When you are in Izakaya, do you know what kinds of foods do you order? Of course if you’d like to have a specific menu, first you have to order!
In this part, I’d like to share the flow: when you enter to Izakaya and order first drink, and how to close with final cuisines. Once you read my article, you’ll be a master of Izakayas!
Contents
1. Drinks First!
Welcome to the start of your izakaya journey – and what better way to begin than with the drinks? In the cozy glow of an izakaya, the first sip sets the mood for the entire evening. Whether you’re a beer lover, a sake fan, or just in the mood for something fruity, there’s always a perfect pour waiting for you.
Firstly, when you come to in Izakaya, a staff will definitely ask you… “can I take your first drink???” with giving you a hot towel. If you like a beer, you’ll say “A Beer please (Toriaezu Namade : とりあえず生で）.” That’s tipical Japanese phrase and Izakaya culture. If not, it’s important for you to tell your most favorite beverage to a staff!
Tips:
Think of your drink as the opening move in a chess game – it can set the pace for what’s to come!
Recommended Drinks:
- Draft Beer (生ビール, nama bīru)
The classic go-to. Light, crisp, and refreshing, it pairs beautifully with salty snacks and crispy fried dishes.
Tip: If you’re new to izakaya culture, start here! - Highballs (ハイボール, haibōru)
Whiskey and soda served over ice, often with a squeeze of citrus. It’s light and fizzy – a perfect palate cleanser between bites.
Try a lemon highball or yuzu highball for a citrusy zing. - Umeshu (梅酒)
Sweet, smooth plum wine served chilled or on the rocks. Great for easing into the night if you’re not in the mood for beer or sake. - Sake or Shochu Flight (日本酒飲み比べセット)
Curious about sake or Shochu? Which one would you like? Many izakaya offer tasting sets so you can compare regional sake varieties – from dry and crisp to floral and fruity.
Pro Tip:
Pair your first drink with light bites like edamame or chilled tofu. It’s a warm-up for the feast ahead!
2. Before the Feast: The Otooshi 🍽️
If you’re new to the izakaya experience, there’s a little surprise waiting for you before your first order arrives. It’s called the otooshi (お通し) – and trust me, everyone gets it, even if you didn’t order it!
What’s the deal with this mysterious starter?
- It’s a small appetizer that comes automatically with your drink order.
- It might be a bite of something seasonal, a mini salad, or a small dish that the chef wants to show off.
- Think of it as a “right vibe” – a warm welcome from the kitchen and a quick snack to keep your stomach from getting too tipsy too fast!
Why you shouldn’t say “I didn’t order this!”
- In Japan, the otooshi is a tradition – it’s a small charge (like a cover charge), but it’s also a showcase of the restaurant’s style.
- Instead of thinking of it as an annoying extra, treat it as your first little adventure into the chef’s world!
Pro Tip:
Even if you’re not sure what’s in it, give it a try! The otooshi often highlights the season’s best flavors or a chef’s signature technique.
3. Cold Starters (冷菜)
After the otooshi sets the mood, it’s time to dive into the cold starters – the perfect way to open your izakaya feast! These chilled dishes offer a fresh, light bite that gets your taste buds ready for the rich, hearty flavors still to come.
Tips:
Think of cold starters as the opening chapter of a culinary story. They’re designed to refresh your palate and build anticipation for what’s next.
Make note that the most important thing is they will serve the fastest of all other meals. This cuisine is chilled one so as you know it’s not gonna take a while. Especially, during the busiest time, select at least 2 kinds of cold starters. You’ll not wait for foods so long time.
Recommended Cold Starters:
- Edamame (枝豆)
These young soybeans are lightly boiled and sprinkled with sea salt. Simple, addictive, and the ultimate izakaya snack! - Hiyayakko (冷奴)
Silken tofu served cold with toppings like green onions, grated ginger, and a splash of soy sauce. A cool, creamy bite that’s perfect on a warm night. - Sunomono (酢の物)
A tangy vinegar-marinated salad of cucumbers or seafood, balancing acidity and sweetness. A great palate cleanser that pairs beautifully with sake. - Tsukemono (漬物)
Assorted pickled vegetables, each with its own crunch and flavor. From bright yellow takuan (pickled daikon) to delicate shibazuke (pickled eggplant), these colorful bites keep things interesting. - Tsukemono (漬物)
Assorted pickled vegetables, each with its own crunch and flavor. From bright yellow takuan (pickled daikon) to delicate shibazuke (pickled eggplant), these colorful bites keep things interesting. - Sashimi (刺身)
Do not miss it!! SASHIMI! When you are in Japan, you must try to eat raw fresh fish. Don’t worry. Raw fish in Japan are so fresh that you’ll be addicted to have Sashimi!
