A rare delicacy you’ll crave at an Izakaya
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Izakaya, Japan’s lively gastropubs, blend the conviviality of a bar with the culinary delights of small plates. Patrons enjoy sake, beer, and an array of dishes, fostering a warm, communal dining experience.
If you travel to Japan, an Izakaya experience is a must! At each Izakaya, there are common menu items you can find almost everywhere, in addition to the original menu exclusive to that specific Izakaya. Here are 5 dishes from original menu, will you try?
Index of This Article
Baigai Nitsuke (simmered shellfish)
- Near Tanimachi Yonchome station – Osaka
Somewhat challenging to chew, but with a delightful flavor that pairs well with sake. The texture is excellent, and it’s very tasty.
Nama Tsukune (raw chicken balls)
- Near Daimon station – Tokyo
Fresh chicken is tenderized and combined with cartilage, onions, sesame, then seasoned with soy sauce. It’s a straightforward dish, but it must be fresh. When paired with ginger and wasabi, it becomes an outstanding snack.
Tori Liver Yukke (raw chicken liver)
- Near Nagoya station – Nagoya
Japanese domestic chicken liver is prepared at a low temperature to achieve a velvety texture. We suggest enhancing its flavor with a sprinkle of salt, a drizzle of sesame oil, or a dash of wasabi soy sauce, and complementing it with a variety of condiments.
Unagino Kan Nitsuke (eel liver skewers)
- Near Seibu Shinjuku Station – Tokyo
Naturally, only one eel liver is obtained from each fish. It boasts a subtly bitter, distinctive flavor, making grilled eel liver a refined choice that complements alcoholic beverages. For a milder experience, try simmered eel liver, which offers a sweet and spicy taste, cooked to tenderness with reduced bitterness.
Nankotsu Karaage (snee cartilage deep fried)
- Almost all Izakayas in Japan
Knee Cartilage is sourced from the knee joint, meaning only two pieces are available per chicken. Its texture is more gritty than crunchy. Commonly deep-fried, it’s a favorite at places like izakayas. Popular among women for its crispy bite and health benefits compared to meat, it’s both a treat and a healthier option.
