To the uninitiated, Japanese cuisine can seem mysterious and intimidating. But with some education, you'll soon see that Japanese food is quite accessible - and delicious! Let's look at the common myths and misconceptions surrounding Japanese dining, so you can feel confident diving into your next meal.

Myth #1: You need to know exceptional etiquette for dining in Japan or any Japanese restaurant

While there are certain cultural norms to be aware of, the etiquette of dining out in Japan is similar to what you would expect in other countries.

For example, when entering a restaurant or café in Japan, it's polite to greet the staff before sitting down. Common phrases include "Konnichiwa" (Hello) or "Sumimasen" (Excuse me). And once you're served your meal, it's considered good manners to show appreciation for the food by saying "Itadakimasu!" ("I humbly receive this meal") before digging in. However, beyond that basic level of politeness, it's not expected that foreign visitors will know how to behave like natives.

Myth #2: All Japanese food is raw fish

There are plenty of delicious dishes on offer at a traditional sushi restaurant, but those items only make up a fraction of the vast repertoire of Japanese cuisine. In fact, many popular dishes are cooked! Some examples include sukiyaki (a type of hot pot dish), nabemono (a stew-like dish made with vegetables and protein), yakiniku (grilled meat), and tempura (lightly battered fried foods). Plus, an endless array of side dishes, such as pickles and salads, pair perfectly with cooked dishes, so if raw fish isn't your thing, no worries! There's something for everyone at a Japanese restaurant.

Myth #3: It's expensive to eat out in Japan

While it's true that some higher-end restaurants can be expensive, there are plenty of budget-friendly options too! Fast food chains such as Yoshinoya and Matsuya offer affordable meals like gyudon (rice bowl topped with beef slices) for under 500 yen ($4 - $5). And conbini (convenience stores) sell bentos (boxed lunches) for around 400 yen ($3 - $4). Many restaurants also have lunch specials where you can get a full-course meal for around 1000 yen ($9). So don't let the price deter you from experiencing all the fantastic flavours Japan offers!

Myth #4: Umami is a flavour

Have you ever experienced a remarkable taste that lingered after each bite? That's umami! It's not just one flavour; it involves all the senses to create an amazing and unique sensation.

Professional chefs can harness this potential like experts, with temperature essential in activating those flavours locked within certain foods. Umami isn't something easily put into words but can leave its mark on your tongue as soon as you take your first bite - genuinely delicious!

Myth #5: Miso soup is an appetiser

In Japanese dining, you might think a bowl of miso soup is often served as an appetiser to begin a meal. Despite that, whether formal or informal, miso soup is served alongside everything - with rice, grilled veggies and tofu dishes etc.

This flavourful combination of dashi (fish or seaweed stock) and fermented soybean paste can complete the entire culinary experience. A sip here and there helps one savour all the wonderful flavours from other dishes presented at meals - be it formal gatherings with friends or casual dinners with family.
 

Conclusion

As you can see from our examples above, there is much more to explore when it comes to Japanese cuisine than just sushi. With its variety of savoury flavours and its accessible price points, there is something for everyone at a traditional Japanese restaurant.

With our guide debunking some common myths & misconceptions about dining out in Japan or any Japanese restaurant in Singapore, you should feel more prepared & excited than ever to try out authentic new tastes & flavours! Bon appétit!

Are you a lover of Japanese cuisine? Look no further than Ramen Hitoyoshi in Singapore! With various outlets located throughout the city, you can dig into a selection of classic and innovative Japanese dishes whenever you want. Visit Hitoyoshi Yakiniku for delicious wagyu dishes, Hitoyoshi Ramen & Grill Singapore for grilled Japanese food, Hitoyoshi Yoshi Sushi for fresh sushi, and Hitoyoshi Izakaya for izakaya dishes, such as fresh and premium sashimi from Japan, yakitori, sake and many more.

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.

Calling all food connoisseurs who appreciate Japanese premium cuisine! Hitoyoshi Izakaya's new outlet @jewelchangiairport is a must-try you can't miss! Savour the chef's selection of premium Sashimi freshly flown in from Japan along with 50 flavours of Highball selection and many more guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds! 'Izakaya' literally translates to 'stay-drink-place' in Japanese. A great place to dine, grab a drink, settle in, and relax surrounded by a terraced forest with indoor waterfall setting of Jewel Changi Airport! Do check out Stellarfooddiary instagram - https://www.instagram.com/p/CkA_WX5Six1

The newly revamped Hitoyoshi Yakiniku re-opens with newer touches and a more spacious interior to provide diners an exquisite experience at a traditional Japanese-styled barbeque that offers premium Wagyu beef cuts buffet. With quality meat that is guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds, Hitoyoshi Yakiniku is the latest food hunt not to be missed.

The three consecutive time receiver of the National Wagyu Award, Miyazakigyu* is available at Hitoyoshi Yakiniku for both Lunch and Dinner buffets! *Miyazakigyu is a cattle that is born in Miyazaki prefecture, raised by Miyazaki producers and is famously known for its name and quality. It has outstanding meat quality and was nominated “Japan’s Number One Beef” in the Wagyu Olympics. It has exceptional marbling, evenly distribution of fats and a tender texture giving a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is simply hard to resist! For buffet lovers, you will be thrilled to know that Hitoyoshi Yakiniku offers a buffet menu for the U.S. Black Angus Beef for both lunch and dinner as well! “Black Angus” refers to a cattle breed that originates from Scotland with Angus genetics whose hides are predominantly black and are best known for delivering consistent, reliable beef. They typically produce well marbled meat and are the most popular breed in the U.S known for producing meat that is tender, juicy, flavorful, and exceptional in marbling. Not looking to eat much? Hitoyoshi Yakiniku also has set meals that would be in a more sizable portion but still guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds! With an array of different platters for consumers to choose from, you don’t have to worry about missing out on the exquisite meat selection that Hitoyoshi Yakiniku has to offer. Read More      

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!

Hitoyoshi Izakaya is a new Japanese restaurant at Jewel Changi Airport that aims to provide a unique dining experience into authentic Japanese cuisine. If the name sounds familiar, this restaurant is under the Hitoyoshi Group which has three other brands under its roof - Ramen Hitoyoshi, Hitoyoshi Sushi, Hitoyoshi Yoshi Yakiniku. https://districtsixtyfive.com/hitoyoshi-izakaya-revie