Pro Tip:
Don’t rush! Cold starters are meant to be nibbled slowly, giving you time to sip your drink and chat with friends before the sizzling dishes arrive.
4. Grilled Goodies (焼き物)
Ready to turn up the heat? Grilled dishes – known as yaki-mono – are the heart and soul of any izakaya experience. From smoky skewers to perfectly charred fish and meats, these bites are the ultimate comfort food.
Tips:
Grilled dishes bring out the deep umami flavors of meat and fish, and the gentle smokiness pairs perfectly with your drink of choice.
Attention:
For facility problem and characteristic problem of Grill, it takes at least 20-30 minutes. Thus, the point is ordering with starters. Then, after you complete starters, you’ll receive Yakimonos!
Recommended Grilled Dishes:
- Yakitori (焼き鳥)
Skewered and grilled chicken, seasoned with salt (shio) or sweet soy sauce (tare). The variety is endless:- Negima (chicken with green onion) – a classic!
- Tsukune (chicken meatballs) – juicy and satisfying.
- Tebasaki (chicken wings) – crispy, savory goodness.
Tip: Don’t be shy about trying lesser-known cuts – gizzards, hearts, and skin are surprisingly delicious!
- Grilled Fish (焼き魚)
Japan’s coastal bounty shines in simple grilled fish. Salted and cooked over an open flame, each bite is tender and full of ocean flavor.- Saba shioyaki (grilled mackerel) – fatty and flavorful.
- Sanma shioyaki (grilled Pacific saury) – a seasonal delight in autumn.
Pro Tip: A squeeze of lemon or a dab of grated daikon radish (daikon oroshi) brightens up the fish’s natural richness.
- Sumibiyaki (炭火焼き)
Charcoal grilling is a signature technique in Japanese cuisine. The intense heat of the coals sears the outside of meat and fish while sealing in juicy flavors.- Sumibiyaki chicken thighs – smoky, succulent bites with a delicious char.
- Charcoal-grilled vegetables – simple yet incredibly flavorful thanks to the smokiness.
Tip: Listen for the sizzling sound – it’s the magic of the coals working their magic!
Pro Tip:
Share a few skewers or grilled dishes with your table – it’s the best way to taste different flavors and see what everyone loves!
5. Fried Favorites (揚げ物)
Now that you’ve had your grilled bites, it’s time to dive into the world of crispy, golden delights! Fried dishes – known as age-mono (揚げ物) – are a must-try at any izakaya. They’re crunchy, juicy, and totally irresistible!
Tips:
Fried dishes are rich and satisfying, so they’re best enjoyed with a refreshing drink to cut through the richness – think a highball or an ice-cold beer!
Recommended Fried Dishes:
- Tempura (天ぷら)
Light, crispy batter coats fresh seafood and seasonal veggies.- Shrimp tempura (ebi-ten) – sweet, succulent shrimp in a delicate golden shell.
- Vegetable tempura (yasai-ten) – seasonal veggies like sweet potato, pumpkin, and shiso leaf – each with a satisfying crunch.
Pro Tip: Dip in the light tentsuyu sauce and enjoy the delicate flavors.
- Karaage (唐揚げ)
Japanese fried chicken at its best – juicy thigh meat marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then fried to crispy perfection.- Tip: Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon over your karaage – it cuts the richness and adds a bright, citrusy note!
- Agedashi Tofu (揚げ出し豆腐)
Silken tofu lightly dusted in potato starch, then deep-fried until golden brown. Served in a warm, savory dashi broth with grated daikon and green onion.- A perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft, custardy interior – comfort food at its finest.
- Fried Potatoes (フライドポテト)
A global favorite with a Japanese twist. Sometimes served with unique dipping sauces like mentaiko mayo (spicy cod roe) or wasabi mayo for an extra kick.- Perfect for sharing with friends over a round of drinks!
