Visiting a local izakaya is among the best ways to experience the food and drink of Japan. Whether you’ve just moved to Japan or are in it for a quick trip, you should definitely try spending an evening at an izakaya, where you can wind down with a few beers or become adventurous by tasting the dishes you’re unlikely to find somewhere else.
At first, visiting an izakaya can feel a little overwhelming since it is very much different from a regular pub or bar. However, once you overcome that worry, you’ll realise just how amazing of an experience being at an izakaya is. This article will give you a list of the best dishes and drinks you should order when you visit your first izakaya.

Best Izakaya Dishes

While an izakaya is a great place to have a drink with your friends or colleagues, the izakaya-style dishes are what really make this unique bar special. These dishes are typically salty and combine well with alcoholic drinks, such as beer and nihonshu (Japanese sake). Here are some of the most popular izakaya dishes you shouldn’t miss on your first visit:

1. Gyoza

Savouring a crunchy and juicy gyoza is a perfect way to end a long, tiring day. Gyoza are dumplings filled with meat and vegetables and are usually made with a thin dough. There are different ways to serve gyoza: fried, steamed, or slightly crispy. They can be paired perfectly with any drink, and they tend to get eaten fast, so it’s recommended that you put in two orders in advance.

2. Karaage

The term “karaage” is often associated with fried chicken. However, there are actually other varieties of this Japanese dish, and all of them are flavourful. Among the best karaage you should try are fried octopus or squid and nankotsu or fried cartilage. Karaage is best eaten with a bottle of cold beer.

3. Yakitori

If you love chicken dishes, then you’ll instantly fall in love with yakitori. They’re grilled chicken skewers that feature bite-sized versions of each part of a chicken, from heart to thigh, and even the skin. A lot of places serve grilled vegetable skewers too. Your stress will certainly be washed away with a cold beer and a couple of yakitori.

4. Yaki Sakana

Yaki Sakana is basically grilled fish. It’s an excellent choice of dish, especially if you like sake, since the two pair perfectly together. While salmon and mackerel are commonly used for cooking yaki sakana, an izakaya will sometimes use whatever fish is in season. When eating this dish, be sure to remove the bones!

5. Sashimi

If you want to try something a bit lighter and quite refreshing, sashimi is a popular food choice. Sashimi is raw slices of fish that are often served as a variety of seasonal fish or the usual tuna and salmon. This dish is best eaten with a bottle of sake.

6. Tempura

Tempura is among the most popular Japanese dishes in the world. They’re lightly battered and deep-fried fish, meat, or vegetables. They can also be made with seasonal vegetables and shrimp. These slightly crunchy treats will surely complete your day, especially when you pair them with beer or sake.

Best Izakaya Drinks

Usually, izakaya drinks aren’t too fancy. Nonetheless, they’re quite refreshing and affordable, and they go great with food. Here are the most favourite drinks you’ll likely find at every izakaya:

1. Japanese Beer

Nothing beats the feeling of sitting down after a long day and ordering a flavourful Japanese beer at the beginning of your meal. Usually, the beer is served cold and on draft, but it may also come in a frosted glass. Most izakaya also serves beer in bottles, with the bigger ones being accompanied by a glass or several glasses if sharing. Yakitori and fried food are the best izakaya dishes you can pair with beer.

2. Japanese Sake

Japanese sake is another popular drink you’ll likely find at any izakaya. This drink can be served warm or cold, and it’s offered in numerous varieties, from special seasonal to cheap ones. You can order sake by the glass or have it given out decanter style to be enjoyed by yourself or shared with others. Japanese sake combines perfectly with grilled foods and fish.

3. Sours and Highballs

Although sours are a usual menu item, they can be very interesting, especially for tourists. Sours are drinks that have an alcohol base mixed with some type of flavouring or fruit juice, which is then watered down with soda water. These drinks are really fun to try and can be paired with everything. Highballs are just like sours, but they often use whiskey as the alcohol base.

Conclusion

The popularity of Japanese izakaya is undeniable. They’re more than just bars or restaurants; they’re places for people to bond together with friends and colleagues while enjoying delicious food and drinks after a tough day at work or in school. The dishes and drinks at an izakaya are simply amazing and comforting. Luckily, you can already find izakaya even when you’re not in Japan, as they’ve already popped up anywhere in the world.
If you’re in Singapore, and you want to try the famous izakaya experience, Hitoyoshi Izakaya at Jewel Changi Airport is the place to be. It offers incredible views and mouth-watering food that’ll surely keep you coming back. The atmosphere at this place is also chill and cosy, so you can unwind here with your family and friends.
Meanwhile, if your comfort food is ramen, you should also try Ramen Hitoyoshi Singapore, which serves the most savoury and comforting ramen noodles in town. Our other popular food places that you can visit for amazing Japanese food include Hitoyoshi Yoshi Sushi, Hitoyoshi Yakiniku Singapore, and Hitoyoshi Ramen & Grill Singapore.

