A Beginner’s Guide to Yakitori: Finding the Perfect Grilled Chicken Skewer Spot

Hello everyone! “Yakitori”—grilled chicken skewers—is a dish that can be enjoyed in various settings, whether it’s after work drinks, a gathering with friends, or even a slightly luxurious dinner. Its fragrant aroma and diverse flavors are truly appealing.

However, some people might feel that visiting a yakitori restaurant is a bit intimidating. There are so many choices, you don’t know what to order… You might not understand the atmosphere of the shop… If you have these kinds of worries, don’t worry!

In this article, we will thoroughly explain everything—from basic knowledge about yakitori for beginners, the characteristics of different cuts, how to choose a delicious yakitori restaurant, and even some recommendations.

By reading this article, you are sure to fall in love with the charm of yakitori! Come on, let’s dive into the wonderful world of delicious grilled skewers together!

The Basics of Yakitori: What You Need to Know
First, let’s organize some fundamental knowledge about yakitori.

What is Yakitori?

A dish made by skewering chicken pieces and grilling them over charcoal or similar heat source.
It is generally seasoned with tare (sauce) or salt.
While it primarily uses chicken, the term “yakitori” can broadly include items like vegetables or offal also skewered and grilled.

The History of Yakitori

The culture of eating chicken has been around for a long time, but the style of skewering and grilling is said to have become popular during the Edo period.
At that time, it was enjoyed by common people at street stalls and similar venues.
After the war, with the development of poultry farming, yakitori shops increased, establishing the style we know today.

Types of Yakitori: Learn About the Cuts!

Yakitori uses various parts of the chicken. Each cut has its own characteristic flavor and texture.

Momo (Thigh): The base of the chicken leg. Juicy and rich in umami.
Mune (Breast): The chest part of the chicken. Light and healthy.
Sasami (Tenderloin): A long, slender piece inside the breast. Soft with a mild flavor.
Negima: Alternating skewers of thigh meat and green onions. A classic favorite menu item.
Kawa (Skin): Chicken skin. Enjoyable for its crispy texture and rich fat umami.
Sunagimo (Gizzard): Part of the chicken’s stomach. Characterized by a crunchy, firm texture.
Liver: Chicken liver. Has a unique flavor and a chewy texture.
Hatsu (Heart): Chicken heart. Features a bouncy texture and deep flavor.
Bonjiri (Tailbone area): Meat around the chicken tailbone. Fatty and juicy.
Seseri (Neck): The meat from the chicken’s neck. Since it is an active part, it is muscular and rich in umami.
Yagen Nankotsu (Sternum Cartilage): Cartilage located at the tip of the breastbone. Enjoyable for its crunchy texture.
Tebasaki (Wing): The wing part of the chicken. The meat around the bone is highly concentrated with umami.
Tsukune: Ground chicken formed into meatballs and grilled. The flavor and texture vary depending on the shop.

Yakitori Seasoning: Tare vs. Salt

There are mainly two types of seasonings for yakitori: “Tare” (sauce) and “Shio” (salt).

Tare: A sweet and savory sauce based on soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Each shop has its unique blend.
Salt: Simple seasoning that lets you enjoy the original flavor of the ingredient. Some shops are particular about the type of salt they use.
The choice depends on personal preference, but generally:

Tare: Recommended for parts with rich flavors like thigh (momo), negima, skin (kawa), liver, and tsukune.
Salt: Recommended for parts where you want to enjoy the natural flavor of the ingredient, such as tenderloin (sasami), gizzard (sunagimo), heart (hatsu), bonjiri, and seseri.

Other Yakitori Items

Vegetables: Shishito peppers, green onions, shiitake mushrooms, asparagus, tomatoes, etc.
Specialty Items: Cheese, mochi, or items wrapped in pork belly, etc.

How to Choose a Delicious Yakitori Shop
Yakitori shops vary greatly in terms of atmosphere, menu, and price range. We introduce points to help you choose a shop that suits your needs.

Atmosphere:

Counter Seating: You can enjoy freshly grilled yakitori while watching the chef work. It’s easy for solo diners.
Table Seating: Suitable for leisurely meals with friends or family.
Private Room: Allows you to spend private time without worrying about others.

Menu:

Variety: Check if they offer a wide range of cuts, or if there are rare specialty parts available.
Price: Choose a shop that matches your budget.
Course Meal: Some shops offer economical courses where you can try various parts in small portions.

Reviews and Reputation:

Refer to online review sites or gourmet magazines to check the reputation of the shop. The actual feedback from visitors is very helpful.

Reservations:

For popular shops or on weekends, making a reservation is recommended.

Location:

Consider the accessibility from the station, and the distance from your home or workplace.

Other Considerations:

Alcohol Selection: Some shops offer a wide variety of drinks, such as sake, shochu, and wine.
Smoking/Non-smoking: Choose a comfortable environment for both smokers and non-smokers.
Service: The staff’s service and the overall atmosphere are also important factors when choosing a shop.

Etiquette at Yakitori Shops: What You Should Know
To make your meal more enjoyable, we introduce some etiquette tips to keep in mind.

Ordering:

It is recommended not to order a large quantity all at once, but rather to order gradually.
This allows you to eat the skewers when they are at their freshest and most delicious state.
If you are unsure what to get, feel free to ask the staff for recommendations.

How to Eat:

Keep it on the skewer: The basic way is to eat them while still attached to the skewer.
Eat in one bite: Ideally, you should eat them whole without removing them from the skewer, but if that’s difficult, using chopsticks to pick at small portions is fine.

Placing Skewers: When finished, place the skewers in the designated holder on the table or gather them neatly on the edge of your plate.

Other Tips:

Keep voices low: Be considerate of other customers and enjoy quiet conversation.
Don’t linger too long: Especially during busy times, please vacate your seat promptly after finishing your meal to allow the next customer to sit down.
Photography: Always ask the staff before taking pictures.
Perfume: Strong perfumes can mask the delicious aroma of yakitori, so please use them sparingly.

Recommended Yakitori Shops for Beginners: A Type Guide
From various types of shops, we introduce a few recommendations that are easy for beginners to visit.

Shops with a Casual Atmosphere

Torikizoku: A nationwide chain known for affordable yakitori.
Features: Uniform pricing across all items, and the menu is simple and clear.
Recommended For: First-time visitors who want to feel safe and comfortable.

Yakitori Center: A national yakitori izakaya chain
Features: Attractive for its diverse yakitori menu and reasonable prices.
Recommended For: Group outings or banquets.

Shops Where You Can Feel a Little Indulgent

Isehiro (Isehiro): A long-established yakitori shop located in Kyobashi, Tokyo.
Features: Enjoy authentic yakitori made with carefully selected ingredients and skilled craftsmanship.
Recommended For: Special occasions or business entertaining.

Birdland: A Michelin Guide listed yakitori restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo.
Features: Focuses on course meals, allowing you to enjoy high-quality yakitori in a sophisticated setting.
Recommended For: Special dates or anniversaries.

Popular Local Favorites
Search on Tabelog or Google Maps: Searching with terms like “[Area Name] recommended yakitori” will help you find popular local spots.
Ask a Local: Asking locals for recommendations is always reliable.

Conclusion: Welcome to the World of Yakitori
In this article, we have thoroughly explained everything from the basics of yakitori to how to choose delicious shops and our top recommendations.

Yakitori is a deep and representative dish of Japanese food culture. Its charm lies in the ability to enjoy various cuts with diverse seasonings.

We hope that by using this article, you will find your own favorite yakitori shop and fully enjoy the delicious grilled skewers!

Well then, we’ll see you in our next article!