Although there are various theories as to when and how kaki furai was made for the first time, one of the major views, based on the written record known as the oldest material suggests that in the late Meiji era (1868 to 1912), the time of civilization and enlightenment and the developing period of yoshoku (Western-style meal), Motojiro KIDA, who is believed to have invented cutlet, was experimentally frying all kinds of ingredients, one of which happened to be oyster at 'Rengatei,' a yoshoku restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo, which was founded in 1895.
カキフライが初めて作られた時期・発祥は諸説あるが、洋食メニュー発展期・文明開化の明治時代（1868年–1912年）後期に東京銀座の洋食屋「煉瓦亭」（創業明治28年）でカツレツを考案したと伝えられる木田元次郎が、あらゆる食材を油で揚げて試していた食材の一品がカキ(貝)であったという煉瓦亭の記録文献が、最古の資料として現在は有力と考えられている。