Yakitori – Skewered Chicken
Along with Karaage, Yakitori (grilled chicken) is another unique food experience in Japan that everyone should try at least once. While the main ingredient is almost all parts of a chicken, other particularly nice alternatives are vegetarian. Popular locations are Yurakucho, which has many sit-down Japanese style pubs with the seating extending out into the street. Don’t expect a load of English from the staff however they usually have English menus and will beckon you in as you walk past.
There are so many different types of skewer and they vary between restaurants, so you will have to search for a list yourself and see if they match with what is on offer in your chosen location. A good bet at any time is to order a “mori-awase” (盛り合わせ), which is often 5 or 10 skewers of the popular choices. You may get a liver mixed in so if you hate liver, ask for “leba nashi” (no liver). Liver is レバー in Japanese so look out for it. If you order individual skewers, you need to specify the following: –
- Type of skewer (name)
- Number of skewers (they assume 1 per person usually)
- Taste (salt or sweet “tare” sauce)
Everything will come in the above format and salt is a safe bet just in case you don’t like the “tare” sauce. Vegetables and mushrooms tend to work better with the sauce while the meet is good with salt.
Things to watch out for just in case are chicken skin, heart, and liver. If you aren’t a fan then keep an eye open for “皮、ハート、レバー”. Safe and enjoyable non-meat alternatives are peppers, asparagus, and mushrooms “ピーマン、アスパラ、しいたけ”.
Always put the skewers in the cup provided by your table.
