What I Always Eat at Japanese Izakaya – Series #1

Having visited izakayas across Japan many times over the years, I’ve developed a set of personal go-to dishes that I regularly choose when I visit these favorite local spots.

(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.

I go to izakaya quite often, and over the years I’ve naturally settled on a set of dishes I almost always order.

They’re reliable, comforting, and pair perfectly with beer or sake.

Today, I’ll introduce my personal go-to izakaya dishes.

I’ve also included the Japanese names, so you can simply show this article to the staff and order with confidence.

Let’s dig in.

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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 slowly simmering pork intestines 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 texture and the miso aroma rising from the bowl.

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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.

Seasoned with soy sauce, mirin, ginger, and other Japanese flavors, it turns into a rich, umami-packed stew.

It pairs beautifully with both beer and sake.

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3. Doteyaki（どて焼き）— Osaka-Style Miso Beef Stew

This is a specialty from Osaka and isn’t very common in Tokyo.

If you see it on the menu, order it.

Doteyaki is simmered in white miso and mirin, creating a sweet-and-savory glaze that coats the tender beef.

It’s rich, slightly sweet, and incredibly addictive—especially with a cold beer.

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4. Yakitori — Hatsu（ハツ, Chicken Heart）［Salt / 塩］

Hatsu has a springy, satisfying bite and a clean, juicy flavor.

I always recommend ordering it with salt (shio).

Simple seasoning lets the natural taste shine, making it one of the best introductions to yakitori.

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5. Yakitori — Negima（ネギ間）［Salt / 塩］

This is the most classic yakitori skewer: chicken thigh and green onion.

The chicken stays juicy, the skin crisps nicely, and the grilled green onion adds natural sweetness.

If you’re new to yakitori, start here.

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6. Yakitori — Reba（レバー, Liver）［Salt / 塩］

Yakitori liver is very different from what many people imagine.

When fresh and properly cooked, it’s soft, rich, and almost buttery.

Salt brings out its natural flavor without overpowering it.

If you’ve avoided liver before, this might change your mind.

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How to Order (Easy Japanese)

You can simply point at the screen and say:

“Kore, onegaishimasu.”（これ、お願いします）

= I’d like to order this, please.

No complicated Japanese required.

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Final Thoughts

Izakaya food is about sharing, drinking, and enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.

These dishes are my personal staples—things I order again and again because they never disappoint.

If you’re visiting Japan, try a few of them during your next night out.

They’re classic, approachable, and very Japanese in the best way.