One of the things Spain is known for is of course its tapas, its diverse repertoire of tasty small plates. But ours is far from the only country blessed with them; the Japanese, too, have their own version, the specialities of taverns known as izakayas, which fuse tradition, flavour, and an appealing social atmosphere. Here snacking is not just a way of eating, but a cultural experience that invites you to slowly savour convivial company along with culinary gastronomic delights. And Tokyo is the best place in the country to sample them, each district with its own izakayas, from extra-lively options in Shinjuku to more intimate spots in Ebisu and Koenji.
What Exactly Are Izakayas?
Decorated with iconic red lanterns and noren (short curtains adorned with symbols and/or graphic designs), these casual, bars which serve tipples and pub fare lie at the heart of Japanese big-city nightlife. Homey spots where working people come together to kick back after a long day, izakayas are similar to Spanish tapas bars, but have their own vibe. They operate under a simple scheme: you order a drink and choose several small dishes to share, ranging from yakitori (chicken skewers) to more elaborate options such as karaage (fried chicken), oden (stew), and sometimes sushi, sashimi, and nigiri. The atmosphere is warm and lively, with conversations filling the space as customers enjoy bites accompanied by sake, beer, or stronger libations.
6 Must-Try Dishes on the Tokyo Snacking Trail
Gyoza: Pork- and vegetable-filled dumplings, fried on one side and steamed on the other, perfect with soy sauce mixed with vinegar and a touch of spicy oil.
Oden: Ideal para los meses fríos, este guiso incluye tofu, rábano daikon, huevo cocido y pasteles de pescado sumergidos en un caldo dashi caliente. Es simple, reconfortante y muy japonés.
Okonomiyaki: A kind of “pancake” made with cabbage, flour, and egg, topped with ingredients such as pork and seafood, and anointed with mayonnaise, sweet sauce, and powdered nori seaweed – a tasty mix of sweet and savoury.
Sashimi and nigiri: Though izakayas aren´t sushi bars, you will find some options here; try the tuna, salmon, and special cuts like hamachi (yellowtail).
Takoyaki: An iconic and very popular item in izakayas, these are small dough balls mixed with octopus meat, cooked in special moulds, and accompanied by drizzle with tonkatsu sauce (another mix of sweet and savoury) and mayonnaise, and crowned with dried bonito flakes which wave in the heat given off by the takoyaki.
Yakitori: Chicken skewers that range from classic cuts like thigh to more exotic options like crispy skin or liver. Cooked over charcoal, they´re usually served salted or with tare sauce (thickened soy sauce flavoured with ingredients such as sake, sugar, vinegar, and honey)
´Nouvelle´ Fare at Some Izakayas
Tokyo is a city of contrasts, and so are its izakayas. While some maintain a traditional, even rustic style, others incorporate modern décor as well as trends and innovative dishes such as:
Pizza with mentaiko: The Italian favourite with a Japanese twist in the form of spicy cod roe.
Japanese-style fish tacos: Instead of beef or pork, how about sashimi marinated in Asian dressings?
Sweet spots: These days the traditional mochi stuffed rice cakes also come in untraditional flavours such as chocolate and fruits like mango and passionfruit, and examples of international-Japanese fusion include sake-infused crême brûlée.
Tips for Enjoying Izakayas Like a Local
Look for traditional décor touches: Noren curtains are the unmistakable sign of a good izakaya – and sometimes they´ll also give a hint at the type of food served within.
If you can, go in a group: Obviously you can eat and drink here on your own, but plate sharing makes the experience more fun and authentic (not to mention economical).
Don´t rush: The whole point is to take it easy, ordering various rounds of food and drink and lingering to chat and share the experience.
Take the chef´s recommendations: Many izakayas will indicate specialities of the house that you really should try.
Photo| bernersteven