Japanese izakayas are a favourite spot for both locals and tourists, offering a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy food and drinks with friends or colleagues. In this article, we’ll introduce some of the classic and popular dishes you can find on an izakaya menu. Knowing a bit about the izakaya menu beforehand will help you enjoy your first experience with ease.
What is a Japanese Izakaya?
An izakaya is a type of Japanese pub where you can enjoy drinks and a variety of small dishes in a casual setting, making it a beloved part of Japanese food culture. Izakayas are popular among tourists because they offer a wide selection of small plates, allowing you to sample many different Japanese flavours in one sitting. Many izakayas also offer all-you-can-drink or all-you-can-eat options, making it easy to enjoy a satisfying meal within a set budget.
While most izakayas focus on Japanese cuisine, you can also find ones that specialise in Western dishes, local specialties, seafood, etc. The atmosphere varies as well, from lively chain restaurants that can host over 100 guests to more intimate spots where you can enjoy high-quality meals in private rooms.
Izakaya menus generally range from a few hundred yen to 2,000 yen per dish. It’s customary to order several items and share them all with friends or colleagues at the table. This way, you get the chance to enjoy even a wider variety of Japanese food.
Classic & Popular Izakaya Menu
Food
Edamame
These are young soybeans boiled and lightly salted, making for a perfect snack with beer. Edamame is probably the most popular izakaya food and you can find it at any izakaya restaurant.
Sashimi Moriawase
A beautifully arranged selection of fresh fish, often including tuna, yellowtail, salmon, squid, octopus, and sea bream. Sashimi is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy the true taste of Japan.
Salads
Izakayas often offer a variety of salads topped with healthy ingredients like tofu, seaweed, radish, or seafood. You can also enjoy dressings made with shiso leaves or plum, giving you a taste of unique Japanese flavours.
Karaage
Japanese fried chicken marinated in soy sauce and garlic, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Karaage is a crowd-pleaser, perfect with a cold beer or a highball.
Yakitori
Skewered and grilled chicken seasoned with either a sweet-savoury sauce or salt. Yakitori offers a variety of textures and flavours, with options like thigh, skin, or cartilage, each providing a unique taste.
Taco no Karaage
Fried octopus, crispy on the outside and chewy inside, this unique yet delicious dish pairs perfectly with beer or shochu. The more you chew, the more the umami unfolds.
Yakizakana
Grilled fish is a popular dish at Izakaya, classic choices include mackerel, saury, horse mackerel, and more, simply salted and grilled to perfection. The crispy skin and tender flesh are a great match with sake or shochu.
Dashi-Maki Tamago
A fluffy Japanese-style omelette flavoured with dashi (broth). Its warm, gentle taste makes it an ideal palate cleanser.
Motsu-Nikomi
A hearty stew of pork offal simmered in miso or soy sauce until tender. This rich and flavorful dish pairs exceptionally well with sake, especially during colder months.
Ochazuke
A simple yet satisfying dish of rice topped with ingredients like pickled plum, salmon, or seaweed, and finished with hot broth. It’s light and easy to digest, making it a great choice for ending a meal.
Yaki-Onigiri
Grilled rice balls brushed with soy sauce or miso, offering a delightful crunch and comforting flavour. Perfect for when you want just a little something more to eat.
Ice Cream
While izakayas usually offer a variety of desserts, ice cream remains a classic choice. Flavours like matcha and roasted green tea (houjicha) are particularly popular in Japan.
Drinks
Beer
One of the most popular drinks at any izakaya. You’ll find beer on the menu everywhere, and some places also offer a selection of local craft beers.
Highball
A refreshing cocktail made with whisky and soda water, highballs are a popular choice in Japan. They’re refreshing and won’t overpower your meal, making them a perfect pairing with various dishes.
Shochu
A traditional Japanese distilled spirit made from ingredients like rice, sweet potatoes, or barley, each lending a unique flavour. Enjoy it on the rocks, with water, or hot water. Shochu pairs wonderfully with Japanese cuisine, especially seafood.
Umeshu
A sweet and tangy liqueur made from plums, commonly served on the rocks or mixed with soda. It’s easy to drink and particularly popular among women.
Sake
Japan’s traditional rice wine, available in a range of flavours from sweet to dry. The taste can vary depending on the serving temperature—chilled, at room temperature, or warmed. Sake enhances the flavours of Japanese food, making it a perfect companion for your Izakaya meal.
Sours / Cocktails
Fruity drinks made by mixing shochu or vodka with fruit juice or soda. Japanese izakayas often offer unique flavours like yuzu or plum, which are hard to find outside of Japan.
Want to learn more about Japan’s popular alcoholic beverages?
Japanese izakayas offer a rich menu and a wide range of drinks, making them a great place for everyone to enjoy. Savour the traditional flavours while soaking in the unique atmosphere of an izakaya!