Sushi is a tasty dish enjoyed by numerous people around the world. It’s a Japanese staple that’s been around for more than 700 years. While there seems to be an unending number of variations of this famous dish, most sushi varieties are considered to have many surprising health benefits. For instance, every dish on Hitoyoshi’s sushi menu isn’t just mouth-watering but full of essential nutrients as well. By eating these sushi dishes, not only are you delighting your tastebuds, but you’re giving your health a boost too. This article enumerates some of the most amazing health benefits you can get from eating one of Japan’s most prized dishes – sushi!

1. Reduces inflammation and improves your heart health

Sushi is full of Omega 3 fish oils, which are classified as essential fats that the body unfortunately can’t make. Omega 3 fish oils provide a variety of health benefits, including the reduction of high cholesterol levels. As a matter of fact, research studies have shown that these Omega 3’s can minimise the risk of heart disease and inflammation. They can also help lower blood pressure and maintain heart rhythm. To put it simply, Omega 3 fish oils can assist in keeping all systems in the body “well oiled.”

2. Cuts cravings 

It’s common knowledge that fish is a great source of protein, which balances blood sugar and maintains the stability of your energy levels. This results in longer periods of satiety, improved metabolism, and less snacking between meals. Ultimately, it encourages safe and steady weight loss. However, losing weight may depend on the type of sushi you choose to eat. For the best weight loss outcomes, go for fishier sushi choices that come with vegetables, such as tuna or salmon sashimi with seaweed salad. You can also try miso soup with sashimi if you’re craving a bowl of hot soup along with your sushi.

3. Good for the brain 

Sushi is ordinarily made with fish, which is considered to be the number one food for the brain! The Omega 3 fatty acids or essential fats found in fish help repair and nourish brain cells. Since fish is also rich in protein, it helps increase the mind’s concentration and maintain energy. This makes sushi an excellent lunchtime option during your work or school days. If you have poor memory, you have all the more reason to eat sushi since the high content of essential fats found in its fish can help with memory and cognitive functions. Essentially, eating sushi meals on a regular basis is beneficial for all ages in terms of maintaining healthy cognitive functions and protecting the brain.

4. Gives your bones and muscles a boost

Fish is also an outstanding source of calcium, which is the main mineral necessary for bone health. Therefore, eating sushi regularly can help keep your bones and joints healthy and prevent serious conditions, such as osteoporosis. It can also enhance the health of your hair and nails since calcium forms the necessary building blocks for healthy hair and nails. If you’re suffering from a muscle tear, sushi is highly recommended for you since it’s an excellent source of protein. If you eat sushi and exercise regularly, it can aid in the repair and recovery of your muscles. For optimal benefit, you should have sushi at least twice or thrice a week. 

5. Makes you look younger 

Besides essential fats, protein, and calcium, sushi is likewise an abundant source of antioxidants, which delay cell damage, stave off permanent oxidative damage to the skin, and make overall ageing slower. These antioxidants preserve your skin’s cell structure, which helps maintain the youthfulness of your cells both internally and externally. As such, sushi would be an excellent addition to your anti-ageing diet!

Conclusion

Overall, aside from being delicious, sushi is quite a nutritious dish. It’s a heart-healthy food that can deliver numerous essential minerals and nutrients to your body. Hence, it’s no wonder why sushi is a staple part of everyday meals for most Japanese, who are known for having long life expectancy. By eating sushi regularly, you can definitely enjoy plenty of amazing health benefits for your body, mind, and skin. Come visit Hitoyoshi Yoshi Sushi Singapore if you’re looking for the most flavourful and healthiest sushi dishes to satisfy your cravings! Our sushi and sashimi are made with the most premium ingredients taken from reputable sources to ensure quality and freshness. Alongside traditional authentic sushi, we offer modern flavours, such as mentaiko, cheese, and Aburi (flame-seared) sushi, that’ll certainly make your dining experience a lot more memorable. You can also check our other popular establishments like Hitoyoshi Ramen & Grill Singapore and Hitoyoshi Yakiniku Singapore if you want to have a taste of the most savoury ramen noodles in town or have the ultimate yakiniku experience. When it comes to good Japanese food, we’re the expert you can count on!

Yakiniku is a staple in Japanese cuisine. Loved in Japan and worldwide, this barbecued beef’s rich, smoky flavour goes unmatched. But did you know it’s as delicious as it is easy to make? Follow these tips to learn how to grill your yakiniku like a pro in your very home.

