Is Seattle's most iconic dish the result of passion or just a business?

The Man who Invented Chicken Teriyaki · 10:01 · Video: J. Kenji López-Alt · Watch at the source

In short: Meet Toshi Kasahara, the man who pioneered the Seattle-style chicken teriyaki we know today. At 76 years old, he still prepares his signature dish by hand five nights a week, offering a rare look at the origins of a regional culinary staple.

Toshi Kasahara has spent nearly 50 years grilling chicken thighs in the Seattle area, establishing a version of teriyaki that has become synonymous with the city's food culture. Despite his massive influence on the local dining scene, Kasahara rejects the idea that his work is driven by passion, insisting instead that it is simply a business.

Operating out of his shop in Mill Creek, Kasahara continues to personally trim, marinate, and grill his chicken. His story highlights the humble, labor-intensive origins of a dish that evolved from a personal venture into a regional icon.

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