Kyoto, Japan｜Chicken Village

My wife and I (Americans) have a tradition of eating Mexican food every time we go abroad. It's an experience often laced with humor, especially in places like Germany or Scotland, which we hold dear but let's face it, they're not exactly renowned for their prowess in crafting authentic Mexican cuisine. There's an undeniable mystique to Latin gastronomy that remains elusive to many regions. Now, let me clarify, Chicken Village may not attain the level of perfection if you're looking for a recreation of Mexican food, but it certainly clasps the coveted "dang good" badge – a rare accolade for a Mexican restaurant beyond the Americas. They do throw in a few curveballs (cream cheese on a chicken tinga taco or a quesadilla with cream cheese and gorgonzola, anyone?), but where it truly matters, they triumph – the food tastes excellent. We started with chips and guacamole and both were wonderful. The chips were rather small, but I believe they were homemade and you can't fault the taste. The guacamole, a seemingly simple concoction, was delivered with precision, a feat that has eluded countless others in our travels. Next came the fried chicken, a wing for both me and my wife. The taste was a very familiar flavor, but neither of us could identify it. It doesn't matter. Just do yourself a favor and order it. Finally came the tacos, a platter of three: ahi tuna on a crispy hard shell, pulled pork and beef on soft shells. The tuna was a fusion of cultures having been marinated in soy sauce but served as a tostada. Both the pork and beef tacos were approximately what you could expect. Personally, I found myself favoring the pulled pork, but really, you can't go wrong with any of these gems. The ambiance at Chicken Village is an ode to coziness, a small nook with just a handful of barstools and a scattering of tables, yet it harmonizes beautifully with the culinary journey it offers. If you're abroad and craving Mexican food or if you're a poor Scottish traveler who has never had a real taco, give this place a shot. You won't regret it.

Amazing restaurant with good vibe! Staff are nice and friendly. We tried the tuna taco, such fusion tastes fresh and stunning! Their fried chicken is both crispy and juicy. Finally the mojito refreshes us. Enjoyed a late supper here🥰

This was a small restaurant but was super hip and had modern vibes. I felt comfortable coming here and was able to feel like myself.. 90s hip hop music was playing and skate boarding on the TV. We ordered tacos, chili cheese fries and some dips. If you are missing some western food but want a twist on some Mexican dishes then check it out. I’m from Phoenix AZ so the tacos are different but this was fun to try and the gauc was fresh! The customer service was top notch and want to go again for lunch tomorrow!