(Try These When You Visit Japan!)**
If you’re planning a trip to Japan—or you’re already here and wondering what to order at an izakaya (Japanese-style pub)—this guide is for you!
Today, I’ll introduce my personal go-to dishes. These are the foods I order almost every time I visit an izakaya.
I’ve also included the Japanese names, so you can show this article directly to the staff and order confidently!
Let’s dig in!
1. Motsu-ni（もつ煮）— Simmered Pork Intestines
Don’t let the name scare you—this is one of Japan’s true comfort foods.
Motsu-ni is made by simmering pork intestines slowly in a rich miso-based broth until they become meltingly tender.
The flavor is warm, savory, and deeply comforting.
On a cold night, nothing beats the soft, silky texture and the miso aroma rising from the bowl.
2. Gyusuji Nikomi（牛すじ煮込み）— Slow-Cooked Beef Tendon
This dish takes beef tendon and simmers it for hours until it becomes so soft you can cut it with a spoon.
The seasoning is typically a mix of soy sauce, mirin, ginger, and other Japanese flavors, creating a rich, savory stew with tons of umami.
It pairs beautifully with both beer and sake.
3. Doteyaki（どて焼き）— Osaka-Style Miso Beef Stew
This is a specialty from Osaka and not very common in Tokyo.
If you spot it on the menu, you’re lucky—order it!
Doteyaki is simmered in white miso and mirin, giving it a sweet and savory glaze that coats the tender beef pieces.
The thick miso flavor and the soft, gelatinous beef are addictive and pair perfectly with a cold beer.
4. Yakitori — Hatsu（ハツ）［Salt / 塩］
Hatsu is chicken heart, and trust me—it’s delicious.
It has a springy, satisfying bite, and salt (shio) is hands-down the best way to enjoy it.
Lightly seasoned, grilled over charcoal, and full of juicy flavor, it’s a must-try for any yakitori beginner or expert.
5. Yakitori — Negima（ネギ間）［Salt / 塩］
This is the most classic yakitori skewer: alternating pieces of chicken thigh and green onion.
I always recommend ordering it with salt.
The chicken is juicy, the skin crisps beautifully, and the sweetness of the grilled green onion ties it all together.
If you’re new to yakitori, start here!
6. Yakitori — Reba（レバー, Liver）［Salt / 塩］
Yakitori liver is different from the liver you might be used to—it’s incredibly soft and has a rich, mild flavor when cooked fresh.
Salt brings out its natural creaminess, and the texture is almost buttery.
If you’ve avoided liver in the past, this might change your mind.
Order with Confidence!
All the Japanese names are included, so you can simply show this screen to the staff and say:
“Kore, onegaishimasu!”（これ、お願いします！）
= I’d like to order this, please.”
Izakaya food is all about enjoying delicious dishes in a lively, fun atmosphere.
These are my personal favorites—give them a try during your next night out in Japan!