The menu at an izakaya can vary widely depending on the establishment, but here are some common types of dishes you might find:
Yakitori: Grilled skewers of chicken (and sometimes other meats or vegetables) seasoned with salt or a sweet soy sauce glaze.
Karaage: Deep-fried marinated chicken pieces, similar to Japanese-style fried chicken.
Sashimi: Fresh slices of raw fish served with soy sauce and wasabi.
Sushi: Various types of sushi rolls, nigiri (fish over rice), and sashimi.
Edamame: Steamed young soybeans sprinkled with salt, served as a popular appetizer.
Gyoza: Pan-fried dumplings filled with ground meat and vegetables.
Tempura: Lightly battered and deep-fried seafood, vegetables, or mushrooms.
Agedashi Tofu: Deep-fried tofu served in a savory dashi broth with grated daikon radish and green onions.
Okonomiyaki: Savory Japanese pancake made with cabbage, flour, and various fillings like pork, seafood, or cheese.
Takoyaki: Octopus-filled batter balls cooked in a special takoyaki pan and topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed.
Izakaya-style Salad: Various salads featuring fresh vegetables, seafood, or meats, often with a Japanese-style dressing.
Noodles: Different types of noodles such as yakisoba (stir-fried noodles), udon (thick wheat noodles), or soba (buckwheat noodles) served hot or cold.
Rice Dishes: Donburi bowls topped with ingredients like grilled eel (unagi), tempura, or simmered pork (buta-don).
Oden: A hot pot dish featuring various ingredients like fish cakes, daikon radish, boiled eggs, and konjac simmered in a soy-flavored broth.
Desserts: While izakayas may not have an extensive dessert menu, you might find options like mochi ice cream, fruit platters, or traditional Japanese sweets like dorayaki (red bean paste-filled pancakes).
Additionally, izakayas typically offer a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including sake, beer, shochu, whiskey, and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic options like green tea and soft drinks.
Izakayas cater to a wide range of customers, but some groups are particularly drawn to these establishments:
Office Workers (Salarymen and OLs): Izakayas are popular among office workers as places to unwind after a long day at work. They provide a casual environment where colleagues can relax, socialize, and bond over food and drinks.
Groups of Friends: Izakayas are also popular destinations for groups of friends looking for a lively atmosphere and a variety of food and drink options to enjoy together.
Solo Diners: While izakayas are often associated with group dining, solo diners also frequent these establishments. Sitting at the counter and enjoying small plates and drinks can be a relaxing way to unwind after work or explore new flavors.
Tourists: Izakayas are an integral part of Japanese food culture, and many tourists seek out these establishments to experience authentic Japanese cuisine and social customs.
Families: Some izakayas cater to families by offering a relaxed and casual dining environment where parents and children can enjoy a meal together.
Night Owls: Since many izakayas stay open late into the night, they attract people looking for a post-dinner snack or a place to socialize after other restaurants have closed.
Overall, izakayas appeal to a broad cross-section of people due to their casual atmosphere, diverse menu options, and emphasis on socializing and sharing food and drinks with others.
