The logical thing to do is to save my stomach space for tonkotsu ramen, but the picture of KFC’s scrumptious-looking spicy miso chicken enticed me to switch tracks. Obviously, I would try this classic recipe that is given a uniquely Japanese flair. After all, who can resist chicken that glistens with an inviting glaze?

The chicken comprises delicately thin crispy skin encasing the succulent meat. Each bite was a symphony of textures: the shattering crispness of the skin yielding to the juicy meat beneath. Its spiciness tantalised my taste buds, leaving me hankering for more.

Anyway, KFC is serious business in Japan. Thanks to a wildly successful marketing campaign, the Japanese devour KFC chicken as part of their Christmas feast on Christmas Eve. My parents-in-law have adopted this tradition. As an ex-employee of KFC, I can’t complain about this quirky custom!

Incidentally, the KFC store manager who thought of this “crazy” idea to link chicken with Christmas subsequently went on to become the CEO of KFC Japan. This goes to show that you never know the extent to which your original ideas will gain traction, so just release your ideas into the wild.