🍶 The Must-Try Dishes at a Japanese Izakaya

From my years of living in Japan and countless evenings spent in izakayas with locals, coworkers, and friends, I’ve come to recognize the dishes that are truly beloved here.

What Locals Always Order (and You Should Too!)

If you ever visit Japan, one experience you definitely shouldn’t miss is going to an izakaya — Japan’s lively version of a casual pub.

Izakayas are where people relax after work, enjoy drinks with friends or coworkers, and share small dishes in a friendly, informal atmosphere.

You don’t need to know any special rules — just sit down, order a drink, and enjoy the food.

Here are the classic dishes that Japanese people order again and again.

If you choose these, you’ll be eating exactly like a local.

---

🍗 1. Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)

If there’s one dish that almost always appears on the table, it’s karaage.

Bite-sized chicken pieces are marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then deep-fried until crispy and golden.

The outside is crunchy, while the inside stays juicy and flavorful.

Karaage pairs perfectly with beer and is loved by people of all ages.

It’s safe to say: everyone orders karaage.

---

🌱 2. Edamame (Boiled Soybeans)

Edamame is the classic “let’s start with this” dish.

Lightly salted and served warm, these green soybeans are simple, healthy, and easy to snack on while waiting for other dishes.

In Japan, it’s very common to hear someone say:

“Let’s get edamame first.”

---

🐟 3. Sashimi (Slices of Raw Fish)

Fresh sashimi is one of the highlights of Japanese food culture.

At izakayas, sashimi usually comes as an assortment — tuna, salmon, yellowtail, or sea bream are common choices.

Each slice is clean, delicate, and full of natural flavor.

Dip it lightly in soy sauce with a small amount of wasabi, and it pairs especially well with sake or beer.

---

🔥 4. Yakitori (Grilled Chicken Skewers)

Yakitori is one of the most iconic izakaya foods.

Small pieces of chicken are skewered and grilled over charcoal, seasoned either with:

• Shio (salt), or
• Tare (a slightly sweet soy-based sauce)

Popular types include chicken thigh, chicken with green onion, meatballs, and liver.

The smoky aroma alone is enough to make you order more.

---

🐙 5. Tako-wasa (Octopus with Wasabi)

This dish is a favorite among people who enjoy sake.

Chopped raw octopus is mixed with wasabi and light seasoning, creating a unique combination of chewy texture and sharp spice.

It’s refreshing, bold, and surprisingly addictive.

If you want to try something very “Japanese,” this is a great choice.

---

🥒 6. Tsukemono (Japanese Pickles)

Tsukemono are traditional Japanese pickles made from vegetables like cucumbers, radishes, or eggplant.

They’re lightly salty, slightly sour, and refreshing.

While younger people don’t always order them, many Japanese still enjoy tsukemono as a palate cleanser between dishes.

---

🇯🇵 Final Tip: Order These and You’ll Fit Right In

If you walk into an izakaya and order a few of these dishes, you’ll be eating exactly like a local.

No complicated choices.

No tourist-only menu.

Just classic, well-loved Japanese comfort food.

Who knows — someone might even say,

“Wow, you really know what to order.”

So grab a drink, relax, and enjoy one of Japan’s favorite ways to spend an evening.

---

🍻 Coming Up Next

Comfort Food Classics You’ll Find at Any Izakaya

Next time, we’ll explore popular homestyle dishes like yakisoba, dashimaki tamago, and Japanese potato salad.