Welcome to the world of Izakaya
The land of delicious food, flowing drinks, and good times. If you’ve never been to an izakaya before, let us give you a quick rundown. An izakaya is a type of Japanese pub where people gather to eat, drink, and socialize. Think of it as a hybrid between a restaurant and a bar, but with a unique Japanese twist.
Now, before you get too excited, let us share with you our first experience at an izakaya. We walked in, sat down, and were handed a menu with about a million items on it, all in Japanese. We panicked, ordered the first thing we recognized (which turned out to be raw horse meat), and spent the next hour trying to discreetly spit it out. But don’t worry, you won’t have to go through the same traumatic experience – We are here to guide you through the ins and outs of izakaya culture.
The Food
First things first, let’s talk about the food. Izakaya cuisine is known for its variety and its small dishes that are meant to be shared among friends and paired with drinks. Some of the most popular dishes include:
Karaage: Deep-fried chicken that is often seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it the perfect bar snack.
Yakitori-gushi: Skewered and grilled chicken that can be seasoned with various sauces such as tare (sweet soy-based sauce) or shio (salt).
Sashimi: Fresh raw fish that is sliced into thin pieces, it’s a delicacy that is often paired with sake.
Takoyaki: Balls made of batter and filled with diced octopus, tempura scraps, green onion, and pickled ginger. They are often drizzled with a sweet soy-based sauce and mayonnaise, and sprinkled with green laver (aonori) and dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi).
Edamame: Boiled soybeans that are salted and served in the pod. These are popular snacks and are often served as a starter.
Ramen: A Chinese-style wheat noodle soup that comes in various broths, with different toppings such as pork, green onions, and a soft-boiled egg.
Gyoza: Pan-fried dumplings filled with meat and vegetables, it’s a popular dish in izakayas and often served as a side dish.
Udon: Thick wheat noodles, usually served in a hot broth, with various toppings such as tempura, meat, or vegetables.
But before you dive in, there are a few things you should know. First, it’s considered rude to start eating until everyone at your table has their food. So, if you’re the first to get your grub, make sure to wait for your friends to join in. Second, it’s customary to say “itadakimasu” before eating, which roughly translates to “I humbly receive.”
If you can’t read Japanese, don’t panic – just point to the picture on the menu and hope for the best. Trust us, it’s half the fun. Izakaya cuisine is all about sharing and trying different dishes, so it’s recommended to order a few different items to share with your friends and enjoy with your drinks. And don’t be afraid to ask your server for recommendations, they’ll be more than happy to guide you through the menu and make sure you have a great experience.
The Drinks
Izakayas are known for their wide selection of drinks, and it’s common for people to go there specifically for the drinks. Some of the most popular drinks in izakayas include:
- Sake: a traditional Japanese rice wine that can be served warm or cold. Sake has a range of flavors, from dry and crisp to sweet and fruity, and it’s often paired with sushi or sashimi.
- Shochu: a clear spirit made from various ingredients such as sweet potatoes, barley, or rice. It’s usually served on the rocks or mixed with water or fruit juice.
- Beer: both domestic and imported beers are available in izakayas, and it’s a popular choice to start the night.
- Cocktails: most izakayas offer a selection of classic cocktails such as a Margarita, a Martini, or a Manhattan, but you can also find some unique creations that use Japanese ingredients.
- Whisky: Japanese whisky has gained popularity worldwide, and you can find a wide selection of it in izakayas, it’s often served neat or on the rocks.
- Wine: both Japanese and imported wines are available in izakayas, and they are often paired with food.
It’s common in izakayas to order drinks and food at the same time, and it’s customary to pour drinks for others and to have your own drink poured for you. When someone pours you a drink, it’s polite to hold your glass with two hands to show respect. And don’t forget to shout “kanpai!” (cheers!) whenever appropriate, it’s a part of the izakaya culture.
And, just like with the food, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s customary to pour drinks for others and to have your own drink poured for you. Second, when someone pours you a drink, you should hold your glass with two hands to show respect. And third, be prepared to shout “kanpai!” multiple times throughout the night.
The Atmosphere
Izakayas are known for their lively and casual atmosphere, where people gather to eat, drink, and socialize. Walking into an izakaya, you’ll be greeted by the sounds of chatter and laughter, and the smell of delicious food and drinks.
Typically, izakayas are dimly lit and have a cozy and warm atmosphere. You’ll be sitting on traditional tatami mats, at low tables with a built-in grill, or at a regular table and chairs. The seating arrangements vary depending on the izakaya, and some places may have private rooms that can be reserved for groups.
Izakayas are usually crowded and bustling, and you’ll find a mix of people, from salarymen (Japanese office workers) to tourists and locals. It’s not uncommon to see people singing karaoke or playing games, it’s a part of the izakaya culture to have fun and enjoy the company of friends.
The service in izakayas is usually friendly and efficient, but it can be a bit busy, especially during peak hours. To get the attention of the server, you can shout “sumimasen” (excuse me) and wave your hand frantically. And, whatever you do, don’t try to flag them down with your chopsticks – it’s considered rude.
Overall, the atmosphere in izakayas is lively, casual, and welcoming, and it’s the perfect place to unwind and have a good time with friends.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, a guide to izakaya culture. To summarize, an izakaya is a Japanese pub where people gather to eat, drink, and socialize. You’ll find a wide variety of delicious food, including karaage, yakitori, and sashimi. And don’t forget the drinks, like sake, shochu, and beer.
The atmosphere is lively and casual, with traditional tatami mats and maybe even a built-in grill. Just remember to wait for everyone to have their food before you start eating, pour drinks for others, and shout “kanpai!” whenever appropriate. And if all else fails, just point to the pictures on the menu and hope for the best. We hope this guide has inspired you to try an izakaya for yourself – just be sure to avoid raw horse meat.
