requiring 15-20 minutes of cooking time, so be prepared for a wait after ordering as they refuse to compromise quality with pre-cooking. The ideal accompaniment is cold beer or highball, with most diners ordering multiple rounds to match the chicken's salty, garlicky richness. Don't be shy about eating with your hands, as this is the accepted and encouraged method. Small wet towels are provided for cleanup. The cast iron serving plate retains intense heat, so exercise caution when handling. After finishing the meat, locals often order extra rice and pour it onto the serving plate, mixing it with the remaining chicken fat and crispy bits for an impromptu chicken rice that wastes nothing. Alternative excellent honetsuki-dori destinations include Itori and Ogawa no Akari, each with slightly different seasoning approaches and atmospheres. The dish pairs excellently with Kagawa's local sake, and several honetsuki-dori restaurants maintain impressive sake selections. For those seeking the complete Kagawa culinary experience, combine honetsuki-dori dinner with daytime Sanuki udon meals, creating a comprehensive survey of the prefecture's most distinctive foods. The dish is particularly satisfying after physical activities like climbing Kotohira Shrine or cycling around Shodoshima Island, when appetite is hearty and the protein-rich chicken provides welcome sustenance.