Japanese Izakaya (pubs) offer a wonderful variety of snacks, known as “otsumami,” or “atemono” that perfectly complement drinks. These snacks are designed to enhance your drinking experience with their unique flavors and textures. Here, we present the top three Japanese pub snacks that foreign tourists absolutely adore. Whether you’re enjoying a night out with friends or exploring local cuisine, these tasty treats are a must-try!

Yakitori: Grilled Chicken Skewers 🍢

Yakitori consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken, skewered and grilled over charcoal. The skewers can include different parts of the chicken, such as thigh, breast, liver, and even skin, each offering a distinct flavor and texture. Yakitori is typically seasoned with either salt (shio) or a savory-sweet sauce (tare).

Why Tourists Love It

Yakitori is loved for its simplicity, delicious taste, and the variety of flavors it offers. The smoky aroma from the charcoal grill combined with the juicy and tender meat makes it an irresistible snack. Plus, it’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy different parts of the chicken.

Popular Yakitori Varieties

• Negima: Chicken and green onion.
• Tsukune: Chicken meatballs.
• Teba: Chicken wings.

Example: Imagine sitting at a cozy izakaya in Tokyo, sipping on a glass of sake while enjoying a plate of assorted yakitori. The savory, smoky flavors of the grilled chicken complement the smooth, rich taste of the sake, creating a perfect dining experience.

Tempura: Light and Crispy Battered Delights 🍤

Tempura is a popular Japanese dish where seafood, vegetables, and sometimes even meat are lightly battered and deep-fried to a crispy perfection. It’s served with a dipping sauce called tentsuyu and grated daikon radish.

Why Tourists Love It

The light, airy batter and the variety of ingredients used in tempura make it a versatile and beloved snack. Tourists appreciate the delicate texture and the way the batter enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them.

Popular Tempura Items

• Ebi: Shrimp.
• Kabocha: Japanese pumpkin.
• Satsumaimo: Sweet potato.

Example: Envision enjoying a cold beer at an izakaya, accompanied by a platter of freshly fried tempura. The crisp, light texture of the tempura pairs perfectly with the refreshing beer, making for a delightful and satisfying snack.

Sashimi: Fresh, Sliced Raw Fish 🍣

Sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, served with soy sauce, wasabi, and sometimes garnishes like shredded daikon radish or shiso leaves. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the natural flavors and textures of the fish.

Why Tourists Love It

Sashimi offers a pure, unadulterated taste of the sea. Its fresh, clean flavors and the skillful presentation make it a favorite among seafood lovers. Sashimi is also a great way to appreciate the quality and variety of Japanese seafood.

Popular Sashimi Types

• Maguro: Tuna
• Sake: Salmon
• Hamachi: Yellowtail

Example: Picture yourself at a traditional izakaya, savoring slices of fresh tuna sashimi while sipping on a glass of cold sake. The delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the sashimi and the smooth sake create a harmonious and refined culinary experience.

Conclusion

Japanese izakaya offer a plethora of delicious snacks that perfectly complement the drinks. Yakitori, tempura, and sashimi are among the top choices that foreign tourists love, each providing a unique and delightful experience. Whether you’re new to Japanese cuisine or a seasoned enthusiast, these snacks are a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy the best of Japanese pub culture. Cheers to discovering the delicious world of Japanese otusmami!