Do you know the meaning of Izakaya? Have you ever heard of traditional Japanese bars? In this article, we are going to talk all about these small bars that are family and home businesses, used as a meeting point for friends.
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What are Izakaya?
After a long day of work, to gather the family or even to drink with friends, Izakayas [居酒屋] are a great option. Izakayas are taverns or bars that have a very comfortable and friendly atmosphere.
In these places, a great variety of dishes and drinks are served. Currently, these homey pubs have expanded and come in all sizes, but the focus is still on entertaining and relaxing people with simple and cheap drinks and dishes.
There are believed to be over one and a half million Izakayas scattered across Japan. You can find an izakaya anywhere in Japan, from small towns to busy streets. They are also very popular around train and subway stations.
Even though bars are often remembered for mess, drunk people, and a lot of noise, izakayas are different. They were inspired by the "tea houses" of Japan's Edo period. In the 17th century, these houses started selling sake and serving simple dishes. This became very popular at the time.
We recommend reading: Sake – All about the Japanese drink made from rice
Izakaya = Japanese pub or bar
The word Izakaya is formed by the characters [居酒屋] which means something like pub that serves dishes and snacks. The word has the character of [居] which means residence, [酒] which means sake and [屋] which represents shop or sale.
The main aspect that unites all Izakayas is that they are all casual places, made for relaxation and unwinding with plenty of drinks and common food. But they always stay true to traditional and classic Japanese ingredients and roots.
What can be found in an Izakaya
A wide variety of dishes can be found. The most common ones are sashimi, fried chicken, grilled rice ball, edamame, gyoza among others. The most requested ones are yakitori, which are grilled chicken skewers. And also oden, which consists of potatoes, vegetables, octopus and eggs cooked in a broth. Some Izakayas specialize in seafood.
These dishes are mainly served as accompaniments to sake and beers in general. The drink menu is as well crafted as the food menu. The Japanese beer called shochu stands out.
We recommend reading: Biiru – All about Japanese Beers
This drink is usually distilled from sweet potato, barley, rice, wheat or brown sugar. Such drinks are often taken straight, mixed with water, fruit juice and even tea. But of course soft drinks are also served.
Many times the customer receives a wet towel called "oshibori" to clean their hands. And soon after, an "otoshi", which are small appetizer portions. The menus can be found from on top of the tables to hanging on the walls and ceiling.
Dishes are usually shared with everyone at the table. Traditionally in the beginning, izakayas were very simple and attended only by men. But nowadays more and more women and students gather in these places.
The Izakayas are very successful among the Japanese and all the tourists who visit them. Standing out for its exciting and welcoming atmosphere and traditional and warm services. Ever had the chance to visit an Izakaya? What is your experience?
My Experience at an Izakaya
I went to Izakaya for the first time in the Izu region of Ito city. At the first Izakaya I went to, we had a Sake where he poured it into a glass that was inside another wooden container, filling both containers.
Then we went to a Snack Bar, sang a couple of songs on the "Karaoke" and then we went to another top Izakaya, much more familiar where we chatted a lot with the owner and even took pictures with them. That day was an incredible experience while we are staying at K's.
Of course, during the trip we went to several other restaurants that served drinks, especially some with German beer and also Sapporo's own factory in Hokkaido. I also went to the Izakaya in Tokyo and had Yakitori.
Read also: Yakitori – Grilled Spots