Walk into almost any Japanese neighborhood after 6pm and you’ll see it:

Lanterns glowing.
Laughter spilling onto the street.
Cold beer glasses clinking.

That’s an izakaya — Japan’s beloved drinking-and-dining hub.

Part pub, part tapas bar, part social club, izakaya culture dates back to the Edo period, when sake shops began allowing customers to drink on-site (i = to stay, sakaya = sake shop).

Today, izakayas are where coworkers unwind, friends reconnect, and travelers get their first true taste of everyday Japanese food culture.

Menus can be huge — sometimes 100+ items. So if it’s your first time, here are the five essential dishes you absolutely must order.

Arranged in the natural drinking order locals follow.

1. Yakitori (焼き鳥) – Grilled Chicken Skewers

If izakaya had a king, it would be yakitori.

Skewered chicken grilled over charcoal (often binchōtan), brushed with tare sauce or seasoned with salt.

Must-try types:

• Negima (chicken thigh + green onion)
• Tsukune (chicken meatball)
• Momo (thigh)
• Kawa (crispy skin)
• Tebasaki (chicken wing)

Price: ¥150–¥300 per skewer.

Pro move:
Order “Yakitori moriawase” (assorted skewers) and share.

Best paired with: Ice-cold draft beer (nama beer).

2. Karaage (唐揚げ) – Japanese Fried Chicken

Ask many locals what their favorite izakaya dish is, and karaage wins.

Boneless chicken thigh marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then deep-fried until crispy outside and juicy inside.

Served with lemon — squeeze before eating.

Price: ¥500–¥800 per plate.

It’s lighter than Western fried chicken and dangerously addictive.

Best paired with: Beer or highball.

3. Edamame (枝豆) – Salted Soybeans

Simple. Iconic. Essential.

Lightly salted boiled soybeans served in the pod.

They arrive fast and are meant to snack on while waiting for heavier dishes.

Price: ¥300–¥500.

Modern variations include:

• Garlic butter edamame
• Spicy chili edamame

Best paired with: Lemon sour or beer.

4. Sashimi Moriawase (刺身盛り合わせ) – Assorted Raw Fish

At seafood-focused izakayas, sashimi is the highlight.

Fresh slices of:

• Tuna
• Salmon
• Sea bream
• Scallops
• Seasonal specialties

Served with wasabi and soy sauce.

Price: ¥1,000–¥2,500 depending on variety.

Tip: Say “Osusume no sashimi?” (What sashimi do you recommend?) — you’ll get the freshest catch of the day.

Best paired with: Highball or sake.

5. Gyoza (餃子) or Agedashi Tofu (揚げ出し豆腐)

To round out your meal:

Gyoza

Pan-fried dumplings filled with pork, garlic, and cabbage. Crispy bottom, juicy inside.

Price: ¥400–¥700.

Agedashi Tofu

Lightly fried tofu in warm dashi broth topped with bonito flakes and green onion. Comforting and delicate.

Choose gyoza if you want bold and savory.
Choose agedashi tofu if you want something lighter and traditional.

How to Order Like a Local

• Start with drinks first.
• Say “Kanpai!” when toasting.
• Share dishes family-style.
• Use serving chopsticks if provided.
• When finished, say:
  “Okaikei onegaishimasu” (Check please).

No tipping required in Japan.

Budget Guide (2026)

• Casual izakaya night: ¥2,000–¥5,000 per person
• All-you-can-drink (nomihodai) options available
• Chains like Torikizoku or Kushikatsu Tanaka are safe and affordable

Best areas in Tokyo:
Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Asakusa.

Look for red lanterns (akachōchin) — that’s your sign.

Final Thoughts

Izakaya isn’t just about food.

It’s about:

• Sharing small plates
• Laughing loudly
• Trying unfamiliar flavors
• Feeling part of everyday Japan

Order these five dishes and you’ll experience izakaya culture the right way.

Simple.
Authentic.
Unforgettable.

Kanpai.

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