Izakaya Food Travel Guide

The Japanese love a good drink so it should come as no surprise that they take their izakaya (Japanese pub) food seriously. Addictingly tasty bar snacks accompany classic Japanese drinks like whisky highballs, nihonshu (sake), umeshu (plum wine), and beer. Typical Japanese izakaya food include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), hokke (grilled mackerel), tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet), karaage (crispy and succulent Japanese fried chicken), and tempura (battered and fried seafood and veggies). Agedashi tofu, fried tofu with a crisp exterior and smooth interior, is another classic izakaya food, as is gyoza, Japanese pan-fried dumplings stuffed with juicy meat. But Japanese izakaya food are not just limited to fried and grilled snacks. There are also lighter and fresher options such as salted edamame, crunchy raw cabbage, and sashimi, which are perfect for snacking on in between gulps of cold, refreshing beer.

During the food experiences below, you will be shown the ropes of ordering Japanese izakaya food. You’ll eat like a local, tasting Japan’s izakaya specialties. Although they come on small plates, Japanese izakaya food are perfectly sharable, so order up a variety for the whole table with your next round of drinks!