Hello, everyone! Japanese Izakayas are known for their vibrant atmosphere and their remarkable array of dishes.
Today, I will be introducing the top 20 must-try popular menu items at these Izakayas.
Please use this as a reference for your next Izakaya visit.
Edamame
A classic starter at any Izakaya, edamame are boiled young soybeans served salted.
They’re the perfect snack to munch on while you decide on the rest of your order.
Fried Potatoes
Who doesn’t love a good serving of crispy, golden fried potatoes?
At Izakayas, they’re often seasoned simply with salt to let the potato’s natural flavors shine, making them a great accompaniment to any drink.
Salad
Izakayas often serve a variety of unique and refreshing salads, from simple green salads to versions featuring ingredients like tofu, seaweed, or even sashimi.
It’s a perfect way to balance out the richer dishes.
Sashimi Assortment
A sashimi assortment offers a variety of fresh and flavorful slices of raw fish, showcasing the day’s best offerings from the sea.
This dish allows you to taste the seasonal delicacies of the ocean.
Yakitori
Yakitori is a staple menu item at Japanese Izakayas.
It’s grilled chicken skewered after being marinated in a special sauce, with a variety of different parts available.
Karaage
Fried chicken, or Karaage, is the perfect accompaniment to beer.
The Karaage, thoroughly soaked in flavor, is delicious as it is or with a squeeze of lemon.
Oden
Oden is a Japanese hot pot dish with plenty of ingredients such as radish, eggs, konjac, and fish cakes. Each ingredient, simmered in Oden broth, has a deep flavor.
Grilled Fish
Simple yet full of flavor, grilled fish is a popular item.
Each seasonal fish is grilled to perfection, creating an exquisite contrast between the flaky fish meat and the savory skin.
Gyoza
Freshly cooked Gyoza have a crispy skin and juicy filling.
The balance of soy sauce and vinegar in the dipping sauce enhances the deliciousness of the Gyoza.
Dashimaki Tamago
Dashimaki Tamago is a Japanese rolled omelet made with dashi, giving it a distinctively deep, savory flavor.
It’s a great option for those looking for something lighter or vegetarian-friendly.
Takowasa
Takowasa is a flavorful dish of raw octopus mixed with wasabi, providing a kick that pairs perfectly with sake.
It’s a dish for the adventurous, often loved for its unique texture and strong taste.
Mixed Tempura
Mixed Tempura is a collection of battered and deep-fried vegetables and seafood.
The crispy outside, tender inside, and the accompanying dipping sauce make for a delightful experience.
Chicken Wings
The juicy and savory chicken wings are unforgettable once you’ve tasted them.
The outside is crispy and the inside is juicy, allowing the delicious taste of the chicken to spread throughout your mouth the moment you take a bite.
Enjoying them with beer or shochu enhances their deliciousness even more.
Salted Cabbage
Salted cabbage, with its crunchy texture and perfect balance of saltiness, is an ideal dish for refreshing your palate.
The sweetness of the fresh cabbage and the enhancing saltiness match perfectly.
Its unique crunchiness is easy to eat while enjoying your drink.
Kimchi
Kimchi, a traditional Korean pickle, is the perfect accompaniment to any drink.
The balance between spiciness and acidity stimulates the appetite.
Its distinctive aroma and spicy flavor expand the range of food and drink enjoyment.
Simmered Tripe
The tripe, simmered for a long time, provides a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The simmered sauce and the taste of the tripe intertwine to create a deep flavor.
It is a delicious dish to enjoy with rice.
Braised Pork Belly
The pork belly, packed with flavor, melts in your mouth the moment you take a bite.
The sweet and spicy simmered sauce and the savory taste of the pork fat blend together, and it goes perfectly with rice.
It’s a dish you won’t forget once you’ve tasted it.
Fried Cartilage
The fried cartilage, undoubtedly a best friend of beer, offers a unique crunchy yet juicy texture.
Its savory roasted color and deep flavor are simply irresistible.
Tofu
Simple yet delicious, chilled tofu is a must-try.
The gentle taste of tofu itself and the saltiness of the soy sauce poured over it create a perfect balance.
Grilled Rice Ball
The grilled rice ball, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, stirs your appetite with its unique scorched aroma.
It’s not just a side dish; it’s a staple food that brings comfort and satisfaction.
Rice Soup
Ochazuke, or rice soup, is a perfect dish for a tired body.
The harmony of the ingredients and the broth warms your body from the inside. It’s a humble yet comforting dish, full of homely taste.
Conclusion
These menus may seem simple, but they offer deep and authentic flavors.
Each dish reflects the rich traditional food culture of Japan.
Once you experience these menus, you’ll surely be captivated by their charm.
So, take this opportunity to enjoy these delicious menus at an izakaya near you.
You might find a new favorite. Looking forward to your next visit to an izakaya will be even more exciting.
Other Introduction
Izakaya: Discovering the Meaning of Japanese Dining Traditions
