Izakaya what they are and where to find in Tokyo the typical Japanese premises become trendy also in Milan as a new concept of Happy Hour.
The best way to be guided in an overwhelming discovery of Japanese culture? Through the food and wine traditions of Tokyo! For years now, Japanese cuisine has become one of the favorite Italian trends; many people choose to gather around the table, enjoying sushi, sashimi and ramen.
Izakaya what are
Yet few still know that the new fashion of Japan are the Izakaya, typical places where to leave behind an intense working day enjoying good drinks and typical dishes of Japanese cuisine.
Tokyo Table, Sakeya, Kanpai, Shimokita: already different are the newly opened addresses in Milan where you can embrace this new concept of Italian Happy Hour or Spanish tapas and let yourself be guided by taste. The izakaya are in fact conquering the Lombard capital by opening the doors of new premises where you can experience the fascinating Asian tradition.
Even those who have already tasted the culinary proposals of the Milanese restaurants, can not miss the opportunity of a visit to Tokyo to experience the wide variety of izakaya of the Japanese capital: here are many addresses that range from the premises dating back to the post-war period to the themed ones, without forgetting the most modern and innovative where to spend an evening between drinks and snacks.
The izakaya have been studied and designed to offer its guests unforgettable evenings based on great drinks: a large bar in the center of the room awaits all the customers to satisfy the most diverse tastes with sakè, beers, shochu, cocktails and soft drinks; for those who want more privacy are often available also separate of various sizes.
Only rule? The sooner you drink, you eat. To live an experience like a local the phrase to say a few minutes after having settled at your table is "Toriaezu beer" ("A beer, to begin with") and a few moments after a fresh beer will begin to cheer the evening.
Only after ordering a drink and lying the senses will be possible to open the menu and think to satisfy the palate with traditional recipes and not; among the most famous chicken skewers or other meats, but also sashimi, edamame, various fried, grilled ravioli and much more.
The portions are small and there is no clear subdivision between appetizers, first and second. Very tasty and popular, the dishes are designed as tastings to accompany the evening and enjoy an experience out of the ordinary, between fun and taste.
The best izakaya in Tokyo
In some historical areas hidden around the corner of the main streets of Tokyo, the izakaya follow in series almost to allow you to choose your favorite as from a catalog: in Shinjuku these are Omoide Yokocho (the alley of memories) with its post-war bars from old-fashioned architecture and Golden Gai, perhaps the most famous alley in the city; in Shibuya instead lies Nombei Yokocho (the vicle of drinkers) with its settings retro style Showa anni ’50.
The izakayas have been part of Japanese culture for years and for this reason many locals have been transformed into chains of shops offering the same menu wherever you are in the city. Among the most famous and loved by the Japanese you can find Kin no Kura and Torikizoku, two casual and economic chains that allow you to satisfy the palate with budget content.
Other addresses absolutely not to be missed for sakè lovers are Ukeduki and Oshiage Yoshikatsu that have great experience in local production of sakè and devote a lot of attention to the art of ‘good good’. At theUkeduki sakè is not a simple meal accessory but is considered the main axis around which the whole evening and the menu proposed.
Here the cordiality is of order as well as the very high quality of raw materials totally made in Japan. Oshiage Yoshikatsu Instead it is a small izakaya in which each drink is associated elaborate baskets based on local production vegetables. Council not to forget? Order the monjayaki, absolute specialties of the place cooked with flour made in Tokyo.
Finally, for those looking for an experience perhaps at the limit of bizarre as only Tokyo can offer, two are the addresses of theme izakaya not to be missed. Ninja, as you already know from the name offers an experience in the ninja world in the area of Akasaka: starting from the furnishings, passing through the menu and to the mode of service everything is inspired by the world of mysterious ninjas.
Vapore reminiscent of smoke signals on battlefields and other dishes with taste and olfactory references to past times are the specialties served by Sengoku Buyuden in Shinjuku, which is inspired by the time of the great conductors and samurai not only in the menu but also in the furnishing of the rooms, decorated with armor and historical objects.
