Eating and drinking in an Izakaya

Although I’m not long into my travels in Japan, I have already become fond of the Izakaya as a place to eat and drink. Not really a restaurant, but more like a pub, Izakaya are lovely places for solo travellers, although they are also very popular with groups of local people to spend time together, sharing a meal and a few drinks. Often identified by the lantern outside, Izakaya are everywhere in Japan and very popular.

On arrival, you can be seated at a table or at the counter; travelling solo, the counter is the best choice, as it’s a good place to find people to chat with, watch the cooking process and even chat with the staff.

In this place in Kurashiki, the counter was nearly full, but I managed to be seated next to a lovely couple from Yokohama on one side and a lady from Kyushu on the other side, but conversations could include other people too, as people are very friendly here.

 

I have also visited a couple of places in Hiroshima, which were more clearly local Izakaya rather than catering mainly to a travelling clientele of tourists (I think …). In one of them, the baseball was the main attraction at the time, and everyone was a supporter of Hiroshima Carp, the local team. I had a lovely chat with two of them and also enjoyed the game, which Hiroshima lost (but it was exciting and close at the end!).

 

Sitting at the counter allows you to see what’s happening with the chefs, and (if they’re not too busy) chat with them too.

 

Beer is a popular beverage of course, and always available in draught form, which suits me just fine. Much nicer than bottles (which is the only alternative in most Australian restaurants, unfortunately). Comes in different sizes, and is generally served with a noble of some sort. The green beans are delicious, but I have had alternatives too, even pumpkin.

 

Later in the evening, a drop of sake is a good night-cap, but moderation is advisable. Sake is served cold or warm, according to preference (both are nice) and is often shared. In one Izakaya, there were sake bowls on the counter for customers to use as they wished, for example.

 

As far as food is concerned, having an English menu is helpful, but not really essential (you can always point to what someone else is having!). Skewers are very popular, and come in all kinds and comprise all sorts of things. I have not yet had any that were not delicious, so it’s hard to make a mistake, I think.

 

Skewers are always beautifully served in ceramic trays, which I have often seen in Japan,  but not really appreciated their purpose.

 

There are other dishes of course. Being an island nation, fish is very popular, but I have even managed to find potatoes here already … I thoroughly enjoyed the potato dumpling, served in a lovely sauce with radish on the side, for example.

 

Of course, groups of people can have a good time in Izakayas (indeed, that’s what they’re for!) and I have often enjoyed doing so in the post with friends and colleagues.

 

But, travelling alone, they represent a good (and affordable) place to eat, drink and chat with local people.