Claire Thompson
Chicken is a staple food item offered at food courts in malls across America. The most commonly handed-out chicken variety in malls is chicken teriyaki, which is often served as free samples to customers. This dish is typically prepared with chicken, mirin, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, sesame oil, and cornstarch, and is cooked on a large griddle or flat-top grill. The chicken is usually served with rice in a Styrofoam container, and the sauce is thick and sticky. This classic mall food has become a familiar comfort food for many, evoking a sense of nostalgia and providing a quick and convenient meal option during a busy day of shopping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Chicken Teriyaki |
| Type of chicken | Dark meat chicken |
| Sauce | Sticky, sweet sauce |
| Served with | Rice |
| Served by | Japanese restaurants |
| Served on | Toothpicks, styrofoam plates, plastic trays |
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What You'll Learn
Teriyaki chicken samples
The process of making chicken teriyaki usually involves marinating the chicken in a blend of soy sauce, sugar, mirin, oil, ginger, garlic, and water. The cornstarch is often added to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy texture. The chicken is then cooked, typically by grilling or broiling, until it is charred and cooked through. After cooking, the chicken is usually cut into bite-sized pieces and served on toothpicks, with a small plate or basket for the used toothpicks.
The employees offering these samples are often dressed in a tall hat and red apron, and the dish is commonly associated with the chain Sarku Japan. Teriyaki chicken holds a nostalgic value for many, reminding them of their childhood or college days. It is a quick, tasty, and saucy dish that is perfect for grabbing a bite while shopping or hanging out at the mall.
While teriyaki chicken is a popular sample option, malls with food courts often have a variety of chicken dishes available, including New Orleans-style bourbon chicken and offerings from non-Asian restaurants. These food courts provide a range of choices to cater to different tastes and preferences.
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Japanese food court stalls
Teriyaki chicken is the most commonly handed-out chicken at malls. Japanese food is a popular offering at mall food courts, with teriyaki chicken samples being used to lure customers.
Japanese food stalls, known as yatai, are an integral part of Japan's street food scene. These small, mobile food stalls, literally translated as "shop stands", first appeared in the 17th century but became widespread in the Meiji period (1868-1912). Yatai are typically wooden carts on wheels, equipped with kitchen appliances and seating, and are set up in the early evening on walkways, serving customers until late at night or early morning.
Yatai serve a variety of traditional Japanese dishes, including ramen, gyoza (Japanese dumplings), tempura, mochi rice cakes, yakiniku grilled meats, and takoyaki. Fukuoka is particularly famous for its yatai stalls, with the two main areas of Tenjin and Nakasu boasting a high concentration of these street food temples.
The charm of yatai lies not only in the delicious food but also in the close-knit atmosphere they create. The cramped quarters encourage good conversation with neighbours, and the temporary nature of these stalls adds to their allure. While yatai have faced regulations due to health concerns, they remain a beloved and iconic part of Japanese culture, with a rich history dating back centuries.
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Chicken as a mall staple
Chicken is a ubiquitous offering at malls across America, with chicken teriyaki being a particular favourite. This classic mall food court dish is often served as free samples to entice hungry shoppers. The chicken is cooked on a large flat-top griddle, seared quickly at high heat, and served with fluffy white rice in a styrofoam container. It's a far cry from the refinement of Japanese cuisine, but it's a tasty and convenient option for many.
The origin of mall chicken teriyaki can be traced back to Sarku Japan, a chain of Japanese restaurants found in many malls across the country. Their signature dish, chicken teriyaki, became a huge hit, with people lining up to get their fix. Over time, other vendors started offering similar dishes, and chicken teriyaki became a staple of mall food courts.
The appeal of mall chicken is multifaceted. Firstly, it's convenient. Malls are one-stop shops for all your needs, and having a hot meal readily available adds to the convenience. Secondly, it's familiar. Chicken teriyaki is a dish that many people know and love, and it provides a sense of comfort and safety. The open kitchen concept also adds to this, allowing diners to see their food being prepared.