1. Know your meats

Choosing the perfect cut of meat for you is vital. Stick to cuts that are thinner and can be cooked quickly. If your budget allows it, wagyu sliced and sirloins are decadent choices to spoil yourself at home. These leaner cuts are perfect for grilling, and the fat marbling through the cuts will melt on the grill for an aroma like no other.
For those who want more affordable options, beef fillets are a fantastic option for tender meat, lower in fat, that will cook well on the grill. Enjoy delicious yakiniku without breaking the bank here. Just remember to cut against the grain and have each cut be around 0.5cm thick.

2. Get creative with ingredients

Have some variety in your meal by including ingredients like mushrooms and onions for added flavour. These marinate well with your sauces of choice and give the meal an extra, healthy kick. For variety in your meats, consider including thin slices of pork belly for more textures and flavours with each bite.
For those big on sauces, the typical ingredients to fuse with your yakiniku would be shoyu (soy sauce), mirin, sugar, and sesame seeds. Get creative by adding sesame oil and other flavour enhancers like garlic and ginger to the mix. Add these in sparingly, and let them enrich your meal without overpowering the meat.

3. Know your equipment

If you plan to cook indoors, using a non-stick frying pan will do the trick. Stir often to cook all ingredients evenly, and you can cook them together or separate them based on your preference for each ingredient’s doneness.
For those who want an authentic grilling experience, indoor hibachi grills are fantastic at searing yakiniku meats. There are many options in the market for these grills, with non-stick varieties for easier clean-up and cast-iron ones that don’t have any chemical coatings on the grill. These grills add that signature smoky flavour we know and love from yakiniku. Whatever your choice is, protect your cooking area while grilling and practice safety when handling the equipment!

4. Get creative

Making yakiniku at home allows you to complement your dish as you please. Prepare a nice, simple bowl of miso soup at the side, and pair your yakiniku beef with rice of your choosing: brown rice, jasmine rice, and haigamai rice (a nutty and chewy option) are all great options.
If you’re feeling adventurous, make yakiniku rice burgers for you and your loved ones! Or opt for a traditional setting, pairing your meat with steamed edamame, Japanese potato salad, teriyaki tofu, and other filling sides. The options are endless.

Conclusion

Yakiniku is a uniquely tasty dish with a rich history and arguably richer flavours. Bring this piece of decadence into your own home with our tips, and you’ll be grilling like a pro in no time!
We at Hitoyoshi Yakiniku Singapore offer high-quality cuts of beef and seafood to satisfy your cravings for premium Japanese cuisine. Lovers of the grill can also visit us at Hitoyoshi Ramen & Grill, one of our many Hitoyoshi Group restaurants. Find a restaurant near you and dine with us today!

Tonkotsu ramen has been a mainstay in Japanese cuisine for ages. Famous all over Japan and even internationally, the dish has proven to be a favourite amongst its ramen counterparts. But what sets it apart from other ramen dishes? Here are some reasons why Tonkotsu ramen is just so special.

1. It’s steeped for hours

There’s no denying that a standout aspect of Tonkotsu ramen is its strong flavour. Pork bones are steeped in the broth for hours on high heat, turning the collagen from the bones into delicious gelatine. This gives the broth its classic cloudy appeal, packed with its signature umami flavour from the bones perfectly paired with the meat sitting atop.
This easy contribution to its flavour is what makes Tonkotsu broth so special. Simply steeping the pork bones for hours can make a hearty difference to the meal. With this ramen, you can make Japan’s most popular noodle dish at home and still have it pack a punch with immense flavour!

2. It’s nutritious and delicious

Healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. With Tonkotsu ramen, the nutrition lies in its flavourful broth. By steeping the pork bones for hours, as mentioned before, all the healthy goodness within the bones flows out and marinates the soup. This gives the broth its silky feel and makes each mouthful a decadent experience.
With Tonkotsu ramen being both healthy and delicious, it’s a dish that fills you up when you’re craving a heavy meal but won’t leave you feeling guilty. Spice it up with some nori (dried seaweed) and other vegetables you love to elevate your ramen game and add more depth to your feel-good eating.

3. Rich flavour, richer history

Tonkotsu ramen has a rich history. Originally created by Tokio Miyamoto-san on a December day in 1937, the first recipe differs from our modern-day adaptions. This change traces back to an accident made by Katsumi Sugino-san, ten years after its initial creation. It is said that his mother, left in charge of cooking the dish one day, steeped the broth for too long. What Sugino-san thought was wasted food turned out much better than his intended outcome. The pork bones marinated for much longer than usual, becoming the favoured ramen dish we know today.
Now, 86 years after Tokio Miyamoto-san’s original recipe, Tonkotsu ramen remains a staple in our diets. A favourite across Japan and even internationally, savouring this ramen means tasting the richness of a broth that has stood the test of time. Make this dish even more special by incorporating unique toppings that you love and follow in the footsteps of this dish’s innovative history.

