Kei chan

Amid the monjayaki spots that line Tsukishima, Kei chan is a dependable find when you want to sip a drink over hearty chicken dishes. Heading down the basement stairs reveals an unpretentious izakaya where neighborhood locals and drinking parties mingle with equal ease.

A natural first order is the house-specialty keichan-yaki highlighted on the sign. The kitchen also prepares Akitakata-yaki, a fragrant Hiroshima regional specialty featuring mochi, served in its traditional style as well as Western-inspired arrangements that bring variety to the table.

For a lighter take on chicken, crisp kushi-katsu skewers fried in thin batter and umami-rich shio-koji fried chicken are standout choices. The fried chicken comes in variations such as basil, cheese, and sweet-and-spicy, making it easy to tailor orders to party size and individual tastes.

Despite focusing on poultry, the restaurant also stands out for Western-style options like carbonara and a cheese gratin layered with roast chicken, mushrooms, and spinach. Bottled beer and wine are available alongside various lemon sours and Hoppy sets, giving diners plenty of room to graze on small plates at their own pace.