Izakaya dining captures the heart of Japanese culinary culture, offering a variety of small, shareable dishes perfect for casual, convivial gatherings. These establishments resemble pubs, providing a relaxed atmosphere where friends and colleagues can unwind over a diverse menu of delectable Japanese food.
The beauty of Izakaya lies in its versatility and the rich tapestry of flavours, from the fresh, raw offerings of sashimi to the comforting warmth of chawanmushi. Each dish tells a story, reflecting centuries-old traditions and contemporary twists.
Here, we explore the top 10 Japanese foods labelled “must-orders” at Izakaya restaurants, each chosen for its unique appeal and contribution to the dining experience.
1. Pork Yakitori
Yakitori, grilled skewers, is a quintessential Izakaya dish that combines savoury and smoky flavours. This version features pork, typically seasoned with either salt (shio) or a sweet soy-based sauce (tare), offering a variety of parts grilled to perfection over a charcoal flame. Each skewer showcases the versatility of pork, with options ranging from tender belly slices to flavorful cuts of shoulder or loin.
The preparation of Pork Yakitori begins with selecting high-quality pork, which is then carefully cut into bite-sized pieces. These pieces are skewered and seasoned before being grilled. The two primary seasonings, shio and tare, offer distinct flavour profiles. Shio, or salted, highlights the natural taste of the pork, providing a simple yet satisfying flavour that is enhanced by the grilling process.
Tare, on the other hand, is a sweet soy-based sauce that caramelises over the heat, creating a rich and slightly sweet glaze that complements the pork’s savoury undertones.
2. Kushikatsu
Kushikatsu, also known as Kushiage, is a popular Japanese dish consisting of skewered and deep-fried meat, seafood, and vegetables. Originating from the bustling streets of Osaka, this beloved street food offers a delightful blend of textures and flavours, making it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
Each piece of Kushikatsu is carefully coated in a light, crispy batter before being fried to perfection, resulting in a golden, crunchy exterior that encases a juicy and flavorful interior. The variety of ingredients used in Kushikatsu is wide, ranging from succulent shrimp and tender pork to crisp asparagus and creamy cheese. Typically served with a tangy Worcestershire-based dipping sauce, this dish offers a perfect balance of savoury and zesty notes.
Kushikatsu is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s also a social experience. Many Kushikatsu restaurants feature a communal dipping sauce shared among patrons, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and shared dining experiences in Japanese culture. Whether enjoyed at a casual street stall or a cosy izakaya, Kushikatsu provides a satisfying and memorable culinary adventure.
3. Japanese Appetisers
Skewers are a beloved Japanese appetizer that showcases the simplicity and depth of Japanese culinary techniques. Traditionally, these appetisers are made by skewering bite-sized pieces of chicken and grilling them over a charcoal fire. The chicken is often seasoned with salt or tare sauce, a savoury glaze made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar that caramelizes beautifully during grilling.
In addition to chicken, a variety of other ingredients, such as vegetables, seafood, and even offal, offer a diverse range of flavours and textures. This appetizer is popular in izakayas (Japanese pubs) and is enjoyed at home and in street food stalls. The combination of smoky aroma, tender meat, and the slight char from the grill makes it an irresistible starter that pairs perfectly with a cold beverage, setting the tone for an enjoyable dining experience.
4. Grilled Seafood
Grilled seafood skewers are another popular Japanese appetizer that brings the flavours of the ocean to your plate. Commonly featuring ingredients like shrimp, scallops, squid, and fish, these skewers are marinated in a variety of sauces, such as soy sauce, miso, or teriyaki, before being expertly grilled.
The grilling process enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood while imparting a smoky flavor that is both delicate and savory. Often served with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of sea salt, grilled seafood skewers are a light and healthy option that highlight the freshness and quality of the ingredients. Perfect for starting a meal, these skewers are a testament to the Japanese philosophy of letting the natural flavours of the food shine through with minimal seasoning and simple preparation techniques.
5. Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a savoury Japanese pancake filled with a variety of ingredients like cabbage, meat, and seafood and topped with savoury sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. This hearty dish is customisable, making it a fun and interactive option for diners exploring different flavours and textures. Dish Specialty: Savory pancake with customisable fillings. Price: Moderate, reflecting the complexity and variety of ingredients used.
6. Hamburg
Japanese-style hamburger steaks, known as “hamburg,” are a delightful fusion of Western and Japanese culinary traditions. Unlike the typical hamburger served in a bun, hamburg is a seasoned ground meat patty, often a mix of beef and pork, that is pan-fried and served with a savory sauce.
The patties are typically flavoured with ingredients like onions, breadcrumbs, milk, and seasonings, which give them a juicy and tender texture. They are often accompanied by a rich demi-glace or a tangy ponzu sauce, adding a burst of umami to every bite. Common sides include steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad, making this dish a balanced and satisfying appetizer or main course.
Hamburg is a popular dish in Japanese homes and family restaurants, celebrated for its comforting flavours and versatility. It showcases the Japanese knack for adapting and enhancing foreign dishes to create something uniquely delicious and beloved.
7. Ramen
Ramen is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that embodies the heart and soul of Japanese cuisine. This beloved noodle soup comes in various styles, each with its own distinct broth, toppings, and noodles, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
The broth, which forms the foundation of ramen, can range from the rich, creamy tonkotsu made from pork bones to the light and clear shoyu (soy sauce) or shio (salt) broths. Miso-based ramen, with its deep, umami-rich flavour, is another popular variation. Each broth is meticulously prepared, often simmered for hours to extract maximum flavour and depth.
Toppings for ramen are as varied as the broths themselves, including slices of Chashu (braised pork), marinated soft-boiled eggs, bamboo shoots, green onions, nori (seaweed), and even corn and butter in some regional styles. The noodles, typically made from wheat, are cooked to a perfect texture, whether it’s the thin, straight noodles of Hakata-style ramen or the curly, chewy noodles found in Sapporo ramen.
Ramen is a dish that invites personalization, allowing diners to add extra toppings or adjust the seasoning to their liking. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that has gained global popularity, with ramen shops and restaurants in cities worldwide.
8. Oden
Oden is a quintessential Japanese winter dish, a comforting stew that brings warmth to the coldest of days. This hearty one-pot dish is made by simmering a variety of ingredients in a light, soy-flavored dashi broth, creating a medley of flavours that meld together beautifully.
The ingredients in oden can vary widely but commonly include daikon (Japanese radish), boiled eggs, konjac (yam cake), and various forms of fish cakes such as chikuwa and hanpen. Each component absorbs the delicate yet savoury broth, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. Tofu, either plain or stuffed with ingredients like fish paste, is also a popular addition, as are vegetables like cabbage and root vegetables.
Oden is traditionally simmered over low heat, allowing the ingredients to fully infuse with the broth’s flavours. It is often served from large pots in convenience stores and speciality oden shops during the winter months, where customers can select their favourite ingredients to create a personalised bowl.
9. Donburi
Donburi is a Japanese rice bowl dish typically topped with various ingredients like meat, seafood, or vegetables. Whether it’s beef (gyudon), chicken (oyakodon), or seafood, donburi is a comforting and satisfying meal, often garnished with pickles and served with a side of miso soup. A favourite comfort food, katsudon consists of a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet (tonkatsu) simmered with eggs and onions in a sweet and savoury broth, then served over rice. Combining crispy cutlet, fluffy egg, and savoury sauce creates a satisfying, hearty meal.
Donburi is not just about the toppings; the rice itself plays a crucial role. The rice is typically seasoned with a bit of vinegar or sake, providing a subtle flavour that enhances the toppings. It’s served in deep bowls that keep the rice warm and allow the flavours of the toppings to infuse into the rice beneath.
10. Sashimi
Fresh slices of raw fish or seafood, sashimi is a staple of Japanese cuisine known for its delicate flavours and exquisite presentation. Whether it’s buttery slices of tuna, silky salmon, or the briny sweetness of scallops, sashimi showcases the purity and freshness of the ocean’s bounty.
Served with a dab of wasabi and soy sauce, each piece melts in your mouth, offering a sublime taste experience.
Conclusion
These top 10 must-order dishes at Izakaya’s Japanese Restaurant available in 3 locations which are Kuala Lumpur, Taman Desa and Damansara Jaya. From the delicate flavours of the donburi to the hearty satisfaction of okonomiyaki, each dish offers a unique taste experience, making Izakaya dining a culinary adventure worth exploring. Whether you’re a seasoned food enthusiast or new to Japanese cuisine, these dishes promise an unforgettable dining experience steeped in tradition and flavour.
If you are looking for the perfect place to savour these favourite Japanese dishes, Tansen Izakaya, Teppan Sakaba and Butaya Izakaya Japanese Restaurants should be at the top of your list! Renowned for its authentic flavours and inviting atmosphere, our restaurant offers a delightful dining experience that brings the best of Japan to your table. Whether you’re craving Clam Sakamushi, savoury Yakitori, or crispy Tempura, the Izakaya Group promises to deliver an unforgettable culinary journey. Take advantage of indulging in these delectable dishes at one of the finest Izakayas in town!
