Izakaya, a Japanese pub or izakaya, is a type of bar that serves authentic and quality food. The history of the word izakaya goes back to the Edo Period when it was known as a Dutch term meaning ‘castle’. As such, it was also called a Dutch gedestilleerd (Dutch distilled). However, like many terms in Japanese culture; the name has changed in recent years. This article explains what an izakaya is and where to find the best izakaya in Singapore.
Why go to an Izakaya?
First of all, an izakaya is not just a pub, it’s a place that hosts a wide variety of food, from small snacks to large meals. You can find izakayas in almost every city in Japan and they’re often located in older, historic areas. You’ll often find one izakaya in a city like Singapore. You can expect to find a wide variety of food at an izakaya and some of it might not look like much on the outside but is actually very good. The atmosphere in an izakaya is also very relaxed and social, which makes it the perfect place to chat with friends or meet people you’re interested in. You might want to try an izakaya if you’re looking for a cosy, casual place to enjoy good food and drinks with friends.
Go for a Light Meal or Order from the Menu
If you’re looking for a pre-meal snack, head to an izakaya and order their famous datsunmiya, a ball-shaped snack made from rice, fish, seaweed, and various seasonings. Many izakayas also serve shakuyakka, a savoury Japanese dumpling which is filled with pork and vegetables. For dessert, try their famous kurobuta rice, steamed rice with peanuts and dried bonito flakes. For meat lovers, there’s little better than shakushoku sashimi, a selection of raw fish dishes served at many izakayas. For vegetables, there’s also katsu don, a savoury Japanese beef dish often served with miso sauce. For dessert, you can try their pretty standard assortment of sweets or order one of their famous coffee or house-made desserts.
Try the Seafood or Sushi Bar
If you’re looking for a light meal or snack, head to an izakaya and order their famous datsunmiya, a ball-shaped snack made from rice, fish, seaweed, and various seasonings. Many izakayas also serve shakuyakka, a savoury Japanese dumpling which is filled with pork and vegetables. For dessert, try their famous kurobuta rice, steamed rice with peanuts and dried bonito flakes. For meat lovers, there’s little better than shakushoku sashimi, a selection of raw fish dishes served at many izakayas. For vegetables, there’s also katsu don, a savoury Japanese beef dish often served with miso sauce. For dessert, you can try their pretty standard assortment of sweets or order one of their famous coffee or house-made desserts.
The Edible Food in an Izakaya
When it comes to the food at an izakaya, we can’t leave out the section on the bottom-less-thirds! There’s a reason they call it an izakaya: because it has your average bar food at its core, but with an addition of yakisoba, tempura, seaweed salad, miso soup, and other miscellaneous food items. Although many places serve okonomiyaki and gomtang at lunch and dinner, many izakayas also have a lunch special: yakisoba rice and vegetable noodles with pickles and sesame seeds. If you’re in the mood for a heavier meal, then the menu at an izakaya changes regularly, so you’re sure to find a variety of food options. Try their famous karaage, a fried meat patty served with cabbage, for example, or their meatballs with vegetables.
The history of the word izakaya goes back to the Edo Period when it was known as a Dutch term meaning ‘castle’. As such, it was also called a Dutch gedestilleerd (Dutch distilled). However, like many terms in Japanese culture; the name has changed in recent years. This article explains what an izakaya is and where to find the best food and drink in Singapore. If you’re looking for a cosy, casual place to enjoy good food and drinks with friends, then an izakaya is the place for you.