- Kushiage (串揚げ)
Skewered and breaded bite-sized goodies – from pork to veggies – deep-fried until golden.- Try dipping them in tonkatsu sauce for that sweet-savory balance.
Pro Tip:
The crispy sound of each bite is music to your ears! Don’t be shy about ordering a few different fried dishes to find your ultimate favorite.
6. The Main Event: Izakaya Signatures (メインディッシュ) 🍲
Every izakaya has a dish (or two!) that makes them stand out – the kind of meal that keeps you coming back for more. Whether it’s a local specialty, a seasonal delight, or just the chef’s pride and joy, these mains are the highlight of your izakaya adventure!
Tips:
Main dishes are usually heartier, so they’re perfect for sharing family-style with your group. Let the staff know if you’re in the mood for something osusume (おすすめ) – their recommendation is often the best choice!
Recommended Mains to Look Out For:
- Nabe (鍋)
A bubbling hot pot that’s perfect for sharing! From seafood to rich pork belly, nabe comes in endless varieties:- Chanko-nabe (sumo wrestler’s hot pot) – hearty and filling!
- Kimchi-nabe – spicy and warming, especially in winter.
Pro Tip: Save some broth for a rice or noodle “shime” at the end – more on that later!
- Teppan-yaki (鉄板焼き)
Sizzling dishes cooked right on a hot iron plate – beef, pork, seafood, or veggies – served piping hot and full of flavor.- Try sizzling pork belly or seafood with garlic butter for an unforgettable bite.
- Sashimi & Seafood Delights (刺身・海鮮料理)
Depending on the izakaya’s specialty, they might have a fresh catch of the day.- Sashimi platters – fresh, silky slices of tuna, salmon, or seasonal fish.
- Seafood dynamite (海鮮焼き) – rich, creamy baked seafood in a hot shell.
- Local Specialties
Each izakaya has something unique to the region or the chef’s roots.- In Okinawa? You might find rafute (braised pork belly).
- In Osaka? Maybe doteyaki (miso-simmered beef tendon).
- Pro Tip: Ask the staff, “Kono mise no meibutsu wa nan desu ka?” (What’s this place’s specialty?).
Pro Tip:
Let the chef’s passion guide you. Sometimes the best main dish is the one you didn’t even know existed!
7. Shime: The Final Bow (締め) 🍜🍚🍨
After a night of laughter, drinks, and amazing bites, there’s one last tradition to complete your izakaya experience: the shime (締め) – the final dish that ties everything together. In Japan, finishing with rice, noodles, or even something sweet isn’t just a comforting ritual – it’s also believed to help your liver process all that alcohol you’ve enjoyed!
Tips:
Your body has been working hard to keep up with the drinks. The carbohydrates in noodles and rice can actually help balance your system and ease you out of party mode.
Popular Shime Dishes:
- Ochazuke (お茶漬け)
A comforting bowl of rice soaked in green tea or dashi broth, topped with pickles, nori, or even grilled salmon. Light, warm, and the perfect way to end a meal. - Onigiri (おにぎり)
Rice balls wrapped in nori with fillings like salted salmon or pickled plum. These little rice bombs are simple but deeply satisfying. - Ramen (ラーメン)
Rich, steamy broth with slurpable noodles – who can resist? Some izakayas serve lighter shoyu (soy sauce) or shio (salt) ramen perfect for a late-night treat. - Udon/Soba (うどん・そば)
Thick, chewy udon or nutty soba noodles in a gentle broth – another comforting end to the night. - Desserts (デザート)
Sometimes you need a sweet note to finish on – from matcha ice cream to seasonal fruit parfaits, Japanese izakayas have a knack for simple, elegant desserts.
Pro Tip:
Don’t skip the shime! It’s not just tradition – it’s a tasty way to reset your palate and end your night on a high note.
8. Conclusion
How do you feel? Are you still puzzled to order?
I know it! Me too!
But anyway, Izakaya menus are categorized for each. So pick up one or two foods from each kinds. Then, you’ll enjoy to experience in Izakaya!
Plus, say: OSUSUME HA NANDESUKA?(オススメはなんですか？) What’s your recommendation???
Then, you don’t need to be puzzled!
If you’re interested in Izakaya, please tup Liked button, and if you’ve been Izakaya, tell me your favorite foods at my comments!
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