Awaodori chicken (Awaodori-dori) is Tokushima’s celebrated brand of jidori — premium free-range chicken raised to high standards for superior flavour and texture. Named after the prefecture’s famous dance, the birds are raised with room to move and a longer growing period, giving meat that is firm, richly flavoured and less fatty than mass-produced chicken, with a satisfying bite. It is prized across a range of dishes: grilled over charcoal (yakitori and whole cuts), simmered in a rich hotpot (mizutaki or sukiyaki-style), served as tataki or even sashimi where freshness allows, and in rice dishes. For those who appreciate good poultry, seeking out Awaodori chicken at a specialist restaurant is a delicious way to taste Tokushima’s quality local produce beyond its famous citrus and seafood.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Throughout Tokushima |
| Hours | Restaurant hours; dinner popular |
| Admission | Varies by dish |
| Time needed | A meal |
| Best time | Year-round |
What to Try
- Firm, flavourful Awaodori free-range chicken.
- Charcoal-grilled yakitori and whole cuts.
- Rich chicken hotpot (mizutaki or sukiyaki-style).
- Chicken tataki, sashimi and rice dishes.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Tokushima ramen in the city.
- Pair with sudachi citrus squeezed over it.
- Read our Tokushima overview .
Getting There
- Across Tokushima: poultry and izakaya restaurants.
- In the city: specialist Awaodori chicken restaurants.
Tips
Try Awaodori chicken charcoal-grilled to taste its firm texture and rich flavour, or in a hotpot for a warming shared meal, at a specialist restaurant that features the brand. Squeeze sudachi over grilled cuts to brighten them, note that quality jidori has more bite than ordinary chicken, and enjoy it as a proud local speciality.