For many, mall chicken holds a sense of nostalgia. It might remind them of their childhood, when a bite of chicken teriyaki was a treat offered by a nameless stranger. It's a taste of home, a familiar comfort in the midst of a busy shopping trip.
While mall chicken may not be the most gourmet dish, it has certainly earned its place as a mall staple. It's a testament to the power of convenience, familiarity, and taste—a combination that keeps shoppers coming back for more. So, next time you find yourself at the mall, don't be surprised if you end up joining the line for that familiar plate of chicken teriyaki.
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Chicken teriyaki recipes
Teriyaki chicken is a popular dish at malls in the US, with several sources noting that it is a classic mall food court dish. The dish is typically served as a free sample by employees of Japanese restaurants in malls, with the aim of luring customers into their restaurants.
Recipe 1: Easy Teriyaki Chicken
This recipe is for an easy teriyaki chicken with a sticky sauce. It can be made in 30 minutes and does not require marination.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Cooking oil
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Cornflour
Instructions:
- Mix the teriyaki sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Start with the cornflour and gradually add the soy sauce, whisking to prevent lumps.
- Heat oil in a frying pan until very hot.
- Add the chicken and cook for about 10-15 minutes until the chicken is almost cooked through.
- Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the teriyaki sauce and cook for about 5 minutes until everything is well coated and thickened.
- Serve with mangetout, green beans, or carrots, which can be mixed into the teriyaki sauce just before serving.
Recipe 2: Teriyaki Chicken
This recipe involves sautéing bite-sized chicken breast pieces in a skillet and coating them with a teriyaki sauce.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Soy sauce
- Water
- Honey
- Brown sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Ginger
- Green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and let it brown for about 3-4 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and cook for about 3 minutes longer, until the center registers about 160 degrees.
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, water, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger in a small mixing bowl.
- Once the chicken is almost finished cooking, pour the sauce into the skillet and let it cook and simmer until thickened.
- Serve warm over brown or white rice with steamed vegetables. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Recipe 3: Easy Teriyaki Chicken
This recipe involves baking the chicken and can be made in 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Soy sauce
- Tamari or coconut aminos (optional)
Instructions:
- Slice the chicken breasts in half.
- Bake the chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Storage
Leftover chicken teriyaki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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The experience of mall chicken
The ritual of acquiring mall chicken is just as iconic as its taste. It usually begins with a ride up the escalator to the food court, where one can spot employees holding trays of toothpicked chicken samples, beckoning potential customers. The samples are often generously portioned, and it is not uncommon for people to accept multiple pieces without purchasing anything from the vendor. This practice is especially prevalent among college students, who view it as a mischievous endeavour.
For others, mall chicken holds a sense of nostalgia, reminding them of their childhood. It is a familiar sight, unremarkable yet comforting, often associated with trips to the mall with grandparents or family members. The open kitchen concept, where the chicken is cooked in front of the customers, adds to the sense of safety and familiarity.
Mall chicken has become so iconic that it has inspired home cooks to recreate it in their own kitchens. Recipes for mall chicken teriyaki have surfaced, allowing people to satisfy their cravings without even having to step foot in a mall. The dish's popularity has also led to the emergence of similar quick-serve concepts in food courts, with vendors competing to offer the most enticing samples.
Despite the lighthearted nature of the mall chicken experience, it has also sparked conversations about social dynamics and judgment. In the past, the open kitchens and familiar faces serving mall chicken provided a sense of safety and trust for customers who may have felt alienated or judged in other dining contexts.
Overall, the experience of mall chicken is a unique and memorable aspect of American mall culture. It evokes a range of emotions, from mischief to comfort, and has become a beloved part of the food court experience for many.
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Frequently asked questions
The most commonly handed-out chicken at malls is chicken teriyaki.
The chicken teriyaki at malls usually comes from Japanese restaurants.
Other types of chicken offered at malls include bourbon chicken and chicken from Le Bon Bistro.
Chicken is commonly handed out at malls as a way to lure customers and compete with other food options in the food court.