4. It’s versatile

Tonkotsu ramen is less of a flavour and more of a type of broth. It means “pork bone” and gets most of its taste from the marinated bones, as mentioned. This means that Tonkotsu ramen can be mild and simple for cosy days or flavoured further for when you want to make things exciting.
While the Tonkotsu ramen can stand firm on its, adding flavours to it with shoyu (soy sauce) or miso can really elevate your broth game. Perfect it the way you want, and you can always fall back on the trusted, original broth as a comfort food that never fails.

Conclusion

There’s no denying that Tonkotsu ramen has won over the hearts and taste buds of food lovers worldwide. Whether enjoyed at a traditional ramen shop in Japan or at a trendy eatery in Singapore and other major city, Tonkotsu ramen is a delicious and satisfying comfort food that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Has all this ramen talk made you hungry? Come enjoy a hearty bowl of Tonkotsu ramen (and other dishes!) at Ramen Hitoyoshi Singapore. For buffet and beef lovers, our Hitoyoshi Yakiniku boasts succulent, smoky meats perfect for you. And that’s not all. Find a restaurant near you to satisfy your cravings today!

Yakiniku: a classic dish in Japanese cuisine. Literally translated to “grilled meat”, yakiniku is typically served as beef, but many Japanese restaurants offer yakiniku in other meat varieties like chicken and seafood. Thinly sliced strips of meat are seasoned, dipped in marinade, and brought to you to cook on an open grill as you please. What’s not to like? With the grilling process in your hands, here are some tips to make the most of your yakiniku experience!

Know your meat!

Start with lighter cuts and slowly make your way over to fattier meats. Heavier cuts of beef are usually loaded with flavour, and our Hitoyoshi Yakiniku is no different! However, starting off with these fattier cuts can overwhelm your tastebuds and drown out the lighter meats to come.
Lean meat has the privilege of a shorter wait time on the grill, so cook these first on both sides and enjoy them while waiting for your thicker meats to grill thoroughly. The fat content on these thicker pieces will melt away, exposing the tenderness of the meat underneath. This also prevents the thicker cuts' fat from overpowering the grill and the taste of the leaner meats, letting you savour the complexities of each bite individually.

Don’t skimp on sauce

Japanese cuisine offers a variety of sauces, and each one can really enhance the flavour of your dishes. If you want a little kick to your plate, consider adding some characteristically Japanese flavours like soy sauce, sesame oil, or mirin (rice wine) to your meals. Dipping your yakiniku meat into these sauces can draw out the best flavours for you and enhance the savoury umami-ness of each bite.
Alternatively, customising your sauces with a mixture of these flavours and other enhancers such as garlic and sugar can really personalise your meals. Yakiniku is a traditional Japanese barbeque experience, but it is versatile as long as you know how to cook it well.

More than meat

Your yakiniku grilling experience isn’t limited to just meat! Bring some variety to the table by incorporating side dishes into your meal. Your table guests will thank you when they see some colour on their plates brought on by steamed edamame, mushrooms, miso soup, and more.
The heaviness of the yakiniku meats will be nicely balanced by these light vegetables and soups and provide a refreshing break from repetitive textures and flavours. Diversifying your diet also makes the experience healthier and allows you to try new aspects of Japanese cuisine, something those dining with you can appreciate!
For the ultimate luxurious experience, we recommend accompanying your meats with seafood, sashimi, and even maki. These side dishes are sure to fill you and your dinner guests’ tummies for a completely satisfying yakiniku experience.

Take it slow

Cook your meats slowly, placing them on the grill one at a time. Alternate between lean and fatty meats to not only have variation between bites but also to have a steady rotation of meats, so you don’t have to wait too long between bites and avoid overcooking your meats.
This also gives others you dine with time to cook and eat their dishes without rushing at the table. Conversations will flow smoother, and meats will be grilled evenly, overall, making for a more enjoyable experience!

Conclusion

Yakiniku is a classic Japanese cuisine, with endless grilling possibilities and a rich history behind its flavours. Branch out of your usual routine, be adventurous with the available options, and remember the skills to bring out the best in each dish. Make an already good experience even better by following the tips provided, and you, too, can be a yakiniku pro!
We at Hitoyoshi Yakiniku Singapore offer high-quality cuts of beef and seafood, including A5 Miyazaki beef and US Angus beef, to satisfy your cravings for Japanese cuisine. Lovers of the grill can also visit us at Hitoyoshi Ramen & Grill and Hitoyoshi Izakaya, one of our many Hitoyoshi Group’s restaurants.