Tebaya (New York, NY)

おいしいです！ (Yummy!)

What do you get when you cross Japanese fast food, a small, unassuming shop in the Flatiron District, and a chicken wing? Tebaya has the answer, and yes, it's in English.

I've come here a couple of times in time for the lunch special, which includes eight wings, rice, and a small salad. They make each order fresh, and you can easily see them preparing your order. The shop is quite small, with a couple of tables and a counter for seating, so don't expect a table if it's prime lunch hour.

The wings are covered in a teriyaki-type sauce, but not too heavily, with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It's about as much sauce as the Korean-style wings have, which one might end up comparing them to. The wing pieces are the forearms only, and they are fairly small. The salad, too is a bit small, but is still very tasty. When you bite into the wings, they are distinctly crunchy. The meat is just a little overcooked, but this does not take anything away from the flavor. Speaking of flavor, I would describe the sauce as peppery, salty, and with a hint of teriyaki sweetness. I would definitely classify these more as savory, and not as sweet. The rice serves to mop up the excess sauce that might have otherwise been left on the plate, and to add a little extra bulk to an otherwise light meal.

The verdict? These wings are delicious, though I wish they were bigger, and that they included the drum portions. These make a great snack, but those with heartier appetites might want to order extra if this is for a main meal. Definitely recommended.

Tebaya
144 W 19th St
New York, NY 10011
(212) 924-3335