An alternate way of writing kara-age is 唐揚げ.
The first kanji, 唐, means “Tang Dynasty” or “China,” suggesting that kara-age originated in China. A quick Internet perusal reflects that other people have sensed this possibility, as well, but no one seems to know for sure.
Maybe it’s like Maryland Chicken. I grew up in Maryland, and only after I left the United States did I hear of a dish called Maryland Chicken. Ah, Wikipedia to the rescue on this issue: “Chicken Maryland or Maryland Chicken is a dish with various interpretations, depending on the country of origin. It is not necessarily known in the U.S. state of Maryland, and is not considered a native dish thereof.”
Of course not! As anyone knows, Maryland is for Crabs! That’s the state slogan, apparently created as a parody of the slogan Virginia is for Lovers! Not a lot going on in those parts!
