As far as comfort foods go, fried chicken is one of the most universally popular, with the dish appearing in many cultures around the world. In the United States, fried chicken is synonymous with the South, so you might be surprised to learn that the fried chicken capital of the world isn’t in the South or even the United States.

In Nakatsu, Japan, fried chicken is a way of life, and the dish has been served there since as early as the 1600s when a beloved dish called karaage emerged. However, it wasn't until WWII that the modern version of karaage emerged as a way for Japanese citizens to feed their families without breaking the bank.

Today, karaage is made with chicken thighs or breasts cut into chunks and marinated in soy sauce, onion, garlic, and other secret ingredients before it is lightly breaded and fried. Nakatsu is home to nearly 50 karaage shops, and once a year they put their chicken to the test in the Karaage Grand Prix, which determines the best karaage in Japan